Moms are the ultimate cheerleaders and supporters of martial artists. They play a huge role in their child’s training and competitions and have a great deal of impact on their success. It is in this way that moms act as coaches, as just as they care for the needs of their children they also care for the needs of their athletes as well.
For Mother’s Day this year we asked the mothers of Team Macho a few questions about what it means to them to see their child grow and succeed in their chosen sports. See their responses below!
1. Why did your child start practicing martial arts?
Robin Lima, Mother of Ashley Sacrey
“Ashley’s grandfather was the one that was instrumental in getting her involved in the Marital Arts. She was a very shy and timid little girl at the age of eight when she first starting training. Over the years, she has become a confident, assertive and poised young woman. Her martial arts training has instilled in her self-esteem, assertiveness and self-worth. Her can do attitude has shown bright each and every day! Our entire family is overjoyed with her success in the martial arts and we look forward to a brilliant future for her.”
Jennifer Cullinan, Mother of Emma Cullinan
“Emma started taking martial arts at the age of 5. Her older brother was taking classes and she enjoyed watching him and wanted to try it. She immediately loved it!”
Stephanie Weaver, Mother of Ryker Weaver
“Martial Arts is in our family’s blood. Ryker has been involved since he was 2. “
Priscilla Molina, Mother of Michael and Kodi Molina
My husband and I enrolled Kodi (age 5) into martial arts knowing one day she would grow up and leave the nest. We wanted her to be able to defend herself, speak with confidence and face any fear (social or academic) head on. Martial arts has proven to our kiddos that with hard work (on the mats and in the classroom) comes success. Everything is EARNED!
Our second child had no choice, he was born into the lifestyle. Michael has grown up on the sidelines watching since birth. At the age of 2.5 he started his first martial arts class with Master Turner.
Yi Qian, Mother of Kathryn Tian
“Kathryn was bullied when she was young, so I brought her to learn self-defense.”
2. What is the biggest challenge of being a martial arts mom?
Robin Lima
“The first thing that comes to mind is scheduling. When Ashley was much younger, it was hard to try and schedule, school, work, school actives, karate lessons and tournaments. The early years may have been a bit hard for my husband and I, but as a parent you want to do anything you can in order for your child to be successful.”
Jennifer Cullinan
“The biggest challenge is the traveling. Because Emma competes in Krane, NASKA and WKC we travel at least out of state or the country two to three times a month. She also trains and teaches at our local dojo and takes private lessons weekly in RI which is over an hour away. It is a huge time and money commitment however Emma truly loves martial arts so that alone makes it worth it!”
Stephanie Weaver
“Balancing being a mom and a coach! “
Priscilla Molina
“Because the kiddos train the majority of the time at home, it would be balancing the mom/coach role.”
Yi Qian
“The time commitment of bringing her to be trained daily and traveling to tournaments everywhere.”
3. What is the biggest reward of being a martial arts mom?
Robin Lima
“The biggest reward for me has been to meet and be a part of a wonderful martial arts family. Ashley has competed for several years throughout the country and we have met some wonderful people involved in the martial arts community. The community really is a family. Of course, another big reward is seeing her do her best in competition.”
Jennifer Cullinan
“The biggest reward is the friendships that are made through martial arts. I met all of my closest friends through martial arts and Emma has friends all over the world. Since she competes so often she sees many of the same people several times a month so they become close. Even though she is competing against many of them they form very close friendships.”
Stephanie Weaver
“Being able to travel with my son.”
Priscilla Molina
“The biggest reward is to see the kiddos faced with a challenge. It’s ok to struggle. It’s normal. The question is how are you going to over come the struggle. What is your plan? What is our plan? What is the goal. How are you going to achieve the goal? How can I help you achieve the goal? All of this is connected to life in general. Create a plan. Trust the process. Attack the plan. Sit back and watch the hard work play, and see the efforts be rewarded.
No lie…it’s an awesome feeling when the kiddos win and learn at tournaments too.”
Yi Qian
“Seeing Kathryn win 23 world champion titles and Best Athlete in Italy.”
4. Have you ever tried a martial art yourself?
Robin Lima
“I am sorry to say, I have not tried martial arts.”
Jennifer Cullinan
“Yes. I took classes a very long time ago! I only took them for about a year and then had to stop do to family and work commitments. I loved it when I was doing martial arts and hope to someday start again!”
Stephanie Weaver
“Yes!”
Priscilla Molina
“Yes, I am currently a first degree Black belt in Songahm taekwondo. “
Yi Qian
“Yes but not for too long because I had to take care of Kathryn’s training and competitions.”
