Last week, I had the honor of representing KSI Team USA at the Kimura Shukokai Karate European Open Tournament in the beautiful city of Tallinn, Estonia. Competing alongside some of the fiercest karate practitioners, I walked away with a silver medal in the Ladies Heavyweight Kumite (Fighting), and both our Women’s and Men’s Teams secured bronze. Out of just nine competitors from Team USA, we brought home 14 medals—a testament to our determination and spirit. But amidst the victories, there’s a lesson I’ve come to embrace fully: I learn more from my losses than from my wins.
It’s easy to celebrate wins—they validate our hard work, determination, and skill. But losses? They cut deeper. They force us to look at our weaknesses, to confront the blind spots we may not have realized we had. In fighting, these losses reveal where we falter, whether in technique, stamina, or mental preparation. Yet, it’s in these moments of defeat that the greatest opportunity for growth emerges.
Disappointment and loss, whether in the dojo (karate school) or in life, present us with choices: to either dwell on what went wrong or to reflect and improve. For me, losses are invitations to grow. They strip away the illusion of perfection and demand introspection. I’ve found that while winning feels great, it’s the challenges and setbacks that sharpen my skills, hone my mindset, and push me to evolve. And this principle applies far beyond karate—it’s something we all experience in different areas of our lives.
Whether it's a job interview you didn’t land, a relationship that didn’t work out, or a goal that you didn’t achieve, every loss can be a stepping stone to becoming a better version of yourself. By examining what went wrong and why, you gain clarity and insight that you might never have if things had gone smoothly. It’s through facing those hard truths that we find the real opportunity to improve.
In Tallinn, as I stood on the podium with my silver medal, I felt pride, but also a hunger for more. I left the tournament with valuable lessons, knowing where I need to focus my efforts to grow as a fighter and as a person. I’m grateful for the challenge, the competition, and the community of KSI (Kimura Shukokai International) for pushing me to be better, stronger, and more resilient.
To KSI Estonia, thank you for hosting such a well-organized tournament in such a beautiful city. To my instructor, Shihan Bill Bressaw, 9th Dan, thank you for your endless teachings and continuous guidance and belief in me. To all the referees—who undoubtedly have the toughest job—and to my fellow competitors, thank you for pushing us to our limits. Your strength motivates me to never stop trying, to always keep improving, and to embrace both victory and defeat as part of the journey.
Remember, growth isn’t just about celebrating your wins—it's about learning from your losses.
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