What is your name and how long have you been training Enshin?

My name is Maya Alexia Boboc, I am 10 years old and I am from Romania. I have been training in Enshin for 4 years with sensei Neculai Florea. These years I took part at many competitions both Enshin style and also others. I am a national champion of Enshin and Kyokushin styles and national vice-champion of Ashihara style. 

What do you love most about Enshin?

I like this style because it develops both my physical and intelectual abilities. I like the competitions I take part at and especially those of kumite because there is the place where I can put into practice what I have learnt at dojo.

Enshin – Karate is unique. It helps you evolve but it also preserves the characteristics of martial arts and  the respect, modesty and kindness.

How has your intention changed from when you started until now?

Before I started karate I was an emotional child.  Now I am more responsible, I have learned to manage my emotions, I trust myself, I trust my abilities and my capacity to cope with different situations.

Which females inspired you in your journey in Enshin?

When I started Karate, I saw a girl who was practicing this style, Anastasia Costin. I like her technique and I also like her strength which helps her fight. I know her now and and I realised she is a wonderful person.

I have known another person, she is Diana Ninomya, I haven’t met her face to face, I know her from social network. I like her because she has a nice family and she fights for the women rights through martial arts.  

How have the principles of Enshin/Sabaki helped you in other areas of life?

Enshin principles helped me at school because I am more focussed on the activities I do. I play the guitar an karate helped me manage my emotins when I was on the stage, as if I were on tatatmi.

Im my activity as a volunteer during some projects developed at school and at the Library, Enshin principles helped me be better, more responsible and be more important for my community. 

Through practicing Karate, I have learnt to overcome the mistakes, to learn from them, and to be willing to be better.  

It is well-known history that the origins of karate came from white crane in Fujian, China.  The founder of that style was a woman named Fāng Qīnián.  What message do you want the next generation of female martial artists to receive from your experience?

Don’t give up! With patience and involvement, you will overcome every difficult moment!

You can be the future!

What does it mean to be a female warrior?

I like this term, “warrior woman”. To be a warrior does not mean fighting, but being strong, always helping the person nearby.

Martial arts does not fall within the scope of a simple sport. Whoever practices martial arts learns respect for the opponent but also for themself.

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