I asked powerful women in martial arts how training in their discipline helped them overcome issues, be stronger leaders and become more confident in themselves and less-self conscious of their bodies. I received so many replies from amazing women I decided to do a Martial Arts Mini Series. I hope you enjoy their stories of strength and endurance as much as I do.
Susan Harrow
Women in Martial Arts: Transformation from bullied to board breaking confident
By Nathalie Lussier
I’ve got a great story of transformation through martial arts. Here’s a little background: I started doing Tae Kwon Do (Korean martial art) when I was 11 years old, and got my black belt when I was 17. I’ve been training on and off since then and I’m 24 years old now. I was a really shy, less than confident girl before I started Tae Kwon Do, and I was actually bullied a lot as a child. I was very small framed and often spoke very softly. After Tae Kwon Do, I became immensely more confident, started to do better in school, was able to concentrate and make friends. I also got stronger physically, being able to break boards, and even defend myself if need be.
I also competed in the USA Nationals competitions and won several medals. It was quite the broadening experience for me, because I hadn’t traveled a lot as a child. This eventually led to my love to travel and exploration. It showed me what was out there. I don’t think I had ever seen so many people in one big room before, so it was just such an expansive experience to be competing in front of them.
Honestly I believe that the effect of doing martial arts goes so much deeper than the immediate changes I experienced as a child. I think I’m a lot more aware of my surroundings, more assertive, and also less fearful. It also put me in touch with my instructor, who is another strong woman who does martial arts. (You can visit her at: http://bluewavemartialartsmaine.com ) She taught me so much about life in general, and really put me on the course I am on today.
I studied to be a software programmer and graduated with a degree in Software Engineering. But after graduation I decided to follow my dreams, which were to travel to Asia. I have no doubt that my love for Asia was inspired by martial arts. I visited Korea and got to see the country where a lot of these trainings came from.
I also decided after returning from Asia that I wanted to start my own business. So I did. Now I’ve created a business that helps me teach others how to eat right. Which is something else that was planted in me at an early age through martial arts: the importance of eating properly before fights or trainings.I think martial arts is something that can change young girls’ lives like nothing else. But the effects of doing martial arts are with you forever. I know I am a better person and a happier person for it.
Nathalie Lussier turned down a job on Wall Street to start her own wellness company. She is now known as The Raw Foods Witch because she’s got magickal powers that take the spookiness out of eating more raw fruits and vegetables, so you can start feeling incredible! She was once a junk food addict, eating cookies for breakfast and stuffing my emotions with food. Now she’s taken her health back into her own hands and is helping others do the same.
