SPOTLIGHT COMPETITOR – EMILY MUSSIO

SPOTLIGHT COMPETITOR – EMILY MUSSIO

Photo credit: Cathy Mussio

In the world of Sport Karate, just like any sport, there are champions and there are Champions.  A ‘champion’ is one who often coins themselves as such and may have achieved such status taking the easy way out – whether it be competing in tournaments or divisions with no competition or simply not seeking the challenges to make themselves better competitors or Martial Artists.  Too often, these are the same individuals who do alot of bragging but have no means to back it up.  However, the term ‘Champion’ has much deeper meaning despite the fact that on the surface of the word itself, one can only see that the difference is the uppercase ‘C’.  This segment’s Spotlight Competitor will not only highlight this competitor’s achievements but will perhaps shed some light into what constitutes a ‘Champion’.  This segment’s Spotlight Competitor not only pushes herself to greater heights, but does so in a very humble manner – a virtue that is only exemplified by a Champion.

Following the words spoken by her peer mentor and World Champion Tressa Young: “Courage is not doing what is familiar, it is pushing ahead even though there is a chance of disappointment”.  Even at such a young age, 12 year old Emily Mussio is no stranger to facing challenges and taking risks – acknowledging that victory might be a laborious task but the end result is a gratifying sense of accomplishment.  Up until recently, Emily’s competitive career revolved heavily in the Under Black Belt divisions.  Seeking the necessary challenges to elevate her skill level, Emily sought the multiple challenges that the WKC (World Karate Council) had to offer – allowing her as an Under Black Belt to compete against the much more experienced Junior Black Belts.  Pushing herself even further from a physical standpoint, Emily concentrated her efforts into the more physically demanding areas of Creative and Extreme Forms and Weapons.  With a background stemming from competitive gymnastics and (acro) dance, Emily was able to use her creative wit, flexibility and fluid movement to choreograph and execute pumped up routines which always garner the attention of the spectators.  If one were to personify an inanimate object, one could describe Emily as a tiny stick of dynamite or according to WKC judge John Palitti, a “firecracker” – once ignited, she instantaneously explodes.  In fact, it is her intensity and ability to electrify the crowd with her enthusiasm which capture the attention of the more veteran competitors and judges. 

Emily’s arduous efforts definitely have paid off as her talents have earned her numerous notable victories in her short, yet action-packed career.  Of those victories, Emily’s first WKC Worlds in Portugal in 2010 was marked with exemplary success as she captured 2 Bronze medals and 1 Silver medal.  However, it was 2011 which served as a ground breaking year for the tiny dynamo.  At this year’s Nationals, Emily handily captured 3 Gold and 2 Silver medals.  She then kept her motor running and continued her winning streak with an unprecedented 4 Gold and 2 Silver medals at the WKC Worlds in Spain – making herself Team Canada’s Top 12 and Under competitor with the most Gold Medals and 2^nd ‘most winningest’ Junior, just behind Tressa Young.  And she is definitely in good company as Emily lists Tressa as one of her favourite competitors and aspires to be like her one day.  However, despite Emily’s numerous accolades at the Provincial, National and World level, her recollection of her first 1^st Place trophy as a mere white belt serves as her most memorable victory to date.  Not only was this the most memorable, but she also acknowledges that such humble beginnings served as being monumental to her tournament career as this was the ‘bug’ that got her to where she is today.  

With Sport Karate being a combative sport, it is usually not an activity which tops the list of many young ladies and for Emily, this was no different.  Having a very keen interest in sports in general, Emily began her athletic ventures in activities which are typical for young ladies such as dance and competitive gymnastics.  However, the amount of time and driving to pursue a career in gymnastics was just a little bit too rigorous for her parents so they started looking at other options.  One day after school with no questions asked, Emily’s mother Cathy, picked her up from school and drove her to a nearby dojo in Grand Bend and from there, as most would say, was history.  Not only did she like it, she loved it!  Since this time in 2007, Emily has been a diligent Karate student at the Grand Bend Karate Club (a franchise of Bernardo Karate) under the direction of head instructor Sensei John Dehondt and senior instructors Sensei Julia Campbell and Sensei Dan Coughlan.  In addition, Emily also makes the trek at least twice a week to train at the head Bernardo Karate dojo (Oxford location) in London to train with Shihan Mike Bernardo himself.  It is this type of dedication which separates herself from other 12 year old girls and even at such a young age, she is already setting an example that others should follow.  Aside from Karate, Emily plays ringette during the winter season – often an off season for Karate.  In addition, she continues to be involved in competitive acro dance – something that in the long run will be beneficial as such creative arts allow her to maintain an innovative mind set and at the same time, exercise her ability to be gracious in her movements. 

Besides looking up to competitors such as Tressa Young, it should come to no surprise that one of her favourite competitors and admired Martial Artists are also Bernardo Karate alumni.  On the list of Emily’s favourite competitors is Megan Mackenzie.  For those not familiar with Megan, she made waves on the NASKA World Tour in the early 2000s when she was Emily’s age and garnered herself many World Championships.  Although no longer actively competing, Emily describes Megan’s skill with the bo and commanding showmanship as her primary motivation to compete in Weapons with the bo.  For fighting, Emily lists Tammy Bernardo as one of her favourites and feels very honoured and privileged that she coached her at this year’s WKC Worlds.  “She makes fighting look easy!” is how Emily describes Bernardo’s in ring prowess and Emily is quick to acknowledge that she respects her talent and her accomplishments.  Her most admired Martial Artist is none other than Shihan Mike Bernardo.  When asked to describe what she admires most about Mike Bernardo, she notes that he teaches and provides direction in a non-condescending fashion.  For Emily, his ability to accentuate a student’s strengths and critique areas of improvement are integral factors which allow one to progress to be better competitors but most importantly, excellent Martial Artists.  Emily is definitely enamoured by the number of supporting individuals and inspirational forces she has surrounding her and credits all of them for her successes.

Having competed in a talent-laden 12 and Under group, Emily lists those hailing from Montreal’s Karate Sunfuki as her toughest opponents in Forms and Weapons.  Talented young ladies such as Stephanie Kovacs, Lawrence Venne and Stephany Mercier all field formidable competition and keep Emily on her toes to constantly come up with something innovative.  On the fighting side, Emily mentions Makayla Dennome from North Bay as her toughest sparring opponent.  In the past, they have had several see-saw battles and whether she wins or loses, the competition is so close that the point difference is only marginal.  As Emily leaves old challenges, she’s goes on another quest to seek new ones.  In 2012, she will be entering the 13 to 17 division and will be facing new talents and faces, including someone she looks up to – Tressa Young.  Being one of the youngest competitors in the age bracket next year, Emily understands the challenges it might have competing against young women who may have more experience and physical strength than herself.  But knowing Emily, adversity is her oyster and she will find a way to overcome these obstacles and come out on top.  If anything, her competitions next year will be positive learning experiences which will aspire her to continue her dedicated training regimen and serve as stepping stones for her to achieve greater heights as she matures as a competitor.

Outside of the competition arena of Martial Arts, Emily lists earning her Black Belt as her most significant achievement.  Earning her Black Belt just days before the WKC Worlds, for Emily, the Black Belt is a symbol of the culminating efforts of devoted study and timeless training.  “Ever since you start Karate, that is what you are working toward”, describes Emily.  It is commonplace for girls her age to earn (or receive) a Black Belt and stop Martial Arts but Emily understands that the Black Belt is not the end but a beginning.  With this mindset, Emily is already doing her personal groundwork to improve her Extreme Forms and also notes that she will be adding new divisions to her repertoire.  Despite the fact that she just received her 1^st Degree Black Belt, she’s already thinking ahead and is getting herself ready for her 2^nd Degree. 

Emily’s ambition and goal to be a good example to younger students and competitors is evident.  Her humility, combined with her excellent sportsmanship are definitely commendable traits of a Champion competitor.  Her desire to be an exemplary individual extends beyond the competition floor as she has hopes to perform humanitarian acts of kindness by volunteering and performing community service in Third World countries – helping those who are less fortunate than herself.  Like other responsible young ladies, Emily wants to maintain a high academic standing and would like this to carry through high school.  Already being a part cohesive group of people who are supportive of all of her endeavours, Emily wants to meet more like-minded individuals – those who think of others before themselves. 

Overall, the Martial Arts have been a holistic learning experience for Emily.  Not only has she developed an extensive skill set which have earned her numerous titles, she has also developed characteristics which both kids and adults should embrace into their own lives.  Her parents, Paul and Cathy, would like people to know that Emily loves Karate and being involved in it has made her a confident individual – in and outside of the dojo.  From the author’s perspective and personal observations, Emily’s confidence emanates with her commanding presence in the ring and her lady-like composure outside of the ring.  In fact, one can’t help notice that her poise and spoken words display maturity beyond her 12 years – something that one can attain from the discipline Martial Arts provides.  Most importantly, however, the Mussio’s point out that everyone from Grand Bend Karate and the Oxford Bernardo Karate dojo have been a second family – providing Emily with the support and encouragement to persevere and succeed in every aspect of her Martial Arts journey and competitive career.  The Mussio’s would like to extend their thanks and feel eternally blessed to be around such great individuals and for this they express their sincerest gratitude.

Megan Mackenzie’s encouraging words of “Shoot for the moon” are forever ingrained in Emily’s mind as she uses these words as her foundation to persevere and reach for her goals – regardless of how hard it might be to achieve them.  Her accomplishments, consistent effort to overcome challenges along with her humility and maturity are what makes Emily a true Champion and Canada Sport Karate Media’s Spotlight Competitor.