Karate is life, says karateka

When Caitlin Eaton was awarded her black belt in 2019, she was overwhelmed after realising that 11 years of sacrifice, sweat and hard work were worth it.

Shortly after her grading and as soon as she put the belt on her gi, the 26-year-old had a stomach-churning sensation to the point where she almost vomited.

“The morning I did my grading, I wanted to throw up and go to sleep. To wear it and put it on my gi, words can’t explain my pride. It took me a long time, but I pushed and got it,” she said.

Eaton said this was the best achievement of her life, adding that it was worth the wait and every drop of sweat in the dojo.

“I don’t grade all the time. I want to be good at what I do. I don’t want to be a black belt who doesn’t know karate. I wanted to take my time to learn the sport. It was worth it.”

The shodan is now enjoying the fruits of her labour with several tournament wins this year, including receiving her provincial colours in April and a dominant display at the SA All Styles Championship in June, where she won gold in kata, kumite and wooden kobudo.

She was also the overall senior female performer of the tournament, winning the national trophy. She also landed silver and gold medals during the Tenshinkan Karate National Championship on October 28.

“Karate teaches you that there’s no quick solution. You have to go through all the steps to get to the final goal. You have to do everything to achieve what you want. You have to work for what you want,” she said.

The Northmead resident started training under sensei Steve Ormandy in 2008 as an unfit and timid ‘chubby girl’ with low self-esteem.

Although she sometimes played netball, she never consistently played any sport because of laziness. But as soon as the karate bug bit, she never looked back.

“I was a very non-active child. I would go to school and come back home. I wasn’t into sports. I did netball, but I was lazy. Once I started karate, I never stopped.

“It has taught me discipline and self-confidence and helped with my self-esteem. Karate is life. It’s more than just a sport. I would be sad if were to stop.”

Eaton said the sport has changed her life immensely, and although it doesn’t promote violence, she believes all young girls should do karate for self-defence to deal with GBV.

“All young girls should have the necessary skills to protect themselves. Karate doesn’t only teach you self-defence. It equips you so you can stand up and take care of yourself should you be in a situation where you need to protect yourself.”

She thanked Ormandy for playing a crucial role in her development, saying she would be a shodan if it were not for him.

“A huge thanks to him for all his time, dedication and passion he brings to the sport. I feel sad that we’ve had some students who don’t listen to him. He takes his time and gives what he knows for free. I would have gotten my black belt if not for him,” she said.

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