Queen of Martial Arts Written by: Domonique Whitehurst | Photography by: Andy Varnes
Back in 2019, Zareyah Ross won the World Championship title for karate and martial arts. During an interview with Ross, she talked about her dedication, goals, inspirations, and future expectations within martial arts. In the opening of the interview, Ross hinted at the idea that success cannot happen without an organized plan. Ross says that her karate instructor pushes her to set goals to not only excel within the sport but in her overall career. “One of the biggest ways is that he encouraged me to set goals. Setting goals is the biggest thing. That’s his biggest thing that he goes by and he ensures that all of his students set goals to make sure their careers more organized,” said Ross. Zareyah believed her determination and focus to accomplishing her goals were her ticket to winning worlds. Every athlete, no matter the sport, deserves their own cheerleading squad. For Ross, she says her parents and family take on that role. “My parents are probably my number one supporters. My entire family, they are always… I mean, just them driving me out to tournaments and making sure that I'm well-rested in a good hotel, or just those simple things is what really kind of fueled me to make sure my success was successful. Yeah,
it’s just the little things helped me a lot, and I really appreciate them for that,” says Ross. There’s a comfort that comes from a supportive family. For Ross, martial arts are more than just a sport. She said during her interview that karate is a moment in time when she can block out the outside and truly experience freedom. Karate is a sanctuary where Ross can leave all her worries and stress on the mat. Aside from that Ross also shared that karate has allowed her to mentor younger students. She expressed her love for teaching and motivating younger martial artists; some might say it’s a tedious task, but Ross said her pure enjoyment of being around the children lessens the demand.
“For all the other young girls out there, who aspire to be martial artists or world champions or something even more; my main thing is to just believe in yourself,” said Ross. “I know it's such a typical little phrase but really believing in yourself is what's going to help you push yourself forward and not letting any negative words or negative feelings from other people or other outside factors.”
Ross uses her own personal inspiration to fuel her strides to athletic success. Martial artist Chloe Bruce is an athlete that Ross models her lifestyle after. “She is a multi-world champion. She is an actress, and she is a brand ambassador for some of my favorite martial arts brands. She definitely set the goal for me to want to push myself harder; even to this day I still, you know, ITG Next | 47
