By: Women’s Fitness Asia
A Journey Ignited by Passion and Stubbornness
At the tender age of 8, Pauline Lopez’s path in Taekwondo unfolded against the backdrop of her family’s move to the United States. Despite her father’s initial reluctance as a former national team member for the Philippines, rooted in a past accident, Pauline was fueled by her stubbornness and an unwavering desire to prove herself. Her love for the sport grew, and the inspiration of Filipino athletes on the international stage ignited a fire within her to pursue excellence.
From Athlete to Mentor: The Birth of Shero Taekwondo
The inception of Shero Taekwondo during the pandemic encapsulates Pauline’s commitment to empowerment. Starting with a podcast called Shero Talk, she delved into the stories of women, sharing their triumphs and struggles. Shaped by her managers, parents, and a longing to pass down knowledge to the next generation, Shero Taekwondo became more than just a martial arts school; it became a platform to nurture champions and instill core values beyond physical skills.
Overcoming Challenges: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Pauline reflects on internal doubt as one of her significant challenges, especially before her victorious moment at the 2019 SEA Games. Her resilience in the face of consistent losses speaks volumes about the journey’s character-building aspect. The blood, sweat, and tears, often unseen behind the medals, have become a crucial part of her coaching philosophy, teaching her students about the essence of resilience and bouncing back from setbacks.
Balancing Act: National Athlete and Life’s Responsibilities
Representing the Philippines on the international stage comes with immense responsibilities, discipline, and sacrifice. Moving away from her family to pursue her dream, Pauline underscores the vital role of a strong support system. Balancing the rigorous training with life’s demands requires prioritization and effective time management, emphasizing the significance of a well-balanced life.
Empowering Aspiring Female Martial Artists: Embrace the Journey
Pauline’s advice to aspiring female martial artists echoes her journey – defy stereotypes, embrace the process, and pursue passion relentlessly. Encouraging them to learn from mistakes, ask questions, and discover themselves, she embodies the spirit of breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Mentorship and Guidance: Shaping Minds for a Lifetime
Mentorship and guidance, Pauline emphasizes, are pivotal in molding the minds of young martial artists. Her own experiences with mentors who instilled values beyond physical skills highlight the enduring impact mentors can have. The tenets of self-confidence, modesty, indomitable spirit, perseverance, and etiquette transcend the ring and form the foundation for life.
Shero Taekwondo’s Community Impact: Fostering Resilient Individuals
Shero Taekwondo actively engages with the local community by offering classes to individuals of all ages. Hosting competitions, like the 2024 MAPATA Taekwondo Championships, provides a platform for practitioners to showcase their skills. Pauline believes martial arts positively impact individuals and society by instilling values, resilience, and self-discovery, ultimately shaping them into better citizens.
Future Goals: Nurturing Champions and Expanding Horizons
Looking ahead, Pauline envisions growing Shero Taekwondo, elevating students' skills, and potentially opening another location in the Philippines. Her commitment to nurturing champions extends beyond national teams, aiming to empower individuals pursuing diverse paths.
Most Memorable Victory: The 2019 SEA Games
Reflecting on her achievements, the 2019 SEA Games victory stands out as the most memorable. The experience of competing on home turf, with her parents watching in person, and the overwhelming support of the Filipino community stand out as surreal and cherished moments in her career.
Reflecting on the Journey
In retrospect, Pauline contemplates the importance of taking pauses in her fast-paced journey. While she wouldn't change the path she traversed, she wishes she had appreciated the present more. Her journey serves as a reminder to savor every moment, appreciating the opportunities that surround us.
Pauline Lopez's journey in Taekwondo is not just a personal triumph but a narrative of empowerment, breaking barriers, and instilling values beyond the arena. From her unyielding dedication to her role as a mentor and founder of Shero Taekwondo, Pauline's impact on the martial arts community and society at large is immeasurable. Her story echoes the potential of martial arts not only to shape individuals into skilled athletes but to mold resilient, empowered, and compassionate human beings.
