Aventura’s Emalie Belokon to represent USA at Maccabiah Games in Israel | Miami Herald
Emalie Belokon, 16, of Aventura was selected to represent Team USA in karate at the 20th Maccabiah Games. This Olympic-style event for Jewish athletes from around the world is June 27-July 18 in Israel. “For me, karate is a form of art that allows me to express my creativity,” she said. “It is wonderful to have that feeling of knowing that there is always an opportunity to learn more, and there is always room to grow. I love karate with all my heart, and I feel incredibly honored to have been chosen to represent my country through karate.” Born and raised in South Florida, Belokon trains at DB Karate School under the direction of Sensei Demian Bermudez in Sunny Isles Beach. “I am thankful to have as my Sensei-instructor Demian Bermudez,” she said. “He has played a big part in my success, as he has been a great motivator who believes that I have what it takes to go all the way, and it is with great admiration that I say he is truly an inspiration. “I am lucky that I found such a great karate academy, DB Karate School, where it teaches not only the fun of karate as sport but also its philosophy, values and traditions of Japanese karate.” Belokon has competed locally and nationally, winning numerous medals and trophies. She is an AAU national champion in...
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