Senior Konstance Canada strives to embody a blackbelt life by persevering through her adversities.  

Canada was diagnosed with arthritis when she was young and gives credit to God that she is even able to walk through the pain today. Canada said when she was at her breaking point, she prayed to lessen her pain, and God healed her by lifting her agony and allowing her to do the one passion she loves, which is martial arts.

“I think of my disability as a blessing in disguise,” Canada said. “It has humbled me and made me more grateful for the little things, like being able to move around.”

Canada said her arthritis has also shown her how kind the world can be, in school and out of school.  Her martial arts coach, Ty Garret, inspires her to be the best person she can be.

“I had no idea how much martial arts would impact my life when I started,” Canada said. “It wasn’t just a sport to do anymore; my team became my family.”

Canada is currently a blue belt and plans on getting her black belt in three years. In martial arts, earning belts isn’t about just mastering moves, it is about learning leadership, honesty, perseverance and self-control in the process. Earning a black belt, the highest belt, means that a student has mastered the moves but also lives with integrity. Canada said living a black belt life is her goal every day and she will stop at nothing to accomplish it.