Adult Athlete Highlight - July

Rissa Kilar – Black Belt

What got you started in martial arts?  What keeps in involved?    My dad was stationed in Korea when I was 4 years old. He saw some incredible Tae Kwon Do training from both kids and adults and was impressed with their discipline, skill, and the culture.  So when he came home stateside, he enrolled me and my brother in a TKD club at the Air Force base.  During my childhood, martial arts has been my home throughout all of the military moves.  Nowadays, it is my lifestyle and passion.  I co-own New Heights Karate, located in Georgia where I proudly teach students from kids to adults. I also compete locally and internationally with my NHK students.

What's the most epic pre-competition meal you've ever had?  I don’t eat much before tournaments, but post competition meals are where I shine. One of my favorite tournament traditions as is to order every single dessert on the menu.  That must be done with the first 24 hours of after the tournament though

Imagine you're giving a pep talk to your younger self just starting out in karate. What's the one piece of advice you'd give them?  Trust the process. I would remind myself to not be afraid of stepping out of my comfort zone.  True greatness exists beyond your basic comfort level, so truly grow into your true potential, you must step beyond.

If you had a theme song, what would it be and why?  It would be an anime-like mix between “Hedwigs Flight” from Harry Potter, Game of Thrones intro song, and the “Imperial Death March” from Star Wars.  Mostly because I can’t help but sing along to those and they get me super hype!

If you were a Marvel or DC superhero, who would you be and why?  Humble brag, but I kind of already am a Marvel character—Young Elektra, x-23, and Pine Cone Girl. Because of my stunt career.