First Interview..... Of many we hope. 1: Your Name? A: Mariah Moore, “The Eskrimadora” 2: Your location ? A: Rural Michigan 3: Which Martial Art/s do you do? A: Kyokushin-Kai Karate, Arnis/Eskrima, Tae Kwon Do. (Also trained in Wushu and Silat) 4: How long have you trained and what belt / rank are you now? A: I have been training for the past 11 years, and currently am a first degree black in Kyokushin-Kai Karate. I am the equivalent of black in Arnis/Eskrima (we earn rank by getting our next weapon, no belt ranking system). I am red testing for black in Tae Kwon Do next month! (Oct. 2011) 5: Why did you start? A: Well, I have always loved Bruce Lee movies! And as far back as I can remember, I had always wanted to do martial arts, but being located in a rural area, the closest class was almost an hour away. My parents didn’t want to drive all that way for a 6 year old wanting to do karate. But I didn’t give up. I kept bugging and finally, at the age of 8, the 2 years of begging and pleading paid off! A Kyokushin Karate class opened up in my home town and from the very first day, I knew that this was where I belonged. It was my passion from that day forward! 6: Do you prefer to use your hands, feet or other body part to strike? A: Because I have trained in Karate, Arnis, and in Tae Kwon Do, I have been trained in both hands and feet and I use them equally. I like to use everything. Ideally, a good martial artist does not rely on just their hands or just their feet. Rather, a good mix of all of the skills and techniques they’ve learned. I am prepared to use my hands and feet equally so no matter what kind of fighter I’m up against, I am prepared. 7: Favorite technique? A: How could I ever pick?! I love them all! But, I have been known to throw a good ridge hand and I’ve heard I kick pretty hard! 8: In your own opinion, what is your most dangerous weapon? A: It’s a difficult question to answer. But there are a couple things that come to mind. First…I have an indomitable will and I have no fear of getting hurt. Pain is only temporary so I do not fear it. However, if you mean a physical feature…my Tae Kwon Do Instructor Kyosanim Dennis Bedard would say, “My tree trunks!” (or legs/feet) Regarding a hand held weapon, my most dangerous weapon is also my favorite. The Talibong (Swords on Ropes). They are so comfortable in my hands. They are as an extension of my own hands 9: Have you ever had to use your art in self defence? A: Hmmm. Well, I did have a bully in school and for about 4 years straight, from 5th grade to 8th grade. He would kick my heels, push me, and call me names but when he actually took a swing at me, I blocked and took him down and held him there in front of all of his friends. He never did it again. Then in high school he told me that he had a crush on me all those years. You know, as I was growing up and training heavily in the art, people would frequently ask my parents, “How can you let your little girl fight like that and “play” with weapons? Aren’t you afraid she’ll get hurt? I always loved my mothers reply. She said, “Are you kidding? First of all, she doesn’t “Play” with weapons. She trains with world class coaches…the best in the world. One in 3 girls will be raped or sexually assaulted by the age of 18. My daughter is learning the skills to protect and defend herself and others. By allowing her to train with qualified, competent teachers, I am lowering the odds significantly in my daughters favor. On the street, thankfully no, I have never had to use the skills I’ve learned. However, it does give me some extra confidence knowing that I have been trained well and I know to pay attention, be aware of my surroundings, take note of who is near me, and I’m always thinking about safety for me and whoever is with me. 10: List any titles or competitions you have won. A: World Titles 2011-2012 Canadian International Hapkido Federation (I.H.F.) -World Champion Sparring 2011-2012 Canadian International Hapkido Federation (I.H.F.) -World Champion Black Belt Weapons 2011-2012 Canadian International Hapkido Federation (I.H.F.) -World Champion Black Belt Open Hand Forms 2010-2011 World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (WEKAF) World Champion Full Contact Single Stick Fighting. 2010-2011 World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (WEKAF) World Champion Full Contact Double Stick Fighting. 2010-2011 International Hapkido Federation (I.H.F.) -World Champion Black Belt Open Hand Forms 2010-2011 International Hapkido Federation (I.H.F.) -World Champion Black Belt Weapons 2008-2009 World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (WEKAF) World Champion Traditional Multiple Weapons 2008-2009 World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (WEKAF) World Champion Full Contact Double Stick Fighting 2006-2007 World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (WEKAF) World Champion Traditional Multiple Weapons 2006-2007 World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (WEKAF) World Champion Full Contact Double Stick Fighting National Titles 2010-2011 World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (WEKAF) U.S.A. National Champion Team Forms/Jornales System 2010-2011 World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (WEKAF) U.S.A. National Champion Traditional Multiple Weapons 2010-2011 World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (WEKAF) U.S.A. National Champion Full Contact Double Stick Fighting 2008-2009 World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (WEKAF) U.S.A. National Champion Traditional Multiple Weapons 2008-2009 World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (WEKAF) U.S.A. National Champion Full Contact Double Stick Fighting 2006-2007 World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation(WEKAF) U.S.A. National Champion Traditional Multiple Weapons Grand Championship Titles 2011- Detroit D’ Lux Charity Challenge International Martial Arts Tournament Grand Champion Black Belt Weapons 2010 - Michigan Cup International Martial Arts Competition Grand Champion Black Belt Open Hand 2010 - Michigan Cup International Martial Arts Competition Grand Champion Weapons 2010 - Detroit D’ Lux Charity Challenge International Martial Arts Tournament Grand Champion Black Belt Weapons 2009 - North American International Karate Championships(N.A.I.K.C.) Grand Champion Black Belt Weapons 2009 – Detroit D’ Lux Charity Challenge Martial Arts Tournament Black Belt Open Weapons Grand Champion 2008 - Where Warriors Dare Tournament of Champions Double Grand Champion Grand Champion Under Black Belt Weapons Grand Champion Under Black Belt Open Hand Forms 2007 - Where Warriors Dare Tournament of Champions Grand Champion Under Black Belt Weapons Special Interest Personal Security Officer, Bedard Black Belt Center Personal Security Services Actor/Stunt Choreographer/Stunts ~ Full length feature film, “Dirty Bomb” Director Jason James Actor/Stunt Choreographer/Stunts ~ “Round 2” (Version 1) Glass Cage Productions Lead Actress, Stunt Choreographer/Stunts ~ “Round 2” (Version 2) Glass Cage Productions Trained in China with Grand Master Wu Bin, Personal Coach to both Jet Lee and Jackie Chan Any other comments.... I am grateful for the opportunity to share something very near and dear to me. Another side of me. I am a very strong believer in giving back…pay it forward. I want to make a difference, and I will. Since as far back as I can remember, there have been many, many people…really my entire community…businesses, clubs, organizations, and individuals behind me, cheering me on and doing everything they can to help me reach my goals and dreams. They support my fundraisers, send me letters and cards, and never fail to ask “What’s next Mariah?” With the support of my community, I have been able to compete all around the world and see beautiful amazing places that I would otherwise never have seen or experienced. For this, I am so very grateful. As my community has supported me, so shall I, give back to them…in any way I can. God has given me an amazing gift in martial arts, my success, and in the ability to speak publicly without fear. I believe God expects us to use the gifts we are given to make the world a better place. I work for him and he lifts me up and gives me everything I need. It’s an honor and a calling for me to reach out to women, children, and at risk groups and encourage them to pursue their dreams and never give up. I love to speak to the importance of believing in yourself and not ever saying “I CAN’T” because what ‘I CAN’T really means is, I DON’T WANT TO.” There are so many worthy causes out there. It’s not hard to find something or someone to believe in. And, there is no feeling in the world that compares to doing something for someone else. . I can’t tell you how great it makes your heart feel to give freely of your talent and yourself to benefit someone in need or who needs inspiration or who is less fortunate. If they call, and I believe in the cause, the date is open and I have the money to go, I go. I always try to think, “What if it was me? I hope someone would help me.” A 7 year old boy named Jared Sweet who has Duchene’s Muscular Dystrophy taught me that “One good deed at a time, we can change the world.” WOW, What a list and what a catch for Martial Arts Female.com, Thanks Mariah and good luck with the Blackbelt...we want to see the pictures ! :).....x | 
