Yeah, yeah, you might think: "Another 5. dan - big deal", or: "A female shihan title, so what?" But before you might be tempted to draw any hasty conclusions, I'd ask you to read this article.
To me, 41-year-old Sandra Beale -- who has just become the first woman in the UK to achieve shihan status in Tsuyoi Ryu Karate -- is a true fighter in every sense of the word.
You see, she has achieved this high rank and title despite suffering two bouts of cancer. Add to that her tireless work over 17 years for NAKMAS (National Association of Karate and Martial Art Schools).
When she was nine, shihan Beale was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, Ewings Sarcoma, and she was reportedly told she had a 50/50 chance of survival.
After surgery, radiotherapy and two years of chemotherapy she did survive, but the extensive treatment caused other illnesses, including damage to the heart. As she grew older, she developed skin cancer, and recently needed hip resurfacing.
So, yes, I'd say you're definitely looking at someone out of the ordinary here.
Congrats shihan, and welcome to the rank!
3 comments:
For what I've read about your achievements, Ma'am, well done & congratulations
A female Shihan after such serious illness is superb.
Well done and thousands of congratulations madam.
You are an inspiration to us all. From Mas. Mo Lawson Doncaster Tang Soo Do
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