Adult Athlete Spotlight - March

Keely Kernan – Black Belt

What got you started in martial arts? What keeps in involved? My journey with martial arts started unexpectedly, at the tender age of 7.  While meeting a teach at my elementary school, I won a free month of classes, and that's all it took. Stepping onto the mat, I discovered a world of discipline, challenge, and personal growth that has captivated me ever since. 

The life skills and mental toughness martial arts teach you, is what has kept me going.  There is always something you can accomplish with martial arts, whether it be tournaments, training, or during belt testing.  Beyond individual achievements, martial arts have also instilled in me a strong sense of community. I'm surrounded by supportive instructors and fellow Army teammates, pushing each other to be our best.   

What's the most epic pre-competition meal you've ever had?  Competition days can be nerve-wracking, but for me, they also come with a special pre-game tradition – pizza with my dad.  That said, I think the most epic pre-competition meal I’ve had was this taco place in Atlanta. It was exactly what I needed to fuel my focus and energy without feeling heavy or weighed down.

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? Don't be so hard on yourself, and trust the process. Karate is a journey, not a sprint. You'll learn new techniques, experience setbacks, and maybe even feel discouraged sometimes. That's all part of the process. Remember to celebrate every accomplishment, no matter how small. Every punch mastered, every kick perfected, is a step closer to your goals.  And finally, remember this: Leave it all on the mat.