Spotlight

When Victoria Stambaugh was little, she dreamed of growing up to be like Jackie Chan. The “Rush Hour” movies in particular were household favorites. She had real-life martial arts figures, too: her father and grandfather were professional boxers.

With that background, you would think that today Victoria would be a boxer, or perhaps a wing chun practitioner. However, Victoria’s martial arts journey took her on a different path – one that lead to the Olympics! Besides being an inspiration, Victoria is also actively teaching the next generation of martial artists at her school, Believe Commit Achieve Taekwondo and Parkour.

Get to Know Victoria

1. Where are you from/where did you grow up?

I’m from Pasadena, Texas, and I grew up in the Houston area.

2. How did you begin training in martial arts?

My dad was a professional boxer, so he wanted to get me and my brother into some type of martial art. We first tried judo, then karate, and finally when I was 8 years old, we found taekwondo. My cousins were already training, and taekwondo soon became a family sport!

3. What were your initial impressions of martial arts?

When I was little, my dream was to be like Jackie Chan. Watching all the Rush Hour movies inspired me to continue in my path of becoming a martial artist. Martial arts wasn’t too popular when I was growing up, but it was longing to be something different that kept me intrigued.

4. What experience in your martial arts journey has meant the most to you?

Throughout my 19 years of practicing taekwondo, I have had many experiences that have meant a lot to me. However, the biggest experience was on March 12, 2020: Qualifying for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, after six knee surgeries!

5. What does a normal day of training look like your you?

It depends if I have a competition coming up or not. Right now, I am taking care of my body and training four to five times a week – nothing too strenuous. I listen to my body, and train using a lot of mental and visualization techniques, as well as physically. When I’m preparing for a competition, I will train one or two times a day, five days a week. But I’m always listening to my body. After 19 years of fighting, my main goal is longevity and staying healthy so I will be able to stay healthy and injury-free during competition.

6. What advice do you have for young martial artists?

Practice, practice, practice! Listen to and respect your instructors. Humility comes before victory. Stay humble and willing to learn. Practice positive self-talk and never make excuses!

7. What are three things you can’t live without?

Jesus Christ. Food. Sleep.

8. What movie can you watch any time?

Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift, and Pride and Prejudice.

9. Which song/artist gets you ready for a workout?

(K-Pop group) Blackpink has been my go-to recently. But usually, reggaeton gets me going.

10. Where’s one place you’ve never been, that you’d love to visit?

There are too many places in the world I dream of visiting! Since I was little, I have always dreamt of visiting Japan! God willing, I will be there summer 2021!

11. Who are your role models?

I actually don’t have too many role models. Pretty much the only one is Jesus Christ. I try to live my life as him. I really look up to my mom and dad also!

12. What’s your go-to method for relaxing at the end of the day?

My go-to method of relaxing is eating my fav vegan ice cream and watching a movie with my fiancé.

13. What food could you eat for the rest of your life without getting tired of?

I would have to say Whole Foods Vegan Pizza! It’s the best!

14. What’s your favorite piece of clothing you own?

I have too much clothing to have a favorite. However, honestly, I would say my taekwondo pants are what I use the most! I’ll even wear them to sleep in. They are the comfiest!

15. Which season is the best for being outside?

I LOVE springtime! That time of year makes me so happy.

16. If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

Hmmm, flying would be great so I could travel the world with ease and cheaper!

17. What is the most important advice you’ve ever received?

Surrender your life to Christ Jesus and make Him the center of your life.

18. What are your favorite Century products?

BOB! BOB has been my training partner for many of my competitions. I am so thankful for Century’s products. Though out my career I have used so many Century bags. In many cases, those bags were my training partners when I had none.

Victoria's Instagram Feed