student spotlight
By Sanaya Attari
A Master of Self-defense How Emmie Wolery became a black belt
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Emmie Wolery, center, with her mother, Angela An, and father, Don Wolery. 34
nings. Wolery’s mother Angela An, a news anchor at WBNS10TV, is also a martial arts black belt. “Although she just turned 7 when she got her black belt, she’s still considered an upper belt to adults who are starting out as white belts,” An says, “so I think that confidence, watching her be a mentor to others no matter her age, is also an important part of the whole martial arts philosophy.” Master Tran’s Martial Arts Academy is certified by World Taekwondo, the international governing body of the sport based in South Korea, and Emmie is registered with the federation. “I wanted to defend myself against bad people who may try to hurt me, and by (training) I got more confidence and learned how to fight better,” Emmie says. An says parents should listen to their children and know when they are feeling overwhelmed. You never know which path your child will take, so it’s important to let them guide you without overcommitting them. “Part of the reason is obviously because, as a woman, my husband and I felt it was important for Emmie to know self-defense, and not just a class here and there but something that was more instinctive to her,” An says. “She probably got my www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com
Photos courtesy of Angela An & Don Wolery
ot every kid wants to train hard at night, but 7-and-ahalf-year-old Emmie Wolery is already a black belt in the martial arts. She’s one of youngest students to start her training at Master Tran’s Martial Arts Academy in Westerville when she was 4 years old, and has come a long way after three years of perseverance and dedication in her training. “I was committed because I wanted to spend more time with my dad,” Emmie says, a second-grader at Columbus School for Girls, “but Mom played a little bit of a role too.” She started her martial arts training early – you could say martial art is just in her DNA. Her father, Don Wolery, is a martial arts instructor who teaches at the academy late in the eve-
