Hey all!
My name is Angelique, I'm 25, and was born and raised in South Africa. I've been a fan of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) for a while now, and that's where Gina Carano comes in. Let me give you a bit of background before I explain why Gina is my role model.
I grew up with my dad, so I was always a real tomboy. Till today, I prefer hanging out with a group of guys, as I'm generally more comfortable (being myself) in their company. Sure, I'd occasionally play with dolls, but my favourite activities were building (tree houses, ramps, etc), biking, dreaming up adventures, climbing and breaking anything and everything I could find, and roughing it up with my male friends. You could say that I've always been a physical person. From a young age, I became familiar with the legend that is Bruce Lee. The first time I watched one of his films, something rose up on the inside of me, and I desired to be involved in Martial Arts. It seemed like the perfect sport for me. Obviously, being a girl, my dad refused to let me participate in it. Over the years, and after countless disappointments with not being allowed to start, my dream became dormant. Pushed to the back of my mind, I continued the journey of my life.
Then, about a year ago, things changed. I watched an MMA fight featuring Gina Carano, and from that moment on, I became obsessed with the sport which combines so many different styles and forms of Martial Arts. I officially started training in January, and I've never felt more alive, or at home in this world. Gina Carano has been a legend in my life, and I don't care what people may say about her, she's my "hero", having re-awakened the desire in my heart.
At the moment I'm unemployed, as I got retrenched from my company late last year, and been struggling to find a job in this country. For now, my training is what's keeping me going.
