The Tribune

TAKE one look at this picture and the words “shy and introverted” do not come to mind. But they are exactly what set Grand Bahama teenager Dereja Bain on the path to becoming the country’s youngest karate black belt.

Her lack of confidence had impacted her school work as a Grade 3 girl at Sunland Baptist Academy, but she was naturally strong and well-coordinated, and armed with those qualities joined The Bahamas Martial Arts Academy. Just eight years later she made history.

The 15-year-old, who just completed Grade 10, not only has accomplished something remarkable in her chosen sport, but is much more relaxed and confident in life generally, and an excellent student who lists math as her favourite subject.

Getting her black belt involved not only displaying physical strength, but also showing mental toughness. On top of that she had to display outstanding skill in various disciplines of this centuries-old way of life.

After two days of intense testing on July 1 and July 2, in front of the critical eyes of the chief instructor of The Bahamas Okinawan Goju-Ryu Association Karate Instructor, 5th Dan Sensei Elrick McKinney from Nassau, and her Sensei, 3rd Dan Joye Ritchie Greene, she passed her test to earn her black belt.

Her senseis have done a great job, but Dereja is not slow to pay tribute to a couple who have made a crucial contribution to her success. Her parents have been hugely supportive from the start.

Dereja said: “I started karate initially because my mother saw a need for me to be more assertive, and wanted me to be more confident. I was a very shy and introverted child and that affected my ability to do my best academically, and also affected the way I interacted with other kids.”

“Both my parents have played a big part in influencing me to achieve great things. They often have and are still encouraging me to do my best, and are very supportive in every aspect of my life. From taxi service to and from activities, to paying fees, and being there for good days and bad days. They are also my personal cheerleaders, encouragers and guides. With their love and encouragement I was able to do many great things.”

Many other great things could be on the way because Dereja, though enjoying the moment, does not intend to rest on her laurels. Her focus now is on working to the next level in karate. Not to mention the fact that karate could be an Olympic sport by the 2020 event in Tokyo.

So what benefits does Dereja herself see in her taking up the sport? She is in no doubt: “I have seen me becoming more confident, and I now have the ability to defend myself. From my first karate class, which was a fearful and intimidating experience, I now have years of competing in tournaments, travelling, creating friendships within the class, and being exposed to a different environment.”

“As I continued with karate, I became more relaxed and began to excel in the art. The opportunities which I was given to lead the class were helpful to becoming more confident. I was stronger at tournaments, placing first and second in different katas and kumite, which improved my academics, and I began to address myself more assertively.”

“Advancing to the higher belts and graduating into harder self-defence skills, gave me a more secure outlook. Committed, positive and constructive criticism from my parents and the Senseis encouraged me to continue striving to the next goal, and I was less ambivalent, whereas before, I was timid and shy.”

The lessons she has learned have also helped in other respects. All eight of the Dojo Kun virtues were vital to earning her black belt and still contribute to molding and shaping her character. To name a few of these virtues – humility and politeness, continuing training with patience and considering physical strength – are essential to so many aspects of her life. When Dereja is not going through her training at the Dojo at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Academy, she is in the pool. She has turned into a pretty decent swimmer too – good enough to take part in the recent National Championships.