National champion kickboxer preparing for world championship

“I didn’t really see myself getting here, sp having the opportunity to be able to go is very cool,” she continued.

Her National Championship victory came in May, where she won the WAKO National Championships in the kick light division, and just 6 months later she will be upping the competition level in Abu Dhabi at the World Championships. It will be her first time at a world championship, but she says she’s trying to avoid thinking about that as she prepares.

“I’m trying to focus on just preparing as best as I can and then being confident in the fact that I’m going to be able to do the best that I can. Trying not to think too much about it being like a world stage thing to manage the anxiety of it, but it’s pretty cool,” Sawin said.

Connection Martial Arts, as the name implies, is focused on connecting with your fellow fighters and building a friendly community where people of all skill levels and backgrounds can learn to fight. With this in mind, Sawin said she’s not just thinking of her own success at the World Championships, she’s already excited to bring back what she’s learned to benefit her students.

“Competing on an international level and seeing the level of competition that is there and the different coaching styles and the different fighting styles from different countries, what is winning and what is working and what is not working, is something that I’m very excited to see,” she said.

Sawin working with students Alastair Taylor and Amy Elliott.

“Being with team Canada and seeing how the Team Canada coaches handle things, handle things in the corner. These are all things I’m really excited to see, to be able to bring back and to benefit our athletes as well.” she continued.

Some of her students are preparing for the upcoming Halloween Howl event, which is an event held by WAKO Canada to introduce people to the sport. Taking place in Mississauga, Ontario, Sawin’s students say they’re looking forward to getting some fighting experience.

“Quite excited for it. I don’t really know what it’s going to be like because I’ve never done anything like it before, but I’m eager to see. I quite like to try different things and push myself,” said Alastair Taylor, a kickboxer at Connection Martial Arts.

“It’s very different thinking about fighting people who you don’t train with every day. When we train with each other in classes, we always think about taking care of each other, and then all of a sudden, you’re having to fight against people you don’t know,” added fellow kickboxer Amy Elliott.

They both appreciate not just the space and atmosphere Sawin has created, but also the chance to learn from a fighter with years of experience and no shortage of accolades.

“Sometimes she’ll say something, and if you don’t quite understand what she means, she’s quite happy to take the time, and she’s got the knowledge to back it up. And then sparring with her is always good fun, because she throws in a lot of things that you’re not expecting,” Taylor said.

“It’s very collaborative, which I personally really enjoy from a teacher, especially as an adult. I think when you’re able to collaborate with somebody in your learning, it just sticks a little bit better and it progresses,” Elliott added.

Because the Halloween Howl is an introductory event, Sawin explained it’s not full contact, although she and her students all hope this is just the start of their competing journeys.

Sawin also wanted to thank all of the sponsors who are supporting her, being Make Space, Carl’s Jr., Hometown Prints, KNC Fencing, CT3D, and Hub City Volkswagen. She adds any additional support would be greatly appreciated, and to reach out if you are interested.

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by Tommy Osborne

National champion kickboxer preparing for world championship

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