Chris “Gator” LaSala. [Photo courtesy of Brittni LaSala]

OKEECHOBEE- An Okeechobee man has been selected to compete on Team USA in the World Martial Arts Games starting on July 29.

Chris “Gator” LaSala was selected to represent Team USA in the Breaking Division, competing for a world title against 22 other countries. The competition is being held in Daytona Beach this year from July 29 though July 31.

Chris is a sixth degree blackbelt and says he’s excited to have been chosen to be on Team USA and represent the county. He’ll be breaking stacks of concrete blocks and wood.

LaSala’s family runs a dojo in St. Lucie County called LaSala’s Dojo. They have won multiple world, national, and state titles. Chris moved to Okeechobee two years ago and says he hopes to open a school with his wife Brittni here eventually, with the goal of hosting a Karate Ministry Night.

“Our hope is to provide kids and families a safe place to come train together and learn how to protect themselves, while also learning about our savior Jesus Christ,” said Chris.

The Breaking Divisions at the World Martial Arts Games are set to compete on the final day of the event on July 31.