In a span of one week, the martial arts community lost two of its biggest inspirations: Muhammed Ali at the age of 74, and Kimbo Slice at the age of 42. Both were known for excellence in boxing and had background in martial arts, and were very prominent figures in the community.
Growing up, these are the names I heard, these are the people whose skill I wanted to emulate. Like most little girls, I was placed into a dance class at an early age, but soon enough we figured out that it wasn't really for me, so I got put into a karate school instead at the age of five. That is one of the best things my parents have ever done for me. Almost thirteen years later, I'm about a month away form getting my black belt. A lot of people when they hear that I do l karate usually ask very similar questions along the lines of "can you win in a fight?" and "can you show me something?" My answers are usually along the lines of "it depends" and "no."
When people hear the words martial arts, they automatically assume violence is involved. While I do know how to defend myself, from a young age, I was also taught self-control and to never use my martial arts unless a situation called for it. This is what karate has taught me besides actual the moves, along with discipline, dedication, and what hard work really means. These are skills that will be needed in all aspects of life, whether in school or at work. When I hear the words karate, I don't think of a fight that people watch on television, and neither should anyone else because there is so much more to it than that.
I also am commonly asked how I do in karate, along with looks of disbelief, because I'm a teenage girl, and a pretty short one at that, and how can I get good at a physical sport? My answer is that I have earned my rank just as anyone else in my school has: male or female of any age. I have actually been taught how to use my small stature to my advantage, and no one in my dojo has treated me any differently because of this. I have grown up in a perceived male dominated sport (when in reality my school is quite mixed and has people of all ages) and have never bene told I can't do something because of that. Instead, I have grown up being told that I can and should be able to do anything that a boy the same rank as me can do. In the wise words of Muhammed Ali, "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee." Something can be perceived as small and dainty, in the case of the butterfly, but you don't know the power it can hold.
When you look at me, I don't look like what you assume a martial artist would look like. I'm 5 foot 2 inches, love dressing up and enjoy doing school work, but I have grown up in the dojo and they are my second family. I have come to know the people I see at class week after week very well, and they are all supporting me in a crazy time in preparation for me to receive my black belt this summer after 13 years of work. I guess one of my favorite parts about martial arts however, is that really anyone can do it. I have seen parents start once their kids graduate high school, and I have seen kids start before they are even in school. I know doctors, train conductors, and stay at home moms that put that gi on every week and get ready to try something new, or work on something old, during that time we have to train.
Karate has given me so much: it has helped me stay in shape, a sense of confidence that I know how to defend myself, and a good work ethic, because I'm not allowed to say "I can't" once I bow in the door. As I look back on the lives of such inspirations as Kimbo Slice and Muhammed Ali, I don't remember the physicality of their fights, but I see the years of hard work, self-discipline that they possessed and skill that comes along with how they were able to present themselves once they stepped into the ring.
