Meet Asma Deris, BSc Biomedical Engineering student and talented Taekwondo athlete who is preparing for the World University Championships.
Asma's interest in Taekwondo sparked from her love for action movies, where she saw powerful female leads who would fight and defend themselves. Asma also became fascinated by the kicks she saw on screen.
"As a Biomedical Engineering student and a young carer, Taekwondo has enabled me to better manage the physical and mental workload and anxiety that comes with these responsibilities.”
"The journey has taught me one word: Resilience! It's also made my pre-existing perserverance even stronger.” She says.
“Martial art is an art. It’s not just combat sport; it’s a way of life. It influences how you walk, eat, sleep, and treat others. And yes - it lives in how we put on the jacket and how we take off the jacket."
Her dedication and hard work led to a remarkable achievement – winning the silver medal at the BUCS Winter Taekwondo Championships.
“As I initially aimed to just make it to the second round... I certainly wasn’t expecting a place in the top three. It was my first competition, and to place second in Poomsae felt like a validation of all the hard work I've put in.”
Surrounded by support from her peers and coaches, Asma's experience was “a mix of excitement, stress, wholesomeness, and suspense. A great recipe for memories that last a long while.”
Thriving in sports and STEM fields
When asked about her advice for girls and women interested in pursuing sports, Asma shares words of wisdom:
"I believe sports are essential for everyone's well-being. My advice would be to explore and find one you genuinely enjoy and can sustain in the long term. Affordability and enjoyment are both crucial factors for ensuring it's something you'll stick with. Take the time to discover what resonates with you, as there are countless options to choose from.“
With regards to pursuing STEM, Asma advises:
"I suggest delving deeper into what specifically interests you within the field. Many STEM courses and careers are still male-dominated and bring their own set of challenges regardless of gender.
“As a brown, hijabi woman from a low-income background, pursuing STEM careers can be particularly challenging. If after exploring you still find yourself intrigued, consider it a strong indicator that it may be the right path for you. It's about finding what truly excites and motivates you, despite the obstacles."
Preparing for the upcoming championships
Training for future championships while managing academic commitments will require careful planning. Asma prioritises her faith, family, and degree while ensuring she maintains her fitness and technique. She says:
“I have a lot of exams and reports in the lead up to the Spring Championships, so I am making sure that my grades aren’t compromised. Though I go to club sessions less often, I make sure to not miss a whole week.
"What I have increased in my training is going to my local gym. This has been crucial for maintaining my fitness, flexibility, and technique.
“As for the World Championship, I hope to be balancing it with the month of fasting and University exams. My training will be intense, and I'll need to plan rotations for studying and training during the night when I would normally be eating.”
Asma finds fulfilment in being busy and feels excited to take part in the upcoming championships.
"What excites me the most is the experience of traveling to Nottingham, staying overnight with friends, and of course, the championships themselves. It's going to be on a much grander scale."
At City St George's, Asma has received support to pursue her Taekwondo ambitions. City St George's Students' Union, especially Julie Haggar, Sports Development Coordinator, have all provided a welcoming and supportive environment. The teams also took care of the costs for Asma's competition entries and travel. Asma shares, "I couldn't be more grateful."
Looking into the future
Looking ahead, Asma has clear goals for both Taekwondo and her future career.
"I would love to start sparring competitively next year. I want to challenge myself to reach a red belt - and maybe even a black belt, by the time I graduate.
“My dream is to become a paediatric doctor or robotic surgeon,” she says. “If not, I hope to work in a career somewhere along the lines of robotic prosthetics or medical innovation.”
