Zareyah Ross: Queen of Martial Arts
Back in 2019, Zareyah Ross won the World Championship title for karate and martial arts. During an interview with Ross, she talked about her dedication, goals, inspirations, and future expectations within martial arts.
In the opening of the interview, Ross hinted at the idea that success cannot happen without an organized plan. Ross says that her karate instructor pushes her to set goals to not only excel within the sport but in her overall career.
“One of the biggest ways is that he encouraged me to set goals. Setting goals is the biggest thing. That’s his biggest thing that he goes by and he ensures that all of his students set goals to make sure their careers more organized,” said Ross.
Zareyah believed her determination and focus to accomplishing her goals were her ticket to winning worlds.
Every athlete, no matter the sport, deserves their own cheerleading squad. For Ross, she says her parents and family take on that role.
“My parents are probably my number one supporters. My entire family, they are always… I mean, just them driving me out to tournaments and making sure that I’m well-rested in a good hotel, or just those simple things is what really kind of fueled me to make sure my success was successful. Yeah, it’s just the little things helped me a lot, and I really appreciate them for that,” says Ross.
There’s a comfort that comes from a supportive family.
For Ross, martial arts are more than just a sport. She said during her interview that karate is a moment in time when she can block out the outside and truly experience freedom. Karate is a sanctuary where Ross can leave all her worries and stress on the mat.
Read the rest of her story in the Northeast Florida Summer 2021 magazine below:
