After nearly a decade of training, sophomore Nora Thompson has learned that martial arts is about much more than physical skill and strength. It’s about focus, friendship, and perseverance.
“I’ve been doing martial arts for about nine or ten years now,” Thompson said. “My dad actually heard about it on a podcast talking about how good it was for young girls to learn self- defense. He signed me up, and it just kind of stuck.”
What started as a way to learn self defense has become a major part of her life. Thompson says her favorite thing about martial arts isn’t just the matches and medals, but it’s the people.
“I have a whole other community,” Thompson said.
Balancing Martial arts with wrestling can be tough, but Thompson finds a way to keep training.
“Because of wrestling, I practice less now,” Thompson said. “I usually try to make it to three of four practices a week, but in the summer it’s more.”
Each of her practices offer something different. Sometimes it is working on new techniques, others it’s focusing on competition and strategy.
“It just depends on what coach is running the practice,” Thompson said.
Through years of training, Thompson said martial arts has taught her lessons that stretch out beyond the gym.
“Self-Composure is something that’s really helped me outside of martial arts,” Thompson said. “You have to stay focused and not get angry at your opponent. It’s helped me control my emotions.”
Before a tournament, Thompson keeps things simple.
“I don’t like eating on tournament days,” Thompson said. “Sometimes I’ll walk around the hotel gym to calm my nerves, then meet up with my team and help coach or cheer them on.”
After a long day of training, Thompson and her teammates always celebrate together.
“We usually go out for burgers or tacos,” Thompson said. “They’re really good.”
For Thompson martial arts isn’t just a sport, it’s a lifelong passion that taught her discipline and emotional control.
