Teachers are usually the ones which inspire their students, be it with how they handle things in class or the things they do outside of it.
For ONE Championship’s Angelie “D Explorer” Sabanal, it’s the other way around.
Sabanal, a college professor in mathematics at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, said that it has been her students who keeps her going in her quest to ruling the ONE Women’s atomweight division.
“What motivates me, aside from my family, are my students. I want to show them the value of martial arts, especially the type of impact that it will have on them,” said Sabanal.
“Martial arts is a lifestyle, My goal is to encourage more women and young people to take up martial arts.”
Sabanal, who will be taking on Itsuki Hirata at ONE: LEGENDARY QUEST this Saturday, knows what’s at stake everytime she enters the ONE ring.
More than her personal gains, she understands that it’s easier to send a message across when you’re successful.
“In martial arts, you’ll be taught the main components of the sport – which is respect and discipline. Both things are essential in our lives,” shared Sabanal.
“Being an athlete and a teacher at the same time, I am thankful to have this platform to show the beauty of martial arts on larger scale. That’s why I always strive to be better to inspire more young people.”
The Cagayan de Oro native knows that this match with Hirata won’t be easy, but knowing that her students will be tuning in – she vows not to disappoint.
“This is my first match this year and I’ll do everything to win. You’ll see all the things that I worked on for the past seven months,” said Sabanal.
“I am gonna use this opportunity to inspire more kids to take up martial arts. I will show them the beauty of it.”
