Adult Athlete Spotlight - April

Breonna Tuitt – Black Belt

What got you started in martial arts? What keeps in involved? I was just four years old, relegated to the sidelines watching my sister train and compete in karate. Soon enough, boredom turned into fascination, and I was begging to join her. From those early days, martial arts became not just a passion, but a path towards personal growth and a desire to empower others.

Competition followed naturally.  The lack of Black women in martial arts, both then and now, became glaringly obvious.  This realization sparked a fire within me. I knew I had a responsibility. I would become the role model I never had, inspiring young Black girls to step onto the mat and own their power.

What's the most epic pre-competition meal you've ever had?  I'll admit, I'm one of those athletes who often struggles to eat before a big fight.  But on those rare occasions when the stars align, my pre-competition meal becomes legendary (at least in my own mind).

Forget bland chicken and brown rice. My epic pre-fight fuel is a stack of six, gigantic blueberry pancakes and a side of sausage.

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?  I wish I could tell my younger self: Focus on the fun!  When you’re a junior the sport is supposed to be fun. When I was a junior, I use to feel behind my peers in skill and that I needed to catch up with them. I would put a lot of pressure on myself to be perfect. That mentality is the quickest way to burn out of the sport. I would tell myself to simply enjoy the sport and to focus on my personal growth.