In every martial artist, there’s always an inspiration that keeps them going.
For Angelie “D Explorer” Sabanal, it’s the people who are looking up to her.
Sabanal, a college math instructor at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Cagayan de Oro city, shared how her students pushes her to be better – hoping to set a good example as a martial artist.
“What motivates me, aside from my family, are my students. I want to show them the value of martial arts, especially the type of impact that it will have on them,” said Sabanal.
“Martial arts is a lifestyle, My goal is to encourage more women and young people to take up martial arts.”
Sabanal, one of the fastest rising stars in the ONE Championship Women’s Atomweight division, believes that martial arts is an essential tool that will help this generation grow in the right path of life.
She knows that she can get that message across better with inspired performances inside the ONE ring.
The Cagayan de Oro-native will get another chance to show that when she takes on Itsuki Hirata at ONE: LEGENDARY QUEST this coming Saturday, 15 June, in Shanghai, China.
“In martial arts, you’ll be taught the main components of the sport – which is respect and discipline. Both things are essential in our lives,” shared Sabanal.
“Being an athlete and a teacher at the same time, I am thankful to have this platform to show the beauty of martial arts on larger scale. That’s why I always strive to be better to inspire more young people.”
Sabanal understands that this match with Hirata is far from a walk in the park – but she vows to be at her best form heading into this contest.
“This is my first match this year and I’ll do everything to win. You’ll see all the things that I worked on for the past seven months,” said Sabanal.
“I am gonna use this opportunity to inspire more kids to take up martial arts. I will show them the beauty of it.”