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Brian Irr, who trains in Plano, will be part of the United States karate team for the 2020 summer games.
This year marks the first time karate has been part of the Olympics.
“For this opportunity to occur at this point in time, during my competitive career, it really is special and it really is a unique position to be in,” Brian Irr told KXAS-TV (NBC5) KXAS-TV (NBC5).
The Olympics will feature men and women competing in two modes of karate: Kata (forms) and kumite (sparring). Irr competes in Kumite, or combat karate.
Congratulations Brian Irr! TSKF is proud of you!
Posted by The Texas Sport Karate Federation on Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Irr told NBC5 that when he made a decision to pursue his sport full time, he moved from his hometown in New York to Plano to train at the Academy of Classical Karate.
“To me, the biggest most exciting part about the whole process has been the journey along the way, the obstacles that were seen and overcome, just seeing God’s provisions and those opportunities and just how all the pieces kind of fit together,” Irr told the TV station.
A list of other members of U.S. karate team is available online.