ThE LiFe Of A KaRaTe KiD

By: Anahit Arustamyan

“Hi my name is Adam and I am fourteen years old. I am currently attending GFC (Glendale Fighting Club). I have been in mixed martial arts (MMA) for 9 years. After attending many tournaments in Fresno and Ontario Convention Center, I started to believe that nothing is impossible. I have big dreams to become a champion one day. I am proud of what I do and it is the most important thing in my life”.

“As you can see Karate is my life! I have 19 trophies and have big dreams to receive more. Back in the day, my father was also a martial arts champion. Looking up to him, encourages me to fight more and make my father proud. After many hardships, I build courage, knowledge, dignity, and pride. The love and support I have from my fans and family encourages me to become a better fighter and make everyone proud”.

“This image shows all of my first place trophies that I have won over the past few years. My family and I attend the Ontario Convention Center competition, where I won six first place trophies in one day. That day was one remarkable day for me. The crowd was screaming and cheering me on. I couldn’t believe my own eyes. It was one of the best competitions I have attended. The two large trophies on the bottom of the picture, I won in Fresno”.

“Receiving a second place trophy was not my thing. I felt like I would let down my coaches. I was always bummed and upset, but then I started to realize that I cant always be given a first place trophy when I don’t deserve it. The picture on the right, shows my second place trophies I received during my Fresno trip with my group. It was a great experience. During these nine years I only have three second place trophies, which makes me proud of myself”.

“These are all the medals I have received over the years of attending martial arts. I have seven medals that are first place. These medals are hung up on every corner in my room. I am planning on going back to Fresno, where I received these medals and earn more”.

The picture on the left hand side “is the proper way to greet the judges before beginning the fight. Fighters must greet the judges, or else they can be disqualified.

The picture on the right is the gear I always wear to begin the fight after greeting the judges. The position I am in represents my attack mode”.

“I am known for a couple of things during my fights. This show my left hand knockouts. Knockouts are probably the worst things that can happen to someone. Once someone is knocked out and they do not get up after 10 seconds they loose. This is my main technique I use at every competition”.

“I am also known for my “slam” kicks. These kicks come in handy when someone is reaching to knock you out in the face. These kicks also help me to move fast and be in control in the fight. I am very fast at my “slam” kicks, which is why I win plenty of fights at competitions”.

“These are my belts that I have received over the years. I started with a white belt for a couple of years and then moved to yellow, orange, blue, purple, green, and “junior” green. Now I am currently a brown belt and I have big dreams to become a black belt and soon will receive one”.

“This is the position you have to be in after you finish the fight and you must yell “KYA”!

“This is my gym bag I take to GFC with me every Friday because it is known for “fight day”. I keep my gears in this bag”.

Adam was a brave and intelligent fourteen year old who was committed to what he wanted to become in the future. I was amazed on how a fourteen year old can be so mature. I enjoyed working with Adam, it was a great experience.