167043371
Hailing from a loving family, Samantha Convento has developed an admirable value system that includes respect for elders. The 17-year-old karate practitioner relaxed that regard July 18, as she achieved three first-place finishes and captured the Adult Female Dan Grand World Championship in North Carolina.
“I love pushing myself to be better, so to come through on such a big stage proves that I’m on the way,” the resident of the 1600 block of Moore Street said Friday from Castelli’s Shin Karate, 709 W. Oregon Ave., her four-year martial arts haunt. “There’s still a long way to go, though.”
The Point Breeze dweller ventured to the Tar Heel State as a Region 8 World Tang Soo Do Association competitor looking to build on 2010 and ’12 success at the same tournament. Unlike the other pageants, Convento entered as an adult registrant, with possible encounters against women up to twice her age having intensified her preparation.
“I stayed late all the time,” the first-degree black belt holder said of sessions at her Marconi East training site, which Louis Castelli, of the 2600 block of South Warnock Street, owns. “I knew, just like any other time, that I had to be stronger than my strongest excuse.”
Raring to represent the location and her clan, she also anticipated annihilating any self-doubts and fondly recalled her mindset upon waking on what would become an unforgettable day.
“I thought, ‘Wow, this is it,’” the ebullient teenager said. “I told myself that I had to do it. I had to go out and beat some people.”
Once at the Greensboro Sports Complex, Convento competed in forms, sparring and weapons, and though at one point she found the setting “nerve-racking” as 16 entrants executed their moves in one ring, her interior steadiness conquered the exterior craziness, and she registered the highest marks in each discipline. Ecstatic yet immediately cognizant of her overall progression, the next step of which will be acquiring second-degree black belt status, she has not rested on her laurels and has returned to Shin Karate with as much enthusiasm as a beginner.
“It’s insane to think about how far I’ve come,” Convento said. “I’m having the time of my life.”
The confident force commenced her karate crusade through uncle Sal Convento and relied on the influence of her brother, also Sal Convento, to develop diligence.
“I was nervous in the beginning,” she said of what she and her sibling, a ’12 graduate of Prep Charter High School, 1928 Point Breeze Ave., where she will soon start her senior year, experienced. “I wondered why people were yelling out of nowhere. I mean, I’m Filipino, and people in my culture can be overly vocal, but that’s not something I try to be. However, this is the only place where I can be loud and not get in trouble.”
Quickly countering her apprehension, Convento settled into her studies and learned of her natural ability at 13 when completing her first board break. Looking for emotional, physical and spiritual challenges, she began to compile a list of goals, deeming persistence as the key to attaining them and maximizing their rewards.
“I started off wishing to be a red belt,” Convento commented of her preliminary pursuit, which she fulfilled within a year and a half. “I wanted, and actually still want, to see what the best of me can do.”
Most athletes have ample occasions to test their skills before massive events, but not the competent kicker, whose first tournament was the ’10 World Championships, at which she scored a first-place forms commendation. She earned similar distinction in sparring as a blue belt two years later and set herself to donning a different hue soon after that triumph.
“I wanted to beat the odds and become more mentally and physically stronger,” Convento, who in November will mark her one-year anniversary as a black belt, said. “I always desire more and by no means am I content with what I’ve done.”
Just as with her pride in competing for Shin Karate and continuing her family’s martial arts timeline, the young lady has yearned to honor her own understanding of achievement, which her black belt preparation, including topping the three-mile running prescription by at least a half mile upon her full immersion into the task, helped to hone. Having realized the camaraderie and commitment that can come from karate, she recommends her obsession to anybody looking not only for friendship but also improved self-esteem and resolve.
“I recall having a big debate with myself about continuing with karate,” Convento said. “Then I determined that no matter what I’m going through, karate would melt the problems away; it would help me to leave everything behind.”
Taking everything in stride, she has engrossed herself in Shin Karate’s mission by volunteering and instructing pupils whom she hopes will be champions, too, winning the praise of Castelli, who tabbed her “a great student and mentor.” Those learners could one day claim they received guidance from a master, as Convento, who would like to attend the United States Naval Academy, has stated she would love that title eventually, which would assist her in feeling she has surpassed her brother, whom she touts as being a tad better.
“I used to say maybe one day I’ll reach my goals,” Convento said. “I’ve stopped saying that, though. Now I say some day soon.”
Contact Managing Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
167043371
167043221
