A visually impaired Bridgeport teenager spoke exclusively with News 12 Connecticut Sunday about his new karate studio, Iceman's Martial Arts Academy.
Isaiah Vicens, 18, says he has been competing in the sport since he was 5 years old. He says he always knew he wanted to become a martial arts instructor.
"It takes a lot of sacrifice to be successful," he says. "I had to give up prom to come work here."
News 12 first introduced viewers to Vicens as a "Hometown Hero" 10 years ago when he was an 8-year-old rising star. He says he now teaches students as young as 4 years old.
Vicens, who suffers from optic nerve hypoplasia, has never let his illness stand in his way.
"If you tell me that I'm not going to be successful at something, I'm going to prove you wrong," he told News 12.