ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Mina Turcan

Mina Turcan recently competed in the AAU Karate National Championships in Raleigh, North Carolina, with 15 of her fellow Stoneybrook Karate athletes. Turcan has been undefeated in Kumite for two consecutive years and won gold in Kobudo, Kumite and Kata at the competition. She also competed in the 2015 USA Open Championship in Las Vegas, where she received gold and silver medals.

How old are you and when did you start doing Karate?

Seven and (I started) about a year-and-a-half ago.

How did you get started?

As a white belt, and I was actually pretty good!

Why did you decide to do karate?

Well, first I thought that I knew karate, and then my dad said, “You don’t know karate, maybe you should go to karate.”

What do you like about karate?

I like learning new things, like punches and walks and new katas.

What’s the newest thing that you’ve learned?

A kata of kusanku. It’s a brown or black belt kata.

How did you do at the competition recently?

(I won) one gold and a silver in fighting and kata.

Are you ever scared when you’re out fighting?

A little nervous because some people look really good.

Which grade are you going into right now?

I’m going to skip second and go into third; I have no idea why.

What do you like about school?

(I like) learning new things.

What’s your favorite subject?

Math, because sometimes it’s easy, sometimes it’s hard, and sometimes, it’s really challenging.

What do you like to do over the summer when you’re not in school?

Mostly listen to music — hip hop.

What’s your favorite TV show?

I don’t have a favorite. I just watch whatever is on mostly.

Do you have any pets at home?

Yes, a Rottweiler (named) Cano. He’s 4 1/2.

Can you tell me a little bit about your belt?

I got it quite long ago; this next testing, I will be testing for a brown belt.

What’s your favorite color?

Light green.