Karate has taught Natalia Silk discipline and humility, but facts are facts. Silk is 9 years old and competes alongside her mother and younger sister, but ask her if she’s the best among them, and she’ll give the correct answer through a reserved smile.
“Yes.”
This isn’t really about who’s more accomplished in the martial arts, though. It’s about family.
The last time the Recorder spoke to Silk, she was 6 years old and had just earned her first-degree black belt in taekwondo. Now, her mother, Charisse Johnson, and 6-year-old sister, Aaliyah Silk, are part of the fun and competition.
“It’s a bonding experience,” Johnson said during a practice at IRISE Martial Arts on East Washington Street. “I mean, by us doing this together, we work out together, we eat healthy together just because we know we all have goals in mind to win.”
Grand Master Charles Ingram started working with Natalia about a year ago and immediately saw the potential of a high-level competitor. They’ll travel to the US Open ISKA World Martial Arts Championships in Orlando this summer, competing against athletes from around the world.
Natalia and her family are learning Tang Soo Do, a Korean martial art that Ingram describes as “a branch off from the Chuck Norris style of karate.”
Natalia is a leader, and it’s easy to see why. She stands in front of the class and is quick to help others perfect their form. Everyone pays attention.
“There’s kids that is much older than her,” Ingram said. “But guess what. She’s a black belt, she’s a leader, and they respect her.”
Even the way Natalia speaks about Tang Soo Do makes it clear she has a level of maturity and awareness that goes beyond what you would expect from a child her age. What 9-year-old talks about doing things she “never thought had been possible” and describes the sport as involving “more strength and less power”?
While Natalia leads one group in warmups on the main mat, Johnson is helping younger children in another part of the room. She’s trying to become an instructor.
Johnson was inspired to get involved by watching how martial arts helped Natalia physically and mentally, including in the classroom.
“She’s pretty strong, and I’m a mom who works out,” Johnson said, “so I just wanted to get involved with it because I saw how it kept her focused and motivated. As parents, we need that, too.”
Ingram loves when families take up martial arts together. He thinks it should be more common, especially for mothers and girls. It’s special seeing Johnson and her two daughters competing alongside one another and supporting each other.
“That’s so important when a mom can support her daughters and the daughters can support their mom,” he said, “and they can say, ‘Man, we did it together as a team.’”
Contact staff writer Tyler Fenwick at 317-762-7853 or email at tylerf@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Twitter @Ty_Fenwick.
