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Kurt Tezel has demonstrated karate in very distinctive locations: in entrance of pyramids in Egypt, on board the USS Intrepid in New York and on a golf course in Cocoa Seaside, Florida − in entrance of a 14-foot alligator about 20 toes away.
Now that’s what some within the martial arts world may name “warrior spirit.”
The sixth-degree black belt, who trains weekly at Ueshiro Merritt Island Karate Dojo on SR 520, was just lately taking part in a spherical of golf on the Cocoa Seaside Nation Membership final month when he observed a big alligator hanging out on the financial institution and one other one close by. In a really so Florida transfer, he captured the second on digital camera. He put his golf membership apart and carried out a kata (a sequence of actions in karate).
“You possibly can’t play on the market with out seeing some alligators,” he mentioned of the golf course. “They sit back on the financial institution, from time to time you’ll see one strolling.”
The video, lower than a minute lengthy, exhibits Tezel in golf put on on the inexperienced, demonstrating karate strikes in entrance of a giant unassuming alligator, after which ending the kata with a bow. The video then zooms in to point out the acquainted scaly tail of a giant animal. Tezel estimates the gator was as much as 14 toes lengthy, and he was about 20 toes away from it. He mentioned there was one other alligator close by, nevertheless it’s not simply seen on the video, which was shot by his spouse, Tricia Tezel.
Kurt Tezel, president of Supra Colour Enterprises Inc. and longtime resident of Brevard, first Merritt Island, then Cocoa Seaside, has skilled in karate for greater than 20 years and holds the rank of Sensei. Had one of many alligators stirred or confirmed any type of motion as he did his kata, his instincts as a Floridian would have kicked in: “Run zigzag, run serpentine.” He additionally was aware of his spouse’s response as she filmed the alligator-karate scene.
The Cocoa Seaside Nation Membership is clear about the opportunity of seeing alligators there − so says a discover on the town of Cocoa Seaside’s web site on-line: “Wildlife: The waterfowl, different birds, the dolphins, alligators, turtles and raccoons make the Cocoa Seaside Nation Membership a real habitat and wildlife sanctuary for the enjoyment of all golfers. Course options embrace placing greens, a driving vary and a ’nineteenth gap’ the place you will get a chew to eat, a beverage of your alternative and reminisce over the nice golf pictures you simply made! The CBCC additionally options banquet amenities at affordable costs to host these particular gatherings and celebrations.”
Through the years, a number of individuals have taken pictures of the alligators on the Cocoa Seaside Nation Membership and posted them on Fb. Scroll to see social media pictures, some probably that includes the identical 14-foot alligator, from the Cocoa Seaside Nation Membership golf course.
Security ideas: What to do in case you see an alligator?
Although Florida residents have realized to coexist with alligators, the potential for battle all the time exists, in line with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fee. The wildlife fee recommends individuals keep away from feeding alligators and to maintain your distance in case you see one. “Swim solely in designated swimming areas throughout sunlight hours. And maintain pets on a leash and away from the water,” FWC’s website states.
Critical accidents attributable to alligators are uncommon right here, however in case you are involved a few gator, name the nuisance alligator hotline at 866-392-4286 or go to myfwc.com.
Alligator sightings at Cocoa Seaside Nation Membership golf course in FloridaOver the years, there have been sightings of alligators giant and small on the Cocoa Seaside Nation Membership. Indicators warn about critters on the golf course, saying: “Warning. Watch out for alligators, snakes.”
Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Community-Florida. She is a third-degree black belt in Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA and trains in Melbourne, Florida. Observe her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang.
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