As this school year quickly comes to an end, the stress that accompanies finals, exams and end of the year projects is skyrocketing; however, athletics can free a student’s mind and blow off steam.

For students interested in pursuing activities outside of the offered curriculum, martial arts helps them alleviate stress and get in touch with their bodies.

Juniors Sasha Hsu and Kailea Hieshima and freshman Sydney Hlavaty use their different methods of martial arts as a catalyst for finding inner peace and gaining confidence for protection from the outside world.

Sydney Hlavaty: 

“I did karate for six years, and I earned my first and second degree black belt. I enjoy it because it really makes me let go of everything for a while and focus on making yourself stronger, and not just physically. We train to be better, to push ourselves and to hopefully achieve the self confidence needed to defend ourselves.

That is what I loved about it – you can just let go of everything and find yourself out on the mat completely in your own zone. I have learned never, ever to give up on something, no matter how hard it may seem, and to never let yourself get pushed down. I have learned to be strong willed and confident as well as how to physically protect myself from harm.”

Sasha Hsu:

 “I have been kickboxing at the Paragon Academy since the beginning of 2017. I enjoy kickboxing because it is a great workout that provides an outlet for strengthening my body and mind as well as teaching me useful knowledge. It is great fun, and it feels like a family there. Some useful information that I have learned through kickboxing is that even in high-intensity activities, having a relaxed, focused mind is always beneficial.”

Kailea Hieshima: 

“I have been doing karate for 13 years and am a third degree black belt. It is an enjoyable way to get much needed (and unwanted) exercise. I have learned that sometimes you have to work very hard in order to get what you want – not everything is handed to you on a platter.”