Finding her strength

Chastity Bailey is a shy, 11-year-old Pinewoods Elementary student in grade six who finds her strength by participating in Judo. She practices two times a week in Cranbrook with her Sensei, Ian Johnston, and said that the sport has given her confidence.
"I like it because I feel stronger," said Chastity. "I get to learn new things and meet new friends.".
The young judoka—a term that refers to any practitioner of judo—is fresh from competing in a judo competition in Fernie where she won a silver medal.
"I felt really great and . . . excited when I won the silver," she said. "I had to fight two girls who were in my weight category."
Chastity is ready for the challenge of the upcoming BC Winter Games in Cranbrook, where she will be competing in the adult class as one of the youngest registrants. She is looking forward to show her stuff to her home town, along with some of her close friends and teachers who have promised to come watch her match—the first of which will be on her 12th birthday.
Chastity qualified for the games with an exemption; she was the only female competitor of her weight and age category in the region who has competed and been awarded a medal. She is excited by the opportunity to compete, even as she admits that she is anxious about the competition and the crowds.
"I'm a bit nervous and happy at the same time," she said.
Her favourite move is called Osoto-Gari—the combatant steps forward with the left leg and, using her right leg, sweeps her opponent's right leg with a backward kick, pulling the opponent off-balance.
"You take a grip, take a step, bend your knee and go down," explained Chastity, demonstrating the technique. "I like it because it's somewhat easy."
This is Bailey's second year in Judo—she currently holds a yellow belt in the sport, and she's determined to stay with it and eventually earn her black belt.
Chastity's mother, Stacy, said that Chastity's lifelong interest is what inspired her to enter her in Judo.
"She's always had an interest in martial arts," said Stacy. "Her confidence is getting better. She's not as aggressive as she should be but she's doing well."