NORTH CANTON, Ohio – Jackie Chan and Chuck Norris better look out because a Northeast Ohio girl maybe the next Karate Kid.
“It is very complicated to compete on my level, but I know I can do this, so I push myself even further,” said Megan Maxim. “I mostly do well in the creative and extreme category, but I also do well in form, sparring and weapons.”
Megan, 10, is a first-degree black belt from North Canton. Last weekend, she competed at a District Championship in Chicago, where she won five out of seven titles.
“It was quite an accomplishment for her to achieve that level of technique and be able to win those awards,” her father Keith said.
About three years ago, Keith and his wife Laura were looking for an activity for the whole family. Keith, Laura, Megan and her little brother, Griffin, enrolled in martial arts classes.
Since then, they’ve all become black belts and are state title holders. Griffin will receive his next week.
“It’s awesome that he’s getting his black belt,” Megan said. “It’s great to experience what I’m experiencing right now, and I’m so happy for my family to be doing this right now.”
Both Megan and Griffin are home schooled, enabling the family to travel to karate tournaments every week. After she completes schoolwork, Megan studies martial arts techniques for up to five hours.
“It is fun,” Megan said. “I get to make new friends and compete and to also travel to new places and I like to do that.”
Next to a pile of toys and stuffed animals is a mountain of accomplishment: the family’s 400 medals and trophies.
Yet, Megan says she’d like to add one more: a world championship.
Throughout the year, Megan has earned a number of points to qualify her for the American Taekwondo Association’s World Championship in Arkansas. The competition will last a few days in July.
Of 50,000 girls initially eligible, 10 advance to the tournament. Megan is ranked within the top five, nailing some rather impressive moves that could nab her a win. The most impressive move? Keith says it’s the “voodoo child.”
“It’s an elite move,” he said. “The bow staff is spinning in one direction. While the box staff is spinning in one direction, you’re turning in the other direction. And the probability of you spinning around and catching it is very unlikely. I tried it for over a year, and I can’t even do it, but it’s Megan’s favorite.”
Though a lot is weighing on the competition, Megan said she loves spending time with her family and her new friends.
“The number one thing I look forward to is to just do my best and to make myself happier and to make myself more motivated to win that world championship,” Megan said.