Sally Gleaves Success Story

Sally Gleaves a Taekwon-Do and kickboxing athlete.

A short introduction to yourself?
Sally Gleaves, 34 years old from England, founder of Worcestershire Martial Arts, over 20 years experience in ITF Taekwon-Do and Kickboxing (5th-degree black belt).

How did you develop your fondness for your sport and at what age did you start learning karate?
I started with karate at 9 years old and moved to Taekwon-Do and kickboxing a couple of years later. I loved martial arts straight away, I enjoyed all elements and the confidence that I had to defend myself.

What is your style and what rank do you currently hold in (your sport)?
Taekwon-Do and kickboxing 5th-degree black belt.

What do you like Kata or Kumite more? (only if applicable)
Tuls/patterns (Korean/Taekwon-Do for Kata) although I do enjoy sparring (Kumite) I prefer Tuls

Do you have a favorite Sensei?
No, I see role models in many people senior to me in rank but also see role models in my students who inspire me to be the best I can!

How did you get into this position and how did your journey in this sport go?
I started martial arts due to bullying at school and the journey has been my life since, I have won multiple national and international medals, and more recently awards for coaching the sport. I now hope to inspire more girls to take up martial arts.

Do you take sports as a profession or is it just a hobby?
Semi-professional, it is a hobby but I also coach it as a business around a full-time job

What challenges have you faced in getting to where you are now?
You can also share any injury story. I’ve been through periods of sickness and injury, which have been bumps on the road but ones I have worked through. I also have a lung disorder that impacts my participation but it doesn’t stop me.

What motivates you most about your profession as an athlete?
Teaching and coaching others and watching their progression.

Do you have anything you want everyone to learn?
Anyone can learn anything if they have the passion to do so

What tournament or match you have won are you most proud of and why.
I’m proud of all that I have achieved, and I use each tournament as a learning lesson for the next.

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