26 March, 2024
Trained in Taekwondo and other martial arts, the young Nadine Champion knew how to handle herself in a tough situation – or so she thought…
Working security in a vibrant night club on Oxford St in Sydney, she was attacked by 2 people at once, one from in front, and one from behind, the latter one eye-gouging her in a drunken rage, attempting to injure her beyond recovery.
Beaten and bloodied, she survived this ordeal, but her attacker had inflicted wounds much deeper than her bruised eye-socket. The experience had rocked her to the core:
“The person I thought I was… had taken a beating along with my face. I felt unsteady on the inside…”
Nadine was suddenly carrying a new fear. A deep-seeded insecurity that was “desperately uncomfortable”.
Who am I? I thought I knew…
That experience and the questions that followed launched her on a search that ended in the San Fernando Valley, and finding her own ‘Mr Miyagi’ – Sensei Benny ‘The Jet’ Urquidez – one of the World’s greatest martial artists - and just who Nadine needed in her corner to help shape her into the powerful woman she has become.
Sensei Benny taught her more than just how to fight – he taught her how to ‘think’ – about herself, and about life, and Nadine discovered how 10 seconds of courage can change everything.
Cancer survivor. World Champion Fighter. Lifelong learner, and now, Teacher – on this episode of Gifts From the Edge, Nadine Champion unpacks for us what ‘coming back’ and ‘stepping up’ looks like and how you can do it too.
Nadine is an inspiring speaker, author and martial artist who truly knows what it means to use "10 Seconds of Courage" to overcome obstacles and reach her potential. She is a highly sought after speaker and mindset coach who works with individuals, organisations and corporations to foster their courage, adapt positively to change and develop resilience.
Links and sources mentioned in this episode:
