Interview
The Iranian World Silver Medalist in Wushu believes that
Iranian girls are proving themselves
Shirzanan: Fereshteh Movahed/Translation by Roja Najafi: The Iranian World Silver Medalist in Wushu, Raziyeh Tahmasbi, believes that women in martial arts have a better chance of proving themselves mostly because they are learning and working on the skills that gives them more self-confidence. Raziyeh Tahmasbi, Wushu participant in 56 Kg, will leave Iran in a few days to attend the national women’s team preparatory camp. She thinks that more girls are attracted to martial arts these days because martial arts give them a sense of power. Tahmasbi said that she would try her best to get qualified for the Chinese World Championship.
When did you start? And how come you chose Wushu?
I was 12. I first started with swimming and then I changed to Karate. About Wushu, it was accidental; I had a friend whose sister worked in this field. I got interested and since I knew Karate it was easier for me to adapt. Sanshou is a very attractive sport. It will give you all the expected excitement. I believe it is more exciting than Taolu; Wushu is more than artistic movements.
In the recent years we see more girls getting attracted to martial arts, why is that?
Perhaps because Iranian girls are looking for a chance to prove themselves.
Do you thing they have a better chance by choosing Martial Arts?
Look, in my opinion it is essential to learn the skills and techniques of self-defense. It will at least give more confidence to the participant. I believe Wushu trains strong, independent and confidence girls.
What is the main difference, in your opinion, between those girls who practice martial arts and those who don’t?
I think the main difference is in self-confidence that they gain with martial arts. May be other girls who practice other sports are having the same amount of self-confidence. But I feel I have more power as a martial art participant.
How is the Sanshou situation in Iran? Is there any problem with the coach or equipment?
I think the gap between Iran’s team and the best team in the world is very small. We can overcome this gap by gaining more experience in overseas games and competitions. We are in a good shape. We have a good coach, although it never hurts to have coaches with more international experience.
You are going to attend in a preparatory camp, how effective are these camps? And do you think you will be chosen for the national team?
I think they are very helpful. The more we participate in the preparatory camps the more victorious we become. I will try my best to get qualified for the Chinese competitions.
