‘I am the tangible version of Karate Kid who fears none’

Beyond self-defence, martial arts have nurtured resilience, discipline, and respect while promoting fitness and agility, believes Gurbani Singh. This proud combatant, who is studying in Class XII at Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg, has brought laurels to her school by winning the Gold Medal at the 8^th State Martial Arts Championship, held at DAV College, Jalandhar, recently.

Read edited interview excerpts here.

Share your recent achievement.

It was a wonderful experience to win the Gold medal at the Open State Level Martial Arts Championship. The competition was really tough, but I managed to stay focused and defeat my opponent.

How did you become interested in martial arts?

I developed an interest in martial arts when one of my close friends opened a martial arts academy in my city. His constant encouragement and belief in my abilities inspired me to take up the sport seriously, motivating me to pursue it with dedication and aim for excellence.

How did Apeejay School support your journey?

The school is undoubtedly the best school in town, both in academics and sports. All my teachers, along with my Principal, constantly encouraged me to take part in this championship. I am truly grateful to them for their guidance, motivation, and support in balancing both my academics and sports journey.

Who is your favourite martial artist and your inspiration?

Well, talking about how I got interested in this sport, the primary reason was my friend, and second, the movie Karate Kid. The character Dre Parker, who overcame his fears and defeated a bully through sheer willpower, hard work, and dedication, inspired me deeply. His journey motivated me to work hard and master this art myself.

Share your training regime.

The toughest part of my journey was the discipline and sacrifices involved — waking up early, doing intense workouts, and building stamina. There were times when I got injured, and I had to endure a lot of pain and struggle. On top of that, I had to strictly follow my coach’s diet plan, which meant giving up my favourite foods. But in the end, every sacrifice was worth it.

How has martial arts honed your personality?

Martial arts has given me tremendous confidence and inner strength. It has shaped my personality, made me more disciplined, and given me a sense of independence. Today, I feel fearless and capable of handling challenges both inside and outside the ring.