Natalia Goleva Success Story

Natalia Goleva Shotokan Karate-Do athlete.

A brief introduction to yourself?
I am 21 years old, I was born in the capital of Ukraine – Kyiv. I’m studying and working as an administrator in a beauty salon.

How did you develop your fondness for karate?
From the first lesson, I realized that karate is what I need. I was small, I had a lot of energy, but I didn’t know how to use it properly. In the beginning, it was hard for me, I made mistakes and lost myself, it made me angry, I got better, every day I discovered new opportunities in myself, I studied the world of karate and it gave me great pleasure.

What drew you to Karate out of all other sports?
I wasn’t allowed to dance because I had a bad stretch! I wanted to try martial arts to be able to protect myself and improve my stretching! I liked karate because it’s a huge universe that I was curious to find myself in.

At what age did you start learning karate?
I started karate at 8 years old.

What is your style and what rank do you currently hold in karate?
My style is Shotokan Karate-Do! I have a Black belt, 1st Dan. For several years I coached beginner and Junior groups in the dojo.

What was the highest prize you won?
Several times I took prize-winning places at the Ukraine championship.

What do you like more Kata or Kumite?
I like more Kata.

Do you have a favorite Sensei?
My favorite Sensei is my dojo’s Sensei Zenkov Yuri Nikolaevich.

How did you get to this position and how was your journey being in this sport?
My road was not easy but interesting. When I passed the black belt exam I was 14 old. The other boys and girls were a few years older than me. I was worried, but I successfully passed the first Dan. From the very beginning, I worked out with other groups, improving my technique, speed, strength, and stretching! My teachers joked that the dojo is my home, it will be easier for me to live here, and sometimes leave for other things.

Do you take karate as your profession or is it just a hobby?
Now I have less time for karate, so this is my hobby. But this is my passion, I am madly in love with karate.

Who’s been an inspiration for you throughout your sports journey?
I was inspired by my mother! In training, we have a great team, incredible coaches. We are one big family where everyone helps each other! This atmosphere helps to overcome any difficulties.

What challenges did you come across on getting where you are at today? You can share any injury story as well.
I didn’t have any serious injuries. Except for bruises and scratches! We pay great attention to warming up all parts of the body.

What motivates you the most about your profession as an athlete?
I am motivated by the fact that there is no limit to the ideal! You work hard every day and gradually get better at everything! I want to be the best, it gives me the strength to give myself completely.

What are your strengths as both an athlete and as a person?
I’m not sure I can answer this question objectively! An outside opinion will give the best answer.

Do you have something you want everyone to learn?
I want to wish everyone good health during this difficult period on our planet! Practice martial arts, this is a very interesting world that can make you better both physically and mentally, and psychologically.

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