Texan with CP becoming Tae Kwon Do champion

From KRIS-TV in Texas:

CORPUS CHRISTI - Tae Kwon Do isn't just a sport, but rather a lifestyle and it's not about size, strength or ability; the key rests in your heart.

Dave Fuentes (pictured) is the testament to that truth. Considered handicapped, he proved himself on the world stage placing third in forms at the Prestigious Korean Open.

"This is something I can get away from when I am having troubles. I can come here and work out, hit the bags and everything else kind of goes away," Fuentes said.

Born with Cerebral Palsy, the muscles and nerves on the right side of his body were damaged. However, he was not officially diagnosed until about a year after his birth.

From ages 4 to 13, Fuentes lived in physical therapy, while dealing with harassment from his peers.

"You get picked on a lot when you have something wrong with you," Fuentes admitted.

But at 14, he found Tae Kwon Do, and now 17 years later, he's on the verge of becoming a master, which is something that takes most at least 20 years to accomplish.

"I just kind of have always pushed through things and see where it takes me," Fuentes said.

"My instructor here wanted a mural and he wanted something aggressive but spiritual in nature and philosophical, because a tiger represents both in martial arts. So, he's like, 'OK, I want a tiger'," Fuentes explained. "My first passion is art and I am always going to love that."

As a martial artist, who is an artist that's overcome a physical handicap, Fuentes is a picture that's worth a thousand words.