Cassidy began kickboxing when she was a TRU student in Williams Lake back in 2008.
A new dojo called Shogun Martial Arts had opened in town and for some time Cassidy was not only training in kickboxing and studying at TRU, but she was also a senior ballet dancer at Maureen Saunders School of Dance at the same time.
Cassidy became interested in kickboxing through watching a former beau at his kickboxing classes. She ended up thinking that “I could do that too!” Needless to say, she soon joined as well. Cassidy found that her years in ballet had given her strength, balance and flexibility that ended up being very beneficial in kickboxing. She fell in love with the respect and discipline of Martial Arts, and the associated empowerment as a woman training and sparring alongside the men.
After one year of kickboxing classes, she began competing in competitions throughout the province and soon qualified for Team BC Kickboxing in 2011. She was set to compete in Ottawa, but ended up with a broken bone in her foot from a work related injury, so was unable to attend.
Throughout her kickboxing journey, Cassidy has won a variety of medals, including a Silver medal in Sanshou fighting at the Tigerbalm Internationals in 2009.
Cassidy has found great support in Williams Lake for kickboxing. Her team has held many successful fundraisers to help competitors attend out of town tournaments and purchase equipment necessary for training. The sport is another outlet for youth to focus on self-improvement. “I look up to people who are kind, selfless, compassionate, empathetic..so basically I just described my mother, Karen, who works at TRU Williams Lake! Haha, yes, she is quite the Wonder Woman, always helping others,” says Cassidy. Cassidy herself is always up for volunteering, fundraising, donating, and related activities!
What would you say to people who might lack confidence to start a new sport?
“Just remember that everyone starts out of condition for that sport. They didn’t just get fit overnight…it takes work, time, dedication, patience. I encourage you to just go to one class, even go watch and observe like I did! You might see some people in crazy good shape who have been training for some time, but remember they started somewhere.
It’s about getting out there and just trying one class..then it’s not so scary..now you have your foot in the door. And trust me, if it’s anything like Shogun Martial Arts, you will become part of a loving, unconditional family, and meet people who you will establish life-long bonds and deep friendships with. The empowerment, respect and confidence that martial arts can build is truly awe-inspiring, and well worth the initial first class jitters.
With regard to her studies at TRU, Cassidy says they have definitely lead to her chosen career as a school district Education Assistant and First Nations Classroom Support Worker. She is a proud member of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nations Band out of Corner Brook, Newfoundland where her father Paul grew up.
Cassidy’s plans and dreams for the future include owning a home with property in Williams Lake where she can open a shelter for senior dogs, or any animal in need. She would also love to go back to school for a Bachelor of Arts degree.
