This month, we are featuring another 2nd Dan Black Belt, Ms. Anjenika Enage — Quest’s Black Belt for the month of July. Anjenika or “Anjen”, is a vivacious young lady who’s friendly, lively and outspoken.

Remembering Anjen when she first started doing taekwondo, one would never have guessed that she would have the courage of David to face her own Goliath, as she did during her last tournament, winning over an opponent so much heftier than her.

Let’s get to know Anjen and her endearing quirks…

Anjenika, how old are you now and at what age did you start taekwondo? I am 11 years old and I started Taekwondo when I was 5.”

What is it that you like about taekwondo and what is your ultimate goal as a taekwondo athlete? — “What I like about Taekwondo is that it teaches you about life skills and different techniques. Taekwondo also strengthens your mental and physical skills. My ultimate goal in Taekwondo is to win gold in sparring as a black belt.

 

Tell us about a peak moment in taekwondo, one that you are especially proud of and will never forget. A peak moment in Taekwondo is when I got my 2nd Dan Black Belt. It made me know that my Taekwondo journey will still go on.

 

In the tournaments you have competed in, what match stands out the most for you that you would consider as the most challenging one?The match that stood out and was the most challenging one for me was a sparring match at Yushen Lai’s Championship in 2017. It stood out because I wasn’t as experienced as I am now with sparring.

And yes… she is now so much more confident facing her Goliath!

Other than being an avid competitor, please share with us your other accomplishments outside of taekwondo. Some of my accomplishments outside of Taekwondo was earning the Principal’s Award in 3rd Grade, joining/getting into the student council, and joining a problem-solving club in school.”

What advice would you give a beginner student who wants to be a black belt someday? —  The advice I would give to beginning students is to never give up. If you give up, you may never achieve the goal you’re heading for.

In simple words, Anjen’s advice is: “Be Persistent and Adventurous!”

You are very good at leading and assisting the junior belts’ classes. Where do you think did that gift come from or how did you develop that ability? I think that the gift came from my sister, Jenicole. She’s my role-model. She would help me in homework, drawing, baking desserts, poomsae, techniques and sparring.”

Having siblings who are also doing taekwondo, do you find yourself being competitive at home too? Very competitive. I’m more competitive with Nick (my younger brother) than Jenicole. We’re competitive in drawing, games, Taekwondo and maybe violin.”

What are your favorite things? — “My favorite things are hypoallergenic dogs, ramen, mythology, mint, family and friends

And there are so many other things that she loves doing too!”
 

How about pet peeves…what are things you just dislike?What I dislike the most are cats, Ash’s Pikachu, BTS, very stubborn people and very tight spaces.”

If you were a fictional character who or what would you be and why that character? Owl from Winnie the Pooh, because we’re both smart and talkative.

 

Please finish this sentence: Most people don’t know that I… can twist my thumb under my knuckles.”

“I personally saw that and it looked painful!”
 

If your friends and family were to describe you, what adjectives would they use? — Weird, funny, smart, absent-minded and curious.

If there is one famous person you could spend the whole day with, who would that be, and what would you talk about? JK Rowling, I would talk to her about (of course) the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

What do you think is the most important thing that young people these days should learn as they’re growing up? I think the #1 thing people should learn is that not everything is given to you.

What words of wisdom can you share with other young people your age? Some words of wisdom I would share with other young people is to always try your best in everything you do.”

Are there other things you want the readers to know about ‘Anjenika Enage” in this interview? — “Other things you should know about me are that I help bake sometimes and I like to draw fictional stuff.

Lastly, tell us about your most important wish at this moment. Maybe someone who’s reading this can make that come true for you. My wish this moment is to study world history and find out new historical artifacts.”

But for now, she’s happy with her archeological find… the long-lost ‘Snow Bunny’.

It was a fun time getting to know Anjenika, her vibrant spirit and the joy she spreads everywhere she goes. This is the gift of youth! And she can’t help but just enjoy this time of growing up as she is surrounded by love and support from her family… who, if I may say, are all doing taekwondo. Indeed, “The family that kicks together, stands strong together!”

Visit us again next month for another “Up Close and Personal” with another fascinating Black Belt personality.

If you’re in the South Bay area, swing by Quest Taekwondo and watch these amazing young Black Belts and future Black Belts train. We have every taekwondo and fitness program to suit every age group and physical profile. Check out our home page for new promotions and offers.

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Until then… It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities” ~ J.K. Rowling

 

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