Monique Montoute inducted into the Caribbean Martial Arts Hall of Fame

TAMPA - Monique Montoute has been taking karate lessons since she was 2 years old. She just became the youngest American female inducted into the Caribbean Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

The 15-year old 1st degree black belt trains at the Purple Dragon in Tampa.

“I think karate gives me a good foundation and good background A lot of discipline definitely,” Montoute said.

Her father, Gary runs the martial arts facility. He and his wife are both involved. He’s a 3rd degree black belt and he says he couldn’t be more proud of his daughter.

“It’s not an easy task, Gary said. “Three days of competition two days of fighting weapon physical exhaustion from dawn until dusk.”

But for Montoute, it’s never a chore. You can tell she loves it.

“You have that family kind of connected feeling,” she said. “It’s not just come here train do karate leave.”

Martial Arts is a calling for this energetic teenager. She believes her involvement here helps her excel in all parts of her life.

Montoute will be going for another belt degree this fall, and her story is What’s Right with Tampa Bay.