Gaza's blind karate team dreams big
A group of blind youths recently received their yellow belts in karate after only 21 days of training, and their concerned club is hoping to get enough funding to help the children eventually reach Arab and international levels.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Mu’min Bitar moved his arm and leg upon hearing his trainer’s instructions. His moves were perfectly synchronized with those of his peer Mohamed Mahaty. Together, they put on a great show. The blind players have mastered their moves by relying on touch and hearing.
Mahaty, Bitar and six others make up the first karate team for the blind in Palestine. Despite the seven-year gap in their ages, their passion for the sport is obvious. They were introduced to the sport only recently, yet earned their yellow belts after a brief training period.
Bitar, 15, the oldest team member, told Al-Monitor, “I look forward to becoming a famous karate player and representing Palestine in Arab and international championships. I am determined enough to keep going until I get the black belt.”
Being able to defend oneself is a common goal for the eight team members, according to Bitar. He said the blind in particular do not get good jobs in Gaza and struggle intellectually and physically to gain their rights in a society that considers them disabled.
