Rising Stars: Meet Kate of Chicago

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate.

Hi Kate, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started taekwondo when I was 6 years old. It was a basement YMCA program and immediately felt like the right fit. My parents immigrated to the Chicago Suburbs from Ireland, and needed somewhere to put their 5 kids for the afternoon that would provide structure and discipline in us. My triplet siblings and I started taekwondo together and worked through the belt ranks, to achieving out black belts several years down the line. I continued to train and earn higher degree belts–all while teaching taekwondo classes after school throughout high school. Taekwondo became my life, and I lived at the dojang constantly wanted more. I had competed at local tournaments, and wanted to try to reach for bigger and bolder goals. I joined another dojang in Chicago upon starting my BFA in graphic design at Columbia College Chicago. Joining Jang Yong-In’s Martial Arts was incredible. I learned from a female master for the first time in my athletic career, and truly Master Jang inspired me to reach for more and to set myself up for higher goals. She supported me in the passing of my father, and gave me community, stability and guidance in a time I needed it most. I will forever be grateful to her for making me believe anything I wanted in this endeavor, I could have. From working with her, she directed me to my club team in the area: White Tiger Martial Arts. I joined their competition team and started competing at state, regional and national tournaments. I made it to being invited to US Season Final events before traveling to Ireland to try out for the Irish National Team. Upon trying out, I was apart of the Irish team for the upcoming season to compete with their current athletes and secure my spot for World Championships. The past year has been full of new challenges, and competing for the country my family calls home. It has felt like a full circle moment to get the honor of wearing the tricolor on my sleeve. I have been training, traveling across the US and Europe for competition, training, and preparation for the World Championship in South Korea this September.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have had some struggles with injury in the past. I partially tore my MCL and I have a tendon tear in my ankle from several years ago. Learning how to move despite injury holding me back, and learning how to trust my body again was an extremely long road. I realize most of what I ask myself is mental– I have made my body strong, and I am powerful. My mindset and my mental state need to be as strong as my body feels. The biggest thing I had to overcome was the feeling that I am not good enough, fighting my imposter syndrome to believe and trust in not only myself but also in my training and to believe my support network through the challenges of competition. I have found myself enjoying all aspects of training and competition more after listening to my mentors belief in me, as well as trusting my skills and my body to take me where I need to go.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the first ever freestyle athlete from Team Ireland. To be the first athlete not only on the national team for my division, but the first to qualify for the world championships is incredible. I am proud of all my efforts in getting this far, in pushing for more from myself and never letting up to get where I wanted to go. I think my personality in performance gives me a unique ability, as does most athletes. I feel connected to my routine–to the music I perform to and the movements involved. I made this competition year something I can be extremely proud of and something that feels personal to me–which always brings forward a better performance. My music is all modern Irish inspired, and calls back to the country I wear on my sleeve and how proud I am to be on the Irish Team.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Joining spaces where you can be challenged is the best way to find mentors and people to help you achieve your desires. In training, joining gyms and open trainings is the best way to find people to learn from. Take every opportunity you can, learn from people who perform the way you want to. Always chase more, chase better, and those who are seasoned can help uplift you. Never be afraid to ask for guidance, and keep an open mind and heart to constructive criticism. Find people who feel like they win when they see you succeed. Being uncomfortable will allow you to grow and find those who can help you reach for more.

Pricing:

• Contact me directly for pricing in regards to private lessons of consultations!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://katenitierney.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katenitierney/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-tierney-ni-thighearnaigh/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/designedbykatet/