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BackKruzeniski doesn't allow lack of sight to keep him from competingMichael Briones, Alberni Valley TimesPublished: Friday, October 03, 2008 Randy Kruzeniski loves sports. He golf’s, lawn bowls, athletics and martial arts. He likes to be physically active and not even his complete lack of sight can deter him from sports. Kruzeniski drew the admiration of many at the 2008 Coastal Martial Arts Open over the weekend at ADSS gym. The Delta resident showed that anyone can overcome any physical disabilities and still do well in any endeavor. He competed in the forms and weapons events, and ended up winning a gold medal in Kata, and a silver in Weapons using the bo staff. When he performed, he excelled executing punches and kicks with efficiency, confidence and grace. He showed the same demeanor when he performed his bo staff routine. You wouldn't know there was anything amiss. Kruzeniski has been doing martial arts less than two years. He decided to learn martial arts after suffering a herniated disk in his lower back. "Somebody told me that there are two ways to strengthen my core muscles -- it's either take a modified martial arts program or yoga," said Kruzeniski. "I decided to pass up on yoga and take martial arts." The decision to take martial arts was made easier because of his acquaintance with one of B.C.'s respected Senseis, Andy Pruim, who specializes in forms and weapons. "A lot of it is from Sensei Pruim's encouragement," said Kruzeniski. "So I thought I'd give it a try." Kruzeniski is legally blind. He completely lost his sense of sight six years ago due to a gradual eye problem. But it has not slowed him down. Pruim is one of the instructors at Tashu Shotowa Karate in New Westminster. He said Kruzeniski was his former boss who approached him about learning martial arts. "He actually wanted to learn some cane techniques," said Pruim. "As I was showing him some cane techniques we got into karate." Teaching a visually impaired person Kata required discipline, patience and determination, Pruim said. "It takes me longer to teach him because in karate the joy of learning karate is primarily visual," Pruim explained. "And so with him sometimes, it's very hands on. I am actually behind him manipulating his hands and legs. Now he is at the stage where he knows what I want and how the techniques are performed. It takes a lot of patience but as you can see the results have been pretty good." Kruzeniski trains just about everyday. Pruim says he is part of the class. Is he the first blind martial artist to compete in a tournament? Pruim can't say for sure. "We have asked everybody we know," said Pruim. "He is the only blind competitor in any karate tournament in 30 years that I've competed. We've asked the National Black Belt League (NBL) World Games and he will be the only blind person to ever compete there as well." © Alberni Valley Times 2008 |