Road to Pan American Karate Championships

Maria Gladkih and Martin Gissa will represent the USA at the Pan American Karate Championships in Ecuador at the end of August 2019.

It has been long and exciting karate journey for these young athletes.

To make this trip possible we ask for your support!  The expenses associated with travel, tournament fee, equipment, food, lodging, and uniforms are significant. The Pan American Karate Championship will cost each athlete approximately $5,000. 

The expenses are not covered by our federation or our government. It is incredibly hard for parents to pay for the trip (especially for a single parent, in Martin's case).


PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!



Here are personal messages from kids:


MARIA: "My name is Maria Gladkih,

Everyone calls me Masha and I am 13 years old. I started doing gymnastics, figure skating, and aerobics when I was 3. When I turned 7, I started my karate career and I fell in love with the sport.

I practice karate 3 hours a day, 5-6 times a week. I do karate to stay strong and disciplined, and to keep myself safe.

My highest achievements in Karate:

- 5x times US Open Champion and 9x Silver and Bronze medalist.    

- 3x times National Champion, and 4x Silver and Bronze medalist.

This year I made Jr. USA Team and will represent our country at the Pan American Championship.

This competition has significant expenses associated such as travel, tournament fee, equipment, food, lodging, and uniforms. The Pan American Karate Championship will cost me approximately $5,000.

I would love your support to help me follow my dream and bring home a Gold medal!

Btw, I do very well at school and my  GPA is the highest 4.0 

My ultimate goal is to represent the USA in the Olympics for karate. The first opportunity to get there will be my success in Ecuador.

I would appreciate your support.
Thank you!
 
Masha."




MARTIN: "My name is Martin Gissa,

It all started as a dream 9 years ago and turned into a passion today!

I am very proud to be representing the United States of America. I was a six year old when i started Karate and I was having fun until I went to my first competition and did well... but I wanted to be better I wanted to be the best. So I trained with a purpose, with a goal! I also do swimming and it helps me to be better at Karate. I play piano - it’s my hobby. I take school very seriously (my gpa is 4.06)

My dream finally came true and I qualified for the US Junior Team! 

...But the expenses are very high (~$5000) and it is hard for my single mom to fund this trip.

I would very much appreciate your support so I can pursue my dream and represent USA in sport of Karate in Ecuador at Pan American Championships. Oss!"