Helen Marsh of England represents the perfect example of the passion and dedication that Karate embodies. As the Paralympic Games are on the horizon and Para-Karate continues its bid to be included in the next edition of the Games, Ms Marsh’s story in Para-Karate encourages everyone to look beyond the obstacles and see the potential within while showcasing the tremendous benefits of Karate for athletes with disabilities.
Helen Marsh's journey in karate began at the age of eight, when her parents recognised that ballet wasn't her calling. Seeing her boundless energy, they thought Karate might be a better fit. Little did they know, this decision would lay the foundation for her future as a Para-Karate champion.
“I could not have imagined at that young age that I would be competing in the European Championships, let alone in the Wheelchair user category!” she states via email.
As a young karateka, Ms Marsh showed immense promise and dedication to the sport. However, her progress came to an abrupt halt due to health issues that forced her to take a break from karate. This setback devastated her, who found solace and strength in her training.
Life took a new turn when she became a mother to two daughters. Interestingly, her youngest daughter showed the same disinterest in ballet as she had years ago, which opened a door for Ms Marsh to reconnect with karate. She enrolled her daughter in a local karate class and began training alongside her.
A significant turning point in her karate journey came a decade ago when she met Sensei John Gardiner. Sensei Gardiner's guidance and encouragement were instrumental in Ms Marsh’s progress. With her passion reignited and karate becoming a central part of her family life, her path seemed set. However, life threw another challenge her way when her health issues resurfaced, ultimately leading to her reliance on a wheelchair.
“I felt that my karate journey once again could be over, but this time for good, however, the love for karate was just too great,” she said.
Despite this new obstacle, Ms Marsh’s determination never wavered. She attributes her continued success to a supportive family, a sensei who saw beyond her wheelchair, and a welcoming dojo community.
With Sensei Gardiner's help, she reinvented her approach to karate and training. Her resilience and adaptability were put to the test as she challenged herself to compete once again. This journey culminated in her participation in the British Open Championships in 2023, where her performance earned her a spot on the England Para-Karate team for the 2024 European Championships.
In her first international competition and only her fourth since becoming a wheelchair user, Ms Marsh’s hard work paid off spectacularly. At the 2024 EKF Senior Championships in Zadar, Croatia, she won the bronze medal in the Wheelchair user category. Helen finished second in her pool round, scoring 38.3 for her performance of the "Kanku Dai" kata. She then excelled in the bronze medal match, defeating Murvet Demirtas of Turkey with scores of 39.5 to 37.5, thanks to her impressive rendition of the "Unsu" kata.
“I felt that I really belonged, which is something that I have not always felt in society since having to use a chair,” she said.
Helen Marsh's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative nature of karate. Her journey showcases the sport's inclusive spirit and its potential to empower individuals, regardless of their physical limitations. Ms Marsh’s achievements highlight how karate can help wheelchair users find strength, purpose, and a sense of belonging.
As she continues to inspire others, Helen Marsh remains a beacon of hope and a perfect showcase of the passion for the sport. With her strength and vibrant personality, Ms Marsh proves that with the right support and mindset, anything is possible.
“I am not an exceptional person for adapting my life as a wheelchair user; instead, I am a person who has exceptional people and support around! Without them, I would not have been at the Europeans, let alone being able to be part of karate,” she adds.