Lydia Smaciarz, Staff Writer
College students have a variety of ways to spend free time: going to the gym, hanging out with friends, playing video games, watching a movie, or even kickboxing! Brayana Elmore is a Saint Martin’s student who spends her free time training for her next fight. Here is everything you need to know.
Brayana served in the Army as a medic for six years; she retired due to disability and is now a second-year computer science student and Vet Club Secretary.
As someone who enjoyed competing in contact sports such as football, basketball, and rugby, Brayana had always considered kickboxing. About a year ago, her coach asked her if she wanted to fight after seeing her kick and saying, “You could probably break someone’s leg with that!” Brayana was motivated to pursue kickboxing to maintain a healthy lifestyle after leaving the military, “It was the most I weighed in my whole life, and I knew if I didn’t do something I enjoy then I would just keep gaining more weight.” Kickboxing has helped Brayana maintain her physical health and improved her confidence within herself, her schoolwork, and her relationships.
Additionally, Brayana has enjoyed having the opportunity to advocate as a female representative in a male dominated sport while also making connections with other women who have similar mindsets. She wants to encourage others who feel influenced to attempt kickboxing regardless of intimidation,
I know it can be kind of scary to get into, but if anyone just wants to talk about it, they can hit me up. I am open to talking to them about it. Or they come to class with me, so they feel comfortable going to class with somebody.
Brayanna Elmore
If anyone has questions about kickboxing or is interested in attending a class, reach out to Brayana at brayana.elmore@stmartin.edu!
Brayana’s kickboxing debut was December 9th, 2023, at Green River College where she was cheered on by her wife, family, friends, and a handful of Saint Martin’s students and faculty. The final decision was that she had lost, despite her putting up a good fight. This was not easy for Brayana, “I am a very competitive person so the fact that it came to a decision, and then I lost, was really hard. I’m not good at losing.” However, the fight has motivated her to train harder than ever before and improve and excel with her cardio and technique. Brayana is feeling confident about her next fight which will be held March 16th, 2024, at the Northwest Sports Hub in Centralia.
Tickets for Brayana’s second professional fight are available now at the Vet’s Center! The fight card includes MMA and kickboxing matches. The prices are $45 GA and $75 VIP. There are also raffle tickets available for $10 for a chance to win two GA tickets. Pick up your tickets and show your support. For any questions regarding tickets email jcastillonsierra@stmartin.edu or micheal.james@stmartin.edu.
Good luck Brayana!
The Belltower 