Feature Friday: Qian Xu
Welcome back to Feature Friday, where we introduce you to someone within or related to our organizations by asking them a few questions and presenting their answers to you.
This week we would like to introduce our very own Qian Xu. Qian is a leader and President of the MIT Karate Club. Qian is presently a PHD candidate at MIT in the Mechanical Engineering department where she is focused on the study of thermal energy conversion.
Why and how did you get started in karate?
I saw the MIT team compete at a tournament in 2017, and I think the black belts there look so cool. So I told myself that I want to be a calm, cool, collected karateka as well.
What is your current rank and or position?
Shodan, President of MIT Shotokan Karate Club.
What gets you to the dojo every week?
The joy of learning new things from insightful instructors, practicing with karate friends and helping each other, or just reviewing and improving my own techniques.
Who have been your biggest influences in karate?
Tabata Sensei. His pure enthusiasm for spreading karate, deep understanding of karate, wise perspectives on life, and care for his karate students have inspired me so much.
What are some of your goals in karate?
Keep training hard and properly, be a life-long committed karateka.
What is your favorite technique, kata or aspect of karate?
I like Kanku Dai. It’s a beautiful kata requiring the most basic karate techniques. I never get bored of practicing it. I also like sparring. It challenges me to become faster and stronger and face the unknown fear. And it’s interesting to find out that the martial arts tactics I have learned from kumite can apply to other things in life.
Thank you for your time, Qian!
About The Author
