Ms. Samantha Lunsford Talks About Personal Growth and Perseverance In Her Journey
A while back, I came across this particular story that I knew had to be in a Positivity Post. It was about a young woman, Samantha Lunsford, who had recently competed and won a competition. That may not seem notable on the surface, but I assure you it was. She competed in a wheelchair against competitors that were not in wheelchairs, and won! I really enjoyed getting to know Ms. Lunsford and hearing her story. Now it is time for you to hear it as well!
I know you have a unique story to tell. Let us start with how you got started in the martial arts?
I was born with a disease called Spina Bifida. It left me partially paralyzed from my waist down. I have been in and out of martial arts through my life. My parents and other sisters started Isshinryu in Jan 2015. In July of 2015, I went with my family to the Isshin-Ryu Hall of Fame tournament and participated in the seminars. I was completely hooked after that trip. At the time I had been going through numerous health problems and was almost constantly sick or in the hospital so I didn’t participate much. However, I watched my family closely and had no idea how much I was actually learning through just watching them. On October 7th, 2016, I had my kidney removed and spent 3 months unable to do much at all. My urologist cleared me in January to go back to normal activity. As soon as I was cleared, I was in the dojo every time the doors opened. Starting out it was really painful at times, but I kept at it and over time it got progressively easier. My Sensei, Wade Honeycutt, actually got into a wheelchair alongside me and ran through the Katas. This helped him be able to teach me, but also helped me learn. I was not very confident in myself or my abilities starting out. I was clumsy, timid, and definitely not very disciplined. After only about a month of practicing Seisan Kata, I participated in my first tournament in Knoxville. Much to my surprise, I took 3rd place. And that’s how I got started in Isshin-Ryu karate.
Where are you at right now with training and life?
I am currently a green belt and have just finished learning Chinto Kata. I have started learning Kushanku Sai Kata. I am a student at Northeast State Community College working towards my ultimate goal of earning a Masters Degree in Psychology.
Have the martial arts changed your life?
Martial arts has taught me discipline, confidence, and courage. It has also improved my overall health and quality of life. I realized after I got my green belt that I have a responsibility to pass on what I have learned to those who are just beginning. I have also learned that even someone way more experienced than I am can still learn something from me. I had no idea when I first started martial arts that it could be such a huge platform to help not only myself become a better person, but it also puts me in the position to do some real good in taking my experiences and using that to help and inspire other people.
In a previous Positivity Post, an article about you competing at the International Isshin-Ryu Hall of Fame was featured. What effect did that experience have on you?
I did not expect to place at this tournament. I was just excited to be there having a ton of fun. I was terrified at first, but after getting there and seeing/hearing everything the adrenaline kicked in and I was good to go. It was still very overwhelming and intimidating. The other women in my division were quite good. Once I got into the ring it was like everything went quiet. I got focused, performed Seisan Kata and as soon as I was finished chaos erupted. In the midst of my focus, I hadn’t realized the ring was now surrounded by tons of people. Grandmasters, Masters, other competitors, teammates, and crowd members. If I had noticed that before starting my form I would have panicked and completely froze up. I was in shock that so many had stopped what they were doing to come watch me. After the rest of my division had finished, the judges called us back up to be placed. I was scared to death. 4th place was called, it wasn’t me. 3rd place, it still wasn’t me. 2nd place, nope not me. At this point, it was down to two of us and I was thinking “ok maybe next year”, but they called my name to take first place. I couldn’t stop the look of extreme shock from hitting my face (a look which was joked about after the fact). As the judges came up to shake my hand and congratulate me I still couldn’t process what was going on. The experience as a whole was very humbling and intense. However, it wasn’t over yet. Grandmaster Carl Martin was disappointed that he didn’t get to see me compete. So he came up to me and asked if I would do an exhibition for everyone to see. I was extremely humbled that he asked me to do it. I met so many great people and learned so much from them.
Every martial artist has people around them that have been instrumental in their progress. Who are yours?
My family is my biggest influence. My dad has wrestled with me since I was tiny and taught me to be strong. My mom has always been there cheering me on no matter what I decided to do. My siblings have always been great sparring partners. More so than I think our parents would have liked. I can’t thank my family enough. My best friend Ryan is like a brother to me and he’s always pushed me to go after my goals with passion. My instructor Master Wade has pushed me hard and challenged me to go further than even I thought I could. Master Ron, Master Wade, and everyone in my dojo has supported me and backed me up every step of the way. They support everything I do in class which is included but not limited to having my dad tip me out of my chair to practice how to fall properly without getting hurt. I’m really grateful to have so many wonderful people in my life.
What are your goals, martial arts and beyond, going forward?
My goals going forward are to continue learning everything I can from karate. I never want to get to the point where I think I’ve learned everything there is to learn. I also want to keep improving my teaching skills, not only in martial arts but in life as well. Outside of karate, I want to finish everything I need to earn my Masters Degree in Psychology. In between all of that, I want to spend my time dabbling in anything that catches my attention. I enjoy the feeling of being able to learn something new.
If anybody wants to reach out to you, how should they do that?
You can find me on Facebook, or email me at samlunsford707@gmail.com
Final Thoughts
I am constantly amazed at how adaptable humans can be, whether in martial arts or physical therapy. Regardless of the nature of the limitation, dedicated people find a way to work through what some would consider barriers. Ms. Lunsford could have decided that since she was in a wheelchair that martial arts just wasn’t for her. Instead, she has not only thrived but has also become a champion. And her journey is only getting started…
If you know of someone who is deserving of the Martial Journal Spotlight, let me know in the contact form just below, or the comments section at the bottom of the page!
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