Personal

I started karate when I was 4 years old....My mother is my hero in real life. I greatly admire and appreciate all of the effort that she continues to put into helping me become the best version of myself as possible. I am inspired by her determination and positive attitude in my journey to become a better martial artist....My biggest win was at the 2019 AKA Warrior Cup, a tournament on the NASKA (North American Sport Karate Association) circuit. I had won my divisions and had qualified to compete in the finals in a 17-and-under division with several talented athletes. After I won, I was even more motivated to train harder!...I love how competition brings out the best in every competitor. During competition, each competitor is being pushed by another to work harder and leave their best kata on the tatami. After the competition, I always feel motivated to keep moving forward and work harder than I had ever worked before, which is something I learned to love as a martial artist....I get my inspiration from my parents and coaches, and everything they do for me to become a better person. I get my inspiration from my competitors that are always improving, making me want to improve more too. I also get my inspiration from the idea of never being satisfied and always wanting to grow and get better...."Pain is temporary. It may last a day, a week, a month, or maybe even a year. But if you quit, it will last forever." - Eric Thomas

Meili Urata-Espinosa

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