This week, we want to update you on a Valley athlete who really shines on more than one level.
Kylie Huntsinwinter is a 12-year-old martial arts phenomenon we first met in July. Back then, she told us she had two goals.
To compete as an MMA fighter. And to inspire others.
In just a few months, she has taken both of those goals to new levels.
Kylie has already done more in martial arts than most of us will do in a lifetime. She started Kenpo Karate when she was three. Took on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu when she was eight. Picked up Judo at age nine and Muay Thai kickboxing when she was 10. Recently, she took up wrestling with the goal to become an MMA fighter.
But she says, helping others means more to her than any trophies or championships. In the past few months, Kylie has been working to spread her message that any girl can be strong and brave.
Her Brave Woman Facebook page highlights female achievements on and off the mat, and it’s a testament to both of her loves. It highlights her training, while showcasing inspirational figures in hopes of helping other girls face their fears and inspire them to new heights.
Recently, Kylie surprised a 6th grade martial arts student by giving her a unique “inspire” bag filled with MMA gloves, a jump rope and other gear. She even offered to train with her.
Kylie knows it takes hard work to succeed in any goal. She works on her martial arts 25 hours a week, while maintaining good grades to be an honor student.
People are starting to take notice. Kylie was recently photographed for a new book about strong girls, and is up for a spot in a commercial. “First you crawl, then you walk, then, when someone inspires you, you fly like an eagle.”
So what is it about karate and martial arts?
Kylie said it’s because she has done it her entire life. “It’s like everything I know, so I don't know what I’d do without it.”
She even has big plans for her future, starting with a business degree from ASU. “I plan in the future to own my own martial arts school and to be a professional MMA fighter.”
Congratulations to Kylie Huntsinwinter, you’re this week's Small Star.
