July 26, 2011

It is true that every child is a gift from God. It is by the achievements of their children that parents feel proud. Often we hear stories of young kids being given bravery awards for their service towards society. Here is a child who at a young age has proved that age is no hindrance to achieve greatness.

At an age when most kids are content to just begin learning a new skill, young Cusheel Lorna D'Souza is already an international Karate champ. The support she received from her parents and her hard work have brought her international recognition in the field of martial arts. She has not only made her parents proud but also set an example for other children.

Cusheel Lorna D'Souza is the eldest daughter of Aloysuis D'Souza and Nima D'Lima of Panjimogaru, Kulur and sister of Cheyenne D'Souza. Aloysius D'Souza is a businessman and Nima D'Lima is a teacher. Cusheel is now 9 years old and studies in 5th standard in Ladyhill Victoria English Higher Primary School, Urwa, Mangalore.

First Steps

Cusheel took her first steps into Karate at the tender age of seven. "She used to watch a lot of action cartoons like Power Rangers and others on Cartoon Network, and wanted to perform all those stunts," says her dad. It is her interest in learning Karate that has brought her this far. Her parents encouraged her every step in this course with a great hope that one day she would achieve great name and Cusheel has lived up to their expectations, giving her best in every competition. She started her coaching under Western Institute of Karate, Mangalore, where she takes her classes even today. Her parents are very grateful to the Western Institute of Karate for encouraging and helping their daughter.

Achievements

When one sees the number of medals, certificates and prizes she has won in a matter of just two years, one cannot but admire this little wonder. It is really amazing that a girl of this young age has achieved so much.

Following are some of her achievements at the national and international levels:

- IPOH City International Karate Championship - 2011, Malaysia. First in weapon kata, kumite, kata individual, group kata and third in group kata.

- Training at Okinowa Goju ryu Karate – 2011, Malaysia.

- Training in International Okinowa Goju ryu kishi karate kobudu, Japan.

- Training in Kaicho Dr Testshuiro Hokama 10th Dan Okinowa, Japan, 2011.

- Dakshina Kannada Karate Federation Individual Kata in 20-25 kg, 3rd place, 2009, Mangalore.

- First National Karate-Do Championship at Goa 2011; third place in individual Kata, Kumite and team kata.

- Second South Asian Championship 2010, Wado International Karate Federation India; first in individual kata.

- Alan – Thilak school International school karate championship, Mangalore; individual gold and bronze in individual kumite.

- Western National Open Championship 2011; first in Individual event, team kata, kumite event, weapon kata open to all and second in team kata. She also bagged overall championship.

- International Karate Championship, April 2011, Sri Lanka. First in 11-12 years girls' kata event and first in 11-12 years girls' kumite event.

- World Invitational Karate and Kung Fu gold medal championship tournament 2011, Tamil Nadu. First place in individual Kata and kumite, third place in group kata.

- Sekar's Martial Arts Centre 35th anniversary celebrations. Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Karate Kobodu World Tournament 2011. First in girl's kumite (21-30 kg) and first in girls' kata.
 
These are only some of her achievements, and the list goes on. Such phenomenal success has not come her way easily but only with hard work and proper training.

Not Just Karate

Cusheel has not only performed well in Karate but also in other activities. She is studious and takes special interests in outdoor games. Even here her performance is credit worthy. Her other interests include swimming, dancing and kho-kho. Though it may seem very difficult for her to attend training sessions, competitions and to be in school, it has not been a problem for her. Her friends help her in completing her notes, and she has been able to give due importance to her studies too. Her friendly and helping nature has won her many friends who give her a helping hand when she is in need.

Dreams and Hopes

Certainly her dreams are big. She dreams of joining the defence and serve her country. Her parents too are supportive in this regard. Besides learning Karate, she also wants to teach this art to others and help other children like her to achieve their dreams.

The Western Institute has helped a lot in her effort and many organisations have recognised her talent. Her family has spent huge amount of money to provide her the best training at even the international level. All these expenses had to be borne by her family alone. Thus she needs generous people and institutions to support her dream and bring pride to the nation.

When dreams are big and her determination is strong certainly no obstacle will hinder her way.