TAYA (2018)

​Hi, my name is Taya and I’m a grade seven student at Dr. Martha Cohen School. I have lived in Calgary my whole life and right now I live in Copperfield with my two brothers and my Mom and Dad. I spend lots of my time doing karate, making slime and hanging out with my friends. In school I love humanities because I love to write and learn through speaking and writing. The things that changed my life is when I started karate and the first time I won a big trophy at a big tournament also for karate. I first started karate when I was six and in grade one. I started because my older brother, Kai, was doing karate and I always went to his classes. When I saw how fun it looked to learn how to punch and kick like a ninja and learn how to defend myself, I knew that is what I wanted to do. My first class came around and I was super nervous, I had butterflies in my stomach and my face felt hot but when I stepped into the big gym I felt way more confident. When the class ended I felt proud of myself, like I just won first place. I knew this is what I wanted to do.
 
My first-ever award I received when I was seven years old was at a huge tournament called the Calgary Cup. I won third place in kata at my first big tournament. I was so overjoyed when they called my name, I ran up to the front and they gave me my certificate, the letters were printed in a fancy font and my name was printed onto the cream coloured paper. Bright lights were flashing in my eyes and everyone in the room was clapping. I thought it could not get any better when a shiny, silver trophy was placed into my small hands. The glare of the lights onto the trophy blinded me as they took a picture. I felt so proud and overjoyed. 
 
This moment inspired me to keep going and to continue karate ever since I started six (almost seven) years ago.
 
Starting karate is super important to me because if I never started karate I would not have the discipline I have today. I would also not be as athletic or as willing to talk to people or try to make new friends. I am different because if I did not do karate I would not be or feel as confident as I am now. Karate has impacted my life because it encouraged me to try harder and to push myself to my limit. 
 
Winning my award when I was seven inspired me to keep going and to be proud of myself even if I lose. I have learned to stand up in front of a huge crows and speak just show people what I can do, I have learned to be confident.