Biography - Christine Pluchino

by - Grand Master Carl Pluchino

Name: Christine Pluchino

D.O.B.: January 23, 1986

Rank: Ni-dan

Dojo: Seikei Ryu Jiu-Jitsu

Instructors: - Grand Master Carl Pluchino / Mr. Andrew Morales 6th Dan / Mr. Peter Arbrue 5th Dan and Mark Caravaglio 5th Dan

Years of training: 13

Present Rank: Ni-dan

Hobbies other than Martial Arts: Dance and going out with her family

She has Down Syndrome and when as a new parent you really don't know what to expect. Christine had extremely poor muscle tone and the simplest things that other children and parents take for granted where very challenging for her. She didn't start walking till after 3 years old. The one thing that Christine did excel in was her ability to communicate and let everyone know what she wanted and needed along with these social skills was her natural ability to let everyone also know what a beautifully kind and loving person she is.

She always wanted to be a part of family involvement along with her older sister Lisa and younger brother Danny.

When I opened my dojo in 1992 she always knew that on Tuesday and Thursday daddy was at karate and took Lisa with him who was 8 at the time. Christine used to receive physical therapy a couple a times a week and when I felt she was strong enough to try why not put her in the dojo. Since the first day I put her in she never left I want to go to Karate was what she said all the time and I always found her GI bag out in the morning. She has been with me for 10 years now in the dojo and everyone who sees her is so impressed and as parents my wife Rosa and I couldn't be prouder. She has been recognized by Mayor and Council in the borough of Roselle Park NJ for her accomplishments on different occasions and has been an inspiration to other parents and their children who have the same condition. Christine gives her all to what she does she is my most dedicated student who will not take a back seat to anyone. My family is extremely proud of her and to watch her try gives testimony to never say never.

I always felt that the martial arts was the best thing in life second to family and my dojo students are family and we take everyone in no matter what to show them a new direction that will add pride and a never say can't attitude to their lives.

"I take great pride in having everyone achieve a personal best no matter what. If anyone needs information about approaches or concepts to teaching Handi-capable students please contact me."

Carl Pluchino