In 2014, when I first started kickboxing my only goal was to get in shape in a way that didn’t bore me. My chaotic work schedule kept me from being very consistent and I only trained a couple times a week if even that often. At the end of 2015, I finally made the jump to join the intermediate class. However initially I only did the classes that were either bag classes or pads, it took me another couple months to overcome the intimidation of a full gear class. It wasn’t until I started working across the street as well as joined the 90 Day Challenge in 2016, that I finally made a dedicated commitment to my training. Even then it was just about becoming stronger and getting in the best shape of my life.
In May, I finally made the decision to really put myself out of my comfort zone and started grappling two years after joining. After only about a month and a half of grappling is when I would be benched from training. It wasn’t until January 2017, when the next 90 day challenge started that I returned to grappling due to still overcoming my MS flare up and being too nervous. I also fully returned to all kickboxing classes and consistent training. My number one goal for the challenge, feel normal and get my push up game back! Still learning how to deal with pushing myself, understanding what my body is telling me, and trying to make sure I get ample rest, I got the email inviting me to the tournament.
So many things went through my head from “No way!”, to “I’m not skilled enough to do this”, to “My body can’t take all of that training”. After conversations with my Sensei, school manager Danielle, and fellow TSMMA students I decided to commit. Why? Because fear was the only reason I could come up with to not do it. This is my commitment to myself to fight this disease with a positive attitude for the rest of my life. It is also my way to celebrate overcoming the most challenging year of life to date instead of letting MS hold me back. You never know the next time you will have an opportunity to do anything in life, so don’t wait do it today!