What was it like winning adult Blue Belt division at 14?

Winning the adult Blue Belt division at 14 was an incredibly challenging experience, marked by a severe rib injury sustained during a private lesson with Emily Kwok. The injury caused intense pain, difficulty breathing, and limited mobility, making even simple tasks like getting out of bed or dressing excruciating. Despite regular chiropractic treatments and continued training, the pain persisted.

On the day of the tournament, the physical strain was evident, with breathlessness after climbing the steps to the pyramid venue. Facing doubt from her father about her ability to compete, she was determined to push through. In her first match, her guard was passed, which was a shock as her training focused on having an impassable guard. However, she managed to recover her guard and, following advice from Marcelo Garcia's wife, secured a winning position by getting her hooks in from the turtle position.

Between matches, exhaustion required her to take naps to recover. Despite the physical and mental toll, she persevered through each round, ultimately winning the World Championship at the age of 14. This victory, achieved through significant adversity, instilled a belief that such triumphs were possible at every belt level, including black belt.