GAZA (OCCUPIED WEST BANK) – Palestinian law graduate Youssef Abu Amira has never allowed his disability to hold him back from achieving his dreams. Born sans legs and with only partially developed arms, he is now a karate expert.
The 24-year-old holder of an orange belt trains with his coach at Gaza’s Al-Mashtal Club for Martial Arts.
“I wanted to prove to myself and the world that disability is in the mind and is not in the body and that nothing was impossible,” Amira said.
“I wanted to do karate so I can defend myself, and I dream of taking part in international championships.”
To make up for his missing limbs, he has mastered the use of the stick and can deliver power-packed punches and fend off attackers with his body and arms.
Coach Hassan Al-Raai said his student demonstrated particular determination.
“I was surprised that Youssef has different skills and can do things better than people with fewer disabilities could do,” Al-Raai said.