Vivienne Kidder.

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Thank you for being a part of the movement. Now, let's get into today's conversation. What's up everyone and welcome back to another episode of the Kumate Lifestyle podcast where the Matt meets the mic and today we have a very special guest. Her name is Vivian KD. Vivian, thank you so much for hopping into the studio today through kumate lifestyle.com. How's it going? >> It's going good. How are you? >> I am great. I'm great. Thank you for asking. Yeah, I'm excited to have you on. I know that, you know, I mean, I don't know you personally, but from what I have been told that you're an amazing Karate Khan, an amazing Karate student and competitor. So, those are some of the things that I definitely want to explore in this awesome conversation.

So, Vivian, tell the viewers, where are you currently right now in the world? >> Um, I'm in Indiana. >> Perfect. >> Yeah. So, Indiana. So, for anyone that's never been to Indiana, what would be some selling points that you would get anyone to come to your state? Like, what's cool about Indiana that people would not know? >> Um, I'm not really sure. Yeah, the Indianapolis is pretty cool. >> Um, a lot of car pretty boring here. >> Yeah. Well, it's interesting you say that, right? Because when you've lived in a state for a while or a certain area of the world, you kind of get accustomed to it. So, what might not be interesting to you because you see it all like all the time might be interested to someone who's not from India. Um, Indiana, but I do know that Indiana has a couple of things. I know they have the Indiana Hooers, which is the wrestling team, which I love, college wrestling, and of course, Karate, which is the Adamson's Karate. And here we are today. So, yeah, I want to get into this amazing conversation. So, Vivian, let me ask you this. For somebody meeting you for the very first time, who are you outside of karate and how would you best describe >> Uh, well, obviously I do karate and that takes up a lot of my time. Um, so that's a lot of dedication there, I would say. Very hardworking, I think.

um yeah >> yeah no that's awesome so yeah let's start off with that when did you start your karate journey at what age were you >> I believe I was about six when I started karate so 2016 or >> very cool and what do you remember about your very first karate class was it was it fun was it exciting were you you know scared at all >> yeah I remember since then John Babson came to my school and did a littleation and got to do some activities and it was a lot of fun. So I decided to sign up for karate.

>> Very cool. And I know you said you started um back in 2016 2017. So um how long have you been doing karate now? About nine 10 years close to that. >> Yeah. So I think going on my 11th year. >> Yeah. That's awesome. So, um, what belt are you today? >> I am in black belt, first period. >> Very cool. So, let me ask you this. For anyone that is maybe your age or younger or maybe even older, what does it take to become a black belt? Not just, you know, obviously it takes hard work, training, and all that, but for you specifically, like if someone says, "Vivian, I want to become a black belt in Karate. How can I do that tomorrow?"

or um how can I do that next month or next year? Like what would you tell people? >> I think that you really have to love what you do to like want to see it through to the end in your black belt. >> Yeah, I agree. >> The whole journey. >> Yeah. And that's the key, right? It's not to give it's it's not giving up. It's believing that you can do it because you know I think a lot of times people I think everyone that starts martial arts or karate I think they kind of envision themselves being a black belt but it's not an easy thing because like you said it takes years and not giving up. So what was your black belt test like if you uh if that's something that you feel comfortable sharing because that's something that I enjoy asking you know podcast guests I've had on especially black belts because every black belt test is different. So for yourself, what was that preparation like? And you know during your black belt test, was there ever a moment you said to yourself, "Oh man, this is so hard or did or was it not as hard as maybe you thought it would be?"

>> Yeah. Um well, I've done a few black belt tests, but my very first one, I think I was 9 years old, so I was very small and I I think I was the youngest one there, so it was really scary for me. Um, I remember sometime before my test, I was thinking about quitting to be um, focus on um, some other things like to play soccer. Um, but at the test it was definitely really scary at the beginning, but as it went along I got more confident and um, yeah, so overall it went really well and I got my >> Absolutely. Yeah. And I like that. um that honest assessment if you will because and I'm sure you would agree it's no different than when you compete in a tournament right it's the preparation it's all the training so I believe that if you do everything that you should have done correctly like leading up to the test or that big tournament you should have no issues at all yeah very cool so Vivian would you do your black belt test all over again >> um yeah I mean it helps get hard but where I am today and I mean it's a great experience and really tested like just like my dedication and perseverance. So yeah, I think >> Yeah, absolutely. So now let's go into another good point. So take us back to the beginning. So I know you said um like you started karate at a pretty early age about 9 10 years ago. So I think the question that I should have also asked was why Karate? So like I know you I know you walked in, you saw it. Was it something that maybe your parents thought that you should do? Did you watch a movie or like was it just kind of random?

>> Um, it was pretty random. He just came back to school and I ended up having a lot of fun. I never really thought that I would get big into like competing and everything that I do now. Um, but over time I really just grew to love sport so I continued doing it. >> Yeah. Are there any other sports that you do aside from karate? >> Um, not anymore. Like I said, I used to play soccer. I did that for quite a few few years, but um now I'm used to karate. >> Very cool. Yeah. So, you're a devoted karate student. I love it. Awesome. So, when So, how much time is spent at the dojo?

So, when you're not obviously you have school, of course, you have family, you have friends, but when you're not doing those other things, how much time do you feel you devote to the dojo every week? Um, I think I pretty much go to the dojo every day. So, I think it's about 10 hours during the week and then sometimes if I'm bored, I'll just go to the dojo with some of my friends. >> Yeah, I think that's awesome. Um, it reminds like like you saying that, it reminds myself when I was your age and just going to the dojo because aside from karate, aside from the punches and kicks and all those, you know, I guess the physicality of it, it's the friendships, right? It's all the people that you meet along the way. So, yeah, very cool. Um, so at what point did karate change from simply something you enjoyed doing into something you realized that you wanted to pursue at a much higher level? Because you mentioned that you're at the dojo pretty much every day. So I'm I'm fascinated and curious to hear at what point or at what age do you did you say to yourself like, "All right, I want to do this like all the time now. I don't want this just to be, you know, twice a week. if I could do this every day, let's go.

>> I think I was about 11. Uh that's when I started competing. And then after my first year of competing, I really started enjoying karate um like the competition side. So that's when I really started going to the dojo a lot more, training as much as I could. >> Yeah, absolutely. Um, and I know that your dojo, um, again, just to give the viewers or the listeners that are, uh, you know, watching this or hearing this for the first time, you come from a dojo, you know, from my understanding, Adamson's Karate, which is very big in competition. Um, I know when I was competing with the AAOU, I had the chance to go to Italy and I've shared this story many times on other episodes with other athletes and I know that for yourself, you come from a dojo that is very successful. Um, I just know Adamson has been around for a very long time and not just, you know, Sensei John and Heather, but all his brothers and of course, um, his mom and dad as well. So, when you're around that type of environment, um, do people kind of just like gravitate towards competing and wanting to do tournaments kind of naturally or is that more of a like personal choice? Meaning, do you feel like you have to compete or do you just do it because everyone else is doing it around you? Um I think um well a lot of the like teenagers and older people on our go um aren't really uh into the competition like community and everything. So when there's like younger kids that are at the dojo for a while eventually it's just like there's a lot of um like they're really encouraged to try competition. We have a few like small tournaments that we'll do to like kind of get people in the competition and then a lot of them end up liking it and uh start competing.

>> Yeah. Can you remember your very first tournament? >> Um yeah, I do. It was a learning tournament that we did. Uh I think I was I think I was 11. Um, I didn't really have as many friends, but I remember I had a lot of fun competing on the mat and it was just like a different like atmosphere and like it was just really different from the other things I had done for. But I really liked >> having that kind of experience. >> Yeah, absolutely. I agree. And there's no better feeling in my own opinion of when you're competing, whether it's at a local tournament or regional or nationals or even international than being able to, you know, being able to compete at your best, but also having people there that you love and trust. Uh whether it's your parents, your family, teammates, your coaches, and I think it's pretty special. And I know you're still developing and you're still going to have many years ahead of you as far as competing goes, which I'm super excited to be able to see and uh you know, watch your progression as well and of course your dojo as um as we move forward to this. But uh yeah, Adamson's has uh has done a tremendous job with their athletes and it's just been cool to see all their success indirectly kind of through you. You know, I know um before this conversation about a week ago, I was on Instagram and I was looking at your page and like all the things you've accomplished. I'm thinking, wow, like like it's awesome to see, you know, that determination. So, you talked about your first tournament and like you know what that experience was like. So, now um so Vivian, I know you've had the opportunity to represent the United States and compete internationally. So, what does putting on that USA jacket or that USA gear mean to you? Because I know for myself when I went to Italy and I had on the AAUSA jacket, uh like I felt like I was on top of the world. So, like what was that feeling like for you?

>> Um it was really exciting to get to represent the United States on um an international stage. Um, it's definitely different than what it's like um just competing with your dojo. Um, it's a lot of fun to meet new people who also love karate and um, competing. Um, it's just such a like unique experience and it's a lot of fun. Yeah. >> No, that makes sense. I get it. So, I appreciate you sharing that. So, um, aside from the excitement, right, what was that process like for you leading up to that? So, before you went to the tournament and before you got, you know, your amazing USA karate gear, your jacket and all that, like, you know, all that cool stuff that comes with it, you know, tell the viewers out there that might not be familiar with the process.

So, you go to a tournament, the nationals, and then I know there's other qualifiers as well, but take us through your journey. What was that process like for you to make it, you know, to that team selection and then eventually make um yeah, the AAUSA national team. We're excited to recognize White Belt Surfer, a surf [music] lifestyle and media brand built around one simple philosophy, always be a student. With a primary focus on visiting and exploring surf shops around the world, White Belt Surfer brings you closer to the surf culture, untold stories, local [music] legends, and the people and communities that make surfing special. Whether you're new to surfing or have spent a lifetime in the water, [music] there's always something new to discover. If you're interested in learning more or own a surf shop [music] you'd like us to visit, we'd love to hear from you. Explore the culture and stay connected at white beltsurfer.com.

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Since 1968, their family has helped RV enthusiasts explore the outdoors and create memories that last for generations. Today, Parkview RV Center proudly continues that family tradition. Yeah. Um, apart from going to nationals and uh, like really showing that like you belong on that team, um, I really just tried to go to as many tournaments and events as I could to like just um, just kind of like be in front of all the national coaches and um, like really show them um, like my skills. Um, so yeah, I really just tried to go to as many tournaments as I could um just to get in front of the coaches and then yeah, just a lot of training and hard work especially leading up to those >> Yeah.

>> Yeah, absolutely. So, yeah. So, tell us is it is there one specific tournament that you must, you know, either win or place high at in order to be considered for the USA team? Um definitely nationals. I think that's a big one. >> Yeah. >> Um yeah, last year I end up winning ended up winning ton for my uh division. So that definitely helped. Um and then I also went to uh regionals that had the um team >> trials. >> I think that was a good event to go to as well.

>> Yeah, absolutely. So tell us now, so when you're about to go to nationals or like leading up to it, so you told us, you know, what the process is like to make the national team. tell the viewers and give us like this story of what it's like for Viven to train specifically for a tournament knowing that if you win or if you place high, you have an opportunity to represent not only your dojo, your state, but your country. So, I'm fascinated and curious to know um what's that training like? Is it is it harder? Do you train hard year round?

Is it is it specific training that you do for any given tournament? >> Um yes. So before nationals we do like this special training camp um that's a week long and then it's a few hours every day. So that's a lot of training um with with the team and then yeah it's very focused. um definitely harder than other trainings throughout the year. And then uh leading up to larger tournaments, I'll also try to do uh more training by myself and then also just with a coach so I can get like um personalized like advice and training uh so that I'm really getting what I need before a tournament.

>> Yeah, absolutely. And which which divisions do you enjoy competing in? Like what's your favorite? >> Uh definitely Kum. >> Really anything. I love doing team Kum. That's really fun uh environment to be in um with your team and then also just like sbon that kind of thing. Definitely my favorite. >> Very cool. And was kumate something that you enjoyed from from your early times at your first, you know, couple tournaments? Did you explore kata? Have you done kovado? Um, are you more just one specific division like Orient?

>> Um, when I started, I definitely leaned forward. That was definitely my favorite. I was scared of being like hit and stuff >> because I was small. Um but a few years ago I really started enjoying co. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So that's interesting you say that because I know there's you know in the world of karate you know especially at the AAOU or these other type sanctioned events you have divisions not just age uh not just age divisions or belt divisions but there's categories where you can do kata you can do kumate you can do kovo. Um there's team kata. I mean it's cool that there's so many inclusive divisions out there. So you mentioned how in the beginning Vivian you didn't necessarily enjoy kumite because of your size and you know just being smaller and I can relate to that you know being a smaller person myself especially growing up or I'm sorry as I was a kid growing up. So what clicked for you like at what moment did you realize that you could have success with kumate?

Uh my coach uh Sensei Caleb, he uh one day he asked me to join this team that he was making to really focus on and training that. Um so I joined that. I didn't really know what it was, but I was like, "My friends are doing it, so maybe I'll just try it out and uh see if I like it." So, um, so I did that for a while and then I just started like doing a lot better in my matches. It was a lot more fun. Um, especially like having my friends and a coach who really uh cared about like making me better and improving. Um, >> yeah.

>> So, yeah, definitely that that definitely helped my journey to >> Yeah. a lot. >> Yeah, absolutely. For sure. Um it's interesting how, you know, it's it's like in life, right? There's things that we enjoy at one point and then as we get older, right? There's things that we uh find a little bit more interesting. And it's cool that you mentioned coach coach Caleb who I haven't met him uh in person, but I know of him, of course. Uh and I can see all the great influences and all his hard work for sure. And it shows in you. I know that he's also been, you know, one of your main coaches in your corner. So, yeah, having someone basically help motivate and inspire you to basically say like, Vivian, I think you can do this or like, I know you can.

I know that definitely helps as well. So, yeah, very cool. I'm glad that you've had the opportunity to, you know, kind of shine in all those different divisions, whether it's Kata and Kumate. So, um, here's a fun question that I really like asking people, especially when they've competed overseas or at nationals. So, you know, from the outside looking in, if I was a spectator or a fan or maybe even a parent, right? So, people see the medals, um, they see athletes on the podiums, they see all these competition photos, they look at Instagram, but what they usually don't see is everything behind that. So, um, Vivian, what has been the hardest sacrifice or challenge you've faced to get where you are today? Like, like what is something that you can think of that you've had to kind of really fight for or, you know, maybe an obstacle?

>> Um, when I first started training a lot, um, I obviously wasn't as good as I am now. Um, so it was hard not really like if I didn't win or get a medal, it was hard to like measure my improvement. So it was a little bit hard to like want to stick with that. Um, especially if I wasn't seeing results right away. Um, but I've had my friends and my coaches to um, push me to continue and keep improving. Um, yeah. So that's really something that I've had to overcome, but um it was definitely worth it.

>> Yeah, absolutely. So when you when they call your name and you're on the podium and they give you that first place gold medal or whatever place that is, um I'm pretty sure like I can imagine that's a pretty awesome feeling. Uh you know, especially all your hard work. Can you think of a tournament or a time, Vivian, where maybe you didn't win or maybe you did, but it was after that tournament you learned a lot more about yourself and what you're capable of? >> Um, I think nationals from I think it was 2024.

Um I I remember that was kind of that those years leading up to that I was starting to really enjoy kumate and started training it more. Um but that year at nationals it didn't really go uh very well for me. So that did not feel good. >> Um but after that I really just wanted to get back into the dojo to train and working hard. Um, so yeah, that was something I overcame and I really learned like how much I wanted it from that loss. >> Yeah, absolutely. Um, I love that assessment and just that overall takeaway. And I think like as we continue to get older and we continue to get better at at karate, and I'm just using karate for this example since that's what we're talking about. Um, it's pretty cool, I'm sure, to be able to look back at when you first started, right, into where you are today. And, um, I'm I'm sure you're proud of how far you've come. I know your sensei are. I know you mentioned Coach Caleb and your parents as well. So, before we kind of continue on, I would love to ask this.

How um how involved are your parents or your family in Karate? And do they train? Um yeah, my parents are really supportive. Um I mean they've given me so many opportunities like uh taking me to national just taking me to like every tournament that I could possibly go to. That is awesome and I'm really grateful for that. And then even just like small things like just driving me to practice every day. That's a lot of driving. So, um, that's really, uh, nice of them to, >> yeah, >> be able to do that.

>> Yeah, I think it's important that we give our parents and our family that gratitude because I know as an athlete myself, especially growing up. Um, oh, I'm so I'm an only child for those uh, you know, like just in this context, I want to share that where I was selfish as an athlete. Um, I wanted to win, of course, and I wanted to do the best I could at any event. And I also, like yourself, I enjoyed, you know, hanging out with friends and teammates. But the one thing that I I would sometimes forget, Vivian, is how much, you know, sacrifice my parents would make, uh, you know, whether it was taking off from work or just driving and we would drive far and I'm sure like obviously you know, right? Because some tournaments are close and some tournaments are pretty far away. So yeah, I think for anyone that's listening and for the viewers out there, you know, give thanks to your parents, give thanks to your coaches, give thanks to those that have that have helped you cuz cuz gratitude does go a long way. And I know it's such a cliche thing sometimes. It's like like why do I have to thank my coach? I think my coach should know. No, I I think you should because sometimes that thank you is what they need to hear as well. So very cool. Um yeah, so as we continue to explore your journey, we talked about you know the medals of course and you know winning. So now the opposite of winning is losing but rather than the word losing I like to use the word learning. So when you're learning about things that you've could have done better, whether it was maybe a disappointed performance or a difficult moment in karate, but um you know obviously like would you agree that your losses or the times that you didn't win have made you a better karate ka?

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Wherever you call home, make it yours. Your dream home is in their showroom. Visit shalotelectric.com. A proud sponsor of Kumate Lifestyle is Pro Karate Center in Palm Harbor, [music] Florida. Co-owned by James, Dena, and Isaac Gray alongside Megan Hickson, this familyrun school has lived by one motto for over 50 years. [music] We teach respect every day. From Ishinu Karate and self-defense [music] to kata, kobedo and kumate, they build confidence, discipline, [music] and real world skills for all ages. New students can start with a free twoe trial. [music] Visit proc >> Yeah, I would definitely say that losses are very important to like learning. Um, something we do after every tournament is we watch our videos with our coach and then we're really thinking about, oh, what could what could we have done better or what what went wrong in this moment? Um, and like why did I lose that point? And that's something we're always looking at so that we can improve the next tournament.

>> Yeah, absolutely. Um, I think you have a really good perspective and um, and it's cool that your coaches allow you to see exactly like what you're doing wrong. And I know sometimes you don't want to see those things because it's like like I know I'm good or like I know that I put in the hard work, but yeah, it's, you know, it's that 1% better mindset that I'm sure that you've heard or that, you know, you can agree to as well. So yeah, very cool, Vivian. Um, so now who's had the greatest um, influence as a martial artist or maybe just a relative or a family member that has really helped inspired you along the way through your karate journey?

Like can you think of anyone particular and maybe it's a coach, maybe it's your mom, maybe it's your dad, or just anyone that you know it's like like when things are are like like when things are getting hard, you know that you know you can count on them and that they're always going to tell you maybe not what you want to hear, but what you need to hear. >> Um I would definitely have to say my coach to say Caleb. Um he's always there. Um he's always in my corner during a fight or after a fight at training just all the time. Um and he'll really like tell you exactly what you need to hear before a fight or after if you're feeling down. Um and then definitely my teammates. Um they're so great for just like having my back and supporting me and cheering me on. Um, so it's really just uh the whole community is so um it's such a great place to be.

>> Yeah. Yeah. That's awesome to hear. So you've come from, like I said earlier, like you come from a really good dojo, you have great coaches, great teammates, and now I want to hear about all of that in culmination to your experience overseas. So what recent overseas tournament did you compete in? Uh I went to the uh world championships in Romania in July. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> That's awesome. So before we talk about how you did at that tournament like the results um man like you know take us through traveling like you know to a different country. What was the travel experience like?

>> Um it was it was a little stressful. There was definitely a lot of work delays and uh bags getting lost and stuff. Luckily, that didn't happen then with me, but I remember my teammates lost some stuff on the way there. >> That's the worst feeling. >> Yeah. So, that that was hard. Um but we all made it and yeah, went pretty well. >> Yeah. So, yeah. So talk us now about the tournament itself. So you get to the venue, right? You get to the um right to where you need to be. And actually before we talk about the tournament, tell me what was it like for you cuz I thought it was amazing when I like had the chance to see it. But you're surrounded by all your fellow USA country uh athletes. Like you see everyone wearing AA USA. Like what was that like?

Um yeah, it was definitely crazy to see um how big the team really was. Um just to see like >> it was a pretty big team, right? >> Yeah, the the arena was huge and just to see the like all the USA just all around the arena. Um that was a crazy experience. Um, it was really great to see like how many people came to just like do karate in from so far away as well. >> Yeah, >> very good experience. >> Yeah, I heard that the competition was kind of like in a like a hockey rink, I think.

>> Like a stadium, I think, or I I don't know. >> Yeah, it was really big. definitely the biggest um venue I've competed in. >> Yeah. So, so before the actual competition itself, what did Team USA do as a like actual team? Did you guys have like a big huge team practice? Did you guys have like breakdowns? So, obviously the hard work is done before you get to the tournament, of course. But, um as far as just that, you know, that team bond, what did the USA coaches have, you know, the athletes do?

Yeah, we defin uh well, we had a team practice uh with the whole team. It was very crowded and uh really stinky, but it was a lot of fun and there was a lot of team spirit. Um so that was really cool to see. And then um the coaches would like hype us up and we do our team USA chant and that was a lot of fun. >> Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. And I believe Caleb was at that tournament too, correct? >> Yes, he was. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, like I saw um like I saw a bunch of photos coming through. So, I I had trouble like I wasn't sure if it was from nationals or the Romania trip, but Yeah. So, you have him in your corner and along with other coaches. So, when you're at a tournament like this, was he your main coach or did you have an opportunity to work with other coaches or or have other coaches coach you?

Yeah, he was my main coach, which um I was really lucky to have him coming to me for my first uh world tournament. Um so that was really good. It was nice to have something familiar while I was fighting in >> Yes. >> a new place against new people. >> Yeah, absolutely. And I'm glad that you mentioned that where I think sometimes, you know, going back to what we talked about gratitude, it's easy to take things for granted, right? And then when things aren't there, you're like thinking like, "Oh man, like I wish my coach was here." But the cool thing is you had him there right there. I'm in your corner. So yeah, I think that's awesome that you had to to like you had a positive experience at your first competition. So now let's actually dive into your competition and how you did there. Tell the viewers what events did you compete in?

I competed in uh festival. Uh I did kilo and open weight and then I did uh smart weapons uh kata uh south pacific and uh team. >> Very cool. And how did you do in all those divisions? So give us a breakdown like tell us like how you did you know what you thought you could have done better and yeah. Um, I got third in PA. Um, which I wasn't really expecting cuz I don't really do PA as much as I spar. Um, so that was that was kind of fun. Um, for the kumate divisions, I had a lot of fun fighting and I didn't end up placing, but I thought that I fought really well. And obviously there's still a lot to learn, but I had a lot of fun.

Uh, especially to team Kumate. Uh, that division was really fun. Probably one of my favorites. >> Awesome. And what was it like uh you know competing with other athletes from you know different countries? Um meaning what did you like were you expecting anything like specific? where you expecting them to be like a lot harder or obviously everyone's good at that tournament but um you know when you face someone from a different country it's it's kind of scary you know and like I get it you know because um I was at a tournament one time here in America and I had a chance to to do kumit against someone from India and it was dude like I was excited but also like I have no idea what this person is capable of you know so um did you have any of that kind of uh you know thoughts or you know that feeling.

>> Yeah, it's definitely scary to uh compete against people from all around the world. Um, but personally, I really like to fight people who I don't know because you can't really get scared of someone if you like someone's name on the board if you've never seen them before and you don't know who they are. So, I really enjoy fighting with people. Um, so that was a lot of fun for me. Yeah, >> it's definitely scary seeing all these people coming from everywhere. >> Yeah. No, absolutely. Yeah, like I agree. I um I had a chance to watch the opening ceremony uh um at the tournament that you were at and as the camera was kind of panning around, I just remember seeing all these athletes and all these different chants, all these cheers and I'm thinking, "Oh my gosh, it's like like it brought me back to when I was in Italy." But no, that's cool that you uh it's it's interesting, right, Vivian, that even as a skilled athlete like you are, you know, we still have those same emotions like we still get nervous, right? It's like we still get excited, but we still also are like, dang, like I don't know what that person can do to me, but I know what I can do. So, I think having the understanding like you are capable and that you deserve to be there, which I think, you know, it's just amazing. So again, just a huge congratulations on your performance and all the hard work that you've put in. Um I know that your family and your dojo and coach Caleb is very proud of you. So as so when you're in Romania, this is something that I really love to ask athletes, especially when they've go to different places aside from the competition, right? um you know, aside from waking up early and having to get ready for the competition and like you know, all the mental stuff that um you know, comes with that, when you were in a different country, what did you learn about your country or I'm sorry, like what did you learn about Romania or maybe athletes from different countries that really made you appreciate what you have at home or made you appreciate, you know, being an American?

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us. Kumate Lifestyle is proud to recognize Gordon [music] Wellness LLC based in Newport News, Virginia. Led by licensed clinical social worker Tanya D. Johnson, Gordon Wellness provides compassionate outpatient mental health therapy to help individuals navigate stress, [music] life's challenges, and emotional well-being. Because strength isn't only built on the mat, it also grows when we take care of ourselves. [music] Learn more at We would also like to extend a special thank you to our private sponsors for their continued support of Kumate Lifestyle. Your generosity helps [music] us continue sharing martial arts stories and bringing our community together. If you're interested in becoming a sponsor, [music] visit kumitlfestyle.com and contact us to learn more [music] >> It was definitely pretty different in Romania.

Um, yeah, it was a lot of fun seeing uh how they live differently than us. Um, but something I remember missing from America was like having ice water. Pretty hard. Yeah, it's, you know, but I'm glad you say that though because it's things like uh it's easy to take for granted, you know, it's um even like a phone or Wi-Fi or um not to get too weird, but you know, even just basic stuff like toilet paper or toothpaste, you know, it's it's those things like, you know, once you don't have it, you realize like, oh, like I am spoiled as an American, you know, but that's cool that you can take that experience away And something that I've really learned a lot over the years and I'm sure that you've already learned it too is it's not just about the competition. Um because I've been to a lot of tournaments and I can't remember exactly how I did at every single one.

But I remember the road trips. I remember flying to all these tournaments. I remember meeting all these people and I hope Vivian that's something that you will always remember for the rest of your life or the rest of the time that you know you have here. So cool. Um, man. So, like you get back home, right, from Romania and you're probably on Cloud9. You're excited for all your success. Uh, and then you get back to the dojo. Did it feel like nothing really happened or did you have time to really celebrate all the, uh, you know, excitement?

>> Um, getting both men, seeing everyone at the dojo was definitely exciting. Um, yeah, I got to uh just like tell them about my experience and that was a lot of fun. Um, yeah, it wasn't it wasn't really too different from um the dojo normally, but it was definitely a lot of fun to see them after um that kind of experience. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, what's next for you? Um, meaning you just got done Romania and I know that the season just I believe it's Is it over for you guys? Is like is the AAOU season over until it starts um next calendar year? Like like what did you have after Romania is what I'm asking?

>> Um yeah, I think this season is kind of over for a little bit. Um I'd really like to just continue competing and going to as many tournaments as I can. Um, and I'd really like to uh get to represent Team USA once again and see if I can uh do better than I did last time at Worlds. Yeah. >> Yeah. I heard that the next World Championships in Rome, I think. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So, that would be Yeah. So, that would be pretty cool. I'm sure that's something that you uh have as one of your next goals, right?

>> Yeah, definitely. >> Awesome. So very cool. So we've had an opportunity to hear about, you know, the time when you first started, all the all those moments leading up to, of course, Romania. You also touched on, you know, giving thanks to your coaches, Coach Caleb, of course, and just as you've grown, not only as a karate ka, but also as a competitor. Yeah, I think I think everything that you've have accomplished is a culmination of your hard work, the hard work of your parents and the sacrifices and of course your coaches and your teammates. So, let me ask you this because I think this is uh I think you'll enjoy this question. if a young athlete um is watching you or you know they're competing or maybe they see you representing Team USA or all these other amazing athletes but maybe they're not there yet meaning like maybe they're thinking like oh like I can be there one day like what advice do you give that athlete? Um, I mean really just like continue to continuing to train and going to tournaments and like learning from every experience they can.

Um, it's really just about trusting the process and continuing to work hard. >> Yeah, I like how you said that trust the process, right? Because, you know, sometimes the process, you know, sometimes we're like, [sighs] man, like it's like, why am I even doing this? you know, and then you just have that moment, you win or something happens that goes like um in your favor and then you're like, "Okay, I'm exactly where I need to be." So, yeah, I agree there. So for anyone, so for anyone watching or listening, whether you're a young aspiring teen or a kid or even an adult, because I think that was also the thing that I thought was really cool, Vivian, was on that trip to Romania that you were just on. It wasn't just kids, teens, and like like like young adults. There were people from all walks of life. So, when you were sitting in the stands, did you have an opportunity to watch um all your other, you know, fellow USA athletes compete as well?

>> Yeah. Um I had a lot of fun watching uh like the younger kids. Um they're uh obviously really cute, but they're so fierce when they're doing karate, and that's really fun to see. And then also like the adults um whether it's like uh young adults in their 20s, that was really fun to see, but even like uh people uh more experienced than that. Um that was cool to see that they're still sticking with it. >> Yeah. >> And getting to go to these cool places. >> I like how you said more experienced instead of like older. [laughter] But yeah, I agree. Um, I think it's very cool. You know, I will say just over this last year being able to host amazing athletes like yourself and, you know, the Adamsons and Luke and, you know, just other AAU athletes, you know, like specifically, I've become a huge fan uh of of karate and I I obviously I train karate, but I think it's important that when you're doing something, you know, you know, especially in sports, you got to be a fan of it, right? got to love karate. You got to love this, you know, 100%. Because something that I see often, and I'm sure maybe you've seen it or you've or maybe you kind of feel it too sometimes, is if we're just training to, you know, like if we're just training to train, if we're just training to go to a tournament or get a medal, but there's really no love behind it, I think that kind of gets a little bit boring. So, um, I like I just want to thank, you know, athletes like yourself, uh, and all the other athletes I've had on. You've helped me find my spark for Karate again. And I've really enjoyed watching all the AAOU events over the last year. It's it's been cool to be able to, you know, be that person where you can share your story in this safe spot, if you will. So, yeah. Um, so with that, are there as a fan of Karate, as a fan of, you know, the sport for yourself, aside from Coach Caleb and, you know, your amazing teammates that you have at Adamson's, are there other USA karate athletes that you enjoy watching or you enjoy, uh, you know, just kind of following their journey for inspiration?

>> Uh, yeah. Um, I really enjoyed watching uh uh Zen Pins out. >> Zalen's a beast. >> Yeah, >> he's really cool. Um, and I love watching him fight. He's so fast and like really smart. So, that's really cool to see. Very inspiring. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Luke Saratino from my dojo. >> He's obviously really cool. >> He's the man. >> Yeah. He I love watching him fight as well. >> Yeah. So those I think it's really cool to see.

>> Yeah, Luke and I were on the same team when we went to Italy, so I had a chance to kind of see him kind of before he became Luke Sartino. Um and then, you know, watching his success and then Zalen had his match at um at nationals was crazy of like that sweep that he did on on Isaac. [laughter] It became like a highlight reel. So I thought that was cool. Um awesome. So the last question I have for you is this. When karate is eventually only one chapter of a much bigger life story for you, what do you hope people will remember you by? Not just as a competitor, but more as a person, and this might be kind of a stretch because I know you're still training now, but we can kind of well, let me kind of paraphrase that. From the time that you started karate up to now, let's just imagine that you decided and not that I would want you to, but maybe decided to take a break from training, which I think taking breaks are important, but obviously for a short amount of time, but everything that you've accomplished from the time you started to now in that time frame, Vivian, what do you want people to remember you by? Or hopefully like what do you like what positivity or what impact do you want to leave behind?

Um, I'd like to be remembered um as like a good teammate hopefully for my uh Adamson's Friday team. Um, especially like getting to coach and teach the younger kids or just um my friends my age uh that like just supporting them. Um, I really hope that that's something they remember. >> Yeah, absolutely. And just knowing you, just based in this conversation we've had, I think you're continuing to do that. So, yeah. Um, Vivian, who and this is a fun question and I wanted to save this for the end. If you could recommend three people or maybe even five, if you could recommend five people, who would you like to see next on the Kumate Lifestyle podcast that hasn't already been on?

>> Um, my teammate Monkey. Uh, he's really cool. I think she'd have a lot of fun on this podcast. Um, Ella Blanik, he would love to have this opportunity, I think. And it'd be really fun to see what she has to say. Um, I think my coach definitely. Um, >> yeah, I think it would be really cool to see. >> Yeah, I would. Yeah, I would definitely enjoy having Caleb on. So, after this conversation, if you want to uh ask him or kind of uh, you know, set that up or Yeah. Um, yeah, I think we can definitely make that happen for sure.

And then who would be the last two? >> Um, I think Alex Dickerson, another one of my teammates. Um, yeah, he's a really good teammate. Really fun to watch. It would be cool. And then I don't know. >> It's okay. Like I know that was kind of a uh like like off-the-topic type question, but I just wanted to get your feedback. So for those that are watching, if those guys are watching or those individuals and you just heard Vivian say your name, just know that she thinks highly of you enough to be able to actually sit and listen to your story. So yeah, I'm all for it. I love being able to host amazing, you know, guests like yourself.

And uh yeah, like I would like I would definitely like to get um Coach Caleb on this podcast as well. So I think we can make that happen if we work together. So, I'm all for it. Um, yeah, Vivian, where can people find you on social media if they have any questions or if they just want to follow along your journey? >> Um, I'm on Instagram, Biff Karate. Uh, yeah, that's my account for all my karate journey. So, every tournament I go to, I'll post on there. >> Very cool. Well, guys, there you have it. So today we had Vivian KDR on and she took the this opportunity to talk about her life as a young karate ka as she continues to transform into this world champion. Uh and I'm just very excited to been able to share your story today. And thank you so much for trusting Kumate Lifestyle. And of course for anyone that's watching for the first time, if you're watching this on YouTube, make sure you guys, you know, smash that subscribe button. And then anywhere in the world, if you're in the car, if you're on your way to the dojo, if you're on your way to Indiana to train with Vivian and the crew from Adamson's, you guys can now listen to Kumate Lifestyle 247 for free on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and then yeah, you know, let's just keep this party going. So again, Vivian, thank you so much for hopping in today. It was really fun to be able to get just a quick snapshot of your story. Um, unfortunately, like there's only so much time that we can talk under an hour. So, you know, I think a part two is coming in the near future. So, if that's ever something you're you're like, uh, you know, interested in, yeah, just let us know and then we'll go from there. But again, thank you so much for being a guest today.

>> Thank you for having me. >> Yep. And that's another episode of Kumate Lifestyle in the books. A huge thank you to today's guests for taking the time to come on, share their story, and be a part of this conversation. And to everyone watching or listening, thank you for giving us something you can never get back. Your time. Whether this is your first episode or you've been rocking with us since the beginning, I truly appreciate you for being part of what we're building.

Every person has a story. Every conversation has value. And sometimes all it takes is being willing to sit down, listen, and learn from someone else's experience. This is Kumite