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When Denise Laghayi took up taekwondo at theageof 5. her origi- nal objective was to learn it as a means of self defence. Since that time. the l4-year~old Stoufiville resident has made good use of what skills she's acquired in that martial arts discipline. Rather. Laghayi has made good use of it through her appearance in various competitions But not for her driginal inten- dons. And to dbte. she's fielded some pretty impressive results Competing in the Cadet-female light middleweight division. Laghayi had an impressive 2013 campaign by finishing first in the pmvincial championships That enabled her to qualify for the national championships in Van- couver where she proved her feat at the pmvincials was not an aberra- tion after earning another first place In September. Iaghayi made her debut on the international stage when she went to Queretaro. Mexico to represent Canada at the Pan-American Championships and finished a respectable fourth. “l was originally eager to learn self defence,” the Grade 8 Oscar Peterson Public School student recalled of her beglnnings in the sport. “But when I started going more and more. that’s when I real- ized I loved the sport.” Reflecting on_ the solid founda- tion she's established thus far in her budding martial arts career. Laghayi BY MICHAEL HAYAKAWA mhayakawaébyrmgxom was quick to credit a number of Training from Day 1 at Myungs Tagkwondo Academy. laghayi is people. “My parents. coach. friends and family have helped me become as successful as I am now." she said. “I'm very thankful for their support and help" a first degree black belt {and will be testing for her second degree in But before doing that. she will go to the national championships in Toronto from May 15 to 18. Looking ahead to her appearance in Montreal. Laghayi is confident she can make her presence felt. "I've been very hard and long for this tournament.” she said. For laghayi. long hours repre- sents being on the mat six days a “I love taekwondo because it's a contact sport and it keeps you mov- ing. Especially the adrenaline rush I get during practices.” she said. laghayi also hopes to represent Canada at the Cadet World Cham- pbnships in Asia in My. That. she revealed, is her objec- tive for this season. Her supporters are looking for a sponsor to help send her to the event. But putting in that time. she said is plenty of fun. ‘...it keeps you moving. Especially the adrenaline rush I get during practices”