In the Clinch Vol.8

“In the Clinch”
By Coach Woodward

Welcome to ‘In the Clinch’ Vol.8, an up close, behind the scenes look at the Elite Fighting Team (E.F.T.) of Team Intense Martial Arts (TIMA). With Master Catalasan’s permission and support we will bring you inside the inner workings of the E.F.T. As we begin, now literally, our descent on final approach to the Junior Olympics in Orlando, Florida.

With the Junior Olympics upon us and the training complete, it’s now time to show Orlando what TIMA is made of. For those who’ve been following along thus far we thank you for your encouragement. As I write this particular blog I’m cruising at 39,000 feet above California. Our subject for this story sits just two rows in front of me holding her mother’s hand for comfort, her mom’s comfort, not her own. Like this one, all of the remaining interviews will be posted from Florida, mixed in with our daily updates.

We hope you enjoy this blog as we attempt to make you feel like part of our family. Without your support and encouragement none of this would be possible. Today we continue with our 8th of 12 interviews of the amazing kids who comprise the E.F.T. We encourage you to share this blog with family, friends, co-workers and anyone else who might benefit or partner with us in doing what we can to give these dedicated athletes the support they need to accomplish all they’ve set out to do.

Please sit back, relax and enjoy being ‘In the Clinch’ with Daphne Rose Tober.

I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Daphne and getting to know her a little better. She was charming and sweet and she has really shiny hair. Unlike me, in all three respects.

Daphne is 14 years old and she’s been with TIMA for 5 years. This is her second year on the E.F.T. She is a green belt (6th gup) in Tae Kwon Do. I asked her how she came to join TIMA. ”Me and Nicolette went to same elementary school and she showed me a paper with Team Intense and said I should join so I did.” Daphne expressed ZERO regrets about this decision.

In addition to Tae Kwon Do Daphne also trains in Muay Thai. ”I did Kali before but I kind of stopped.” Her reason? “Homework.” However, with summer vacation her she said she plans on taking up Kali once again. Daphne said Muay Thai is the most difficult “Because we don’t have many breaks.” If I recall Seth had the same complaint. I sense a conspiracy.

Daphne said Tae Kwon Do is her favorite of the three disciplines, “cuz I’ve been doing it for so long and I just enjoy doing it.” Her least favorite? “I don’t want to answer that question.” I have to admit that throughout our discussion I found it difficult to get Daphne to fall for any of my trick questions. She might look sweet and innocent, which she is. But she’s no fool.

Daphne’s favorite tournament was, “My first tournament. I threw up on the way there” I wondered if she was sick or nervous. “Both and I beat the girl. Before the fight I didn’t know who I was fighting and I was talking to her. Guro pulled me aside and said don’t talk to her she’s your opponent. I felt so embarrassed.”

When it comes to punishment Daphne is old school. Her least favorite is Guro’s famous “Burpies”.

Daphne’s favorite thing about TIMA testifies to our family atmosphere. It wasn’t a particular tournament, or test or training session. She most appreciates “all the parties we’ve had.”

Daphne’s worst injury in the last 5 years is a sprained foot. Daphne is definitely one of our more durable fighters. She rarely misses training due to injuries. Heck, even puking didn’t keep her from winning her first tournament.

Daphne listed a ‘few’ of her friends on TIMA as being Marisa, Erica, Emily, Jake, Sara, Ismael, Nathan, Brooke, Jopa, Sarina and ‘Chewie too’.

Here are some fun facts about Daphne you may not have known:

Favorite Fighters: Brooke and Austin “cuz they do multiple kicks. They do different kicks.”

Favorite Movie: ”New moon. That’s one of my favorites.”

Favorite Sparring Partner: ”Jake because he challenges me. He counters a lot.”

Favorite Food: Spaghetti. (Seeing as I’m helping prepare dinner in Orlando and Spaghetti is on the menu I hope I don’t change her mind. Can you say ‘SPAMghetti’? She also enjoys chocolate and tamales.

Favorite TV Show: ”The Vampire Diaries, American Idol and America’s Got Talent.”

Biggest Fear: “Bugs and like really high roller coasters.”

Favorite Band/Singer: ”I kind of like Linkin Park and Green Day and Justin Beiber”

Favorite Movie Star: “Julia Roberts and that one girl, I forgot her name. She played in the Princess Diaries…umm…could I get back to you on that one?” (Daphne never did get back to me on this one. However, since she’s sitting across the aisle from me I’m going to go visit her and see how her recollection is at nearly 40,000 feet above sea level. Brb. Score! The actress in question is ‘Anne Hathaway’.

I asked Daphne to tell me something about herself people might not know. “When I was in 4th grade I went to the mall. I interviewed with a talent agent and they wanted me to be in a commercial. It was a Hershey commercial (probably what started her love of chocolate). We got pretty far and they were going to get me an agent, but my parents decided against it.”

Daphne identified, “Mom, dad and Guro” as the most influential people in her life. Her favorite thing about TIMA is, “Just how everyone’s just so loving. When new people come we just welcome them. I always have a good time with everyone.”

Apparently Daphne has a nice little scar on her right arm near her elbow. She said she got it “At the Rec center during adult class. We had to wait outside. Ryan (My son. Apology to come later) was chasing me and I had a balloon in my hand and Ryan popped it and it scared me. I jumped and fell on something on the hill. I don’t know why I got a big cut cuz it wasn’t even concrete or anything. Sorry Daphne.

If Daphne could have 3 wishes what would they be? “My 1st wish would be that my whole family would always be healthy and not have like cancer.” “I wish that I could meet Justin Beiber and when I meet him that I could hang out with him.” At least JB came in second place to No Tumors.

Daphne’s favorite website is ‘YouTube’. She says she likes to watch music videos. She told me, “I just learned how to jerk. I found it on YouTube.” For you more seasoned readers ‘jerking’ is a form of dance.

Daphne would also like to see Italy someday. After my SPAMghetti I’m thinking Italy won’t seem like such a big deal.

I asked Daphne if she ever got away with something she shouldn’t have done. “Do I have to answer that?” I told her of course not. “Ok I’m not going to answer.” In the court of law Daphne may have the right to remain silent. However, in the court of Mr. & Mrs. Tober I suspect she does not. This question and answer should make for some interesting table talk around dinner tonight don’t you think? I’m just teasing. Knowing Daphne she probably feels guilty for taking extra napkins from Burger King or some other heinous crime.

Now that we’re digging deep into Daphne’s criminal history I thought it appropriate to ask her to share with me the worst thing she’s ever done. Surprisingly she answered this willingly. “I think I was six and my dad was sleeping. I used to hang out with my neighbors next door but my dad was asleep. So I just left the house and went over there.” Parents are funny that way. We actually want to know where our 6 year old kids are.

I sensed Daphne was beginning to open up a bit so I went in for the kill. A question I knew she’d never answer. Once again, she surprised me with a quick and extremely cute response. After giggling for a few seconds she proclaimed, “Justin Beiber” would make the perfect husband. ‘Daphne Rose Beiber’. Has a nice ring to it doesn’t it?

I had Daphne on the ropes so I continued to pound away with penetrating questions she would usually avoid. Her defenses were down, but not out. Who’s the prettiest person on TIMA I queried. “Seth is the cutest. Pretty? I don’t want to answer.” I’ll call that round a tie. The onslaught continued. Who’s the nicest person on TIMA? “Can I name a couple? Jake, Marisa, Erica and Emily.”

Clearly the tide had turned in our interrogation. I mean interview. Daphne had me back on my heels. Slipping my questions left and right. I decided to throw caution to the wind and launch a haymaker for her dome. “Who is your boyfriend?” Daphne deftly avoided trouble, “I don’t have one.” I had almost given up hope when the voice of the Lord gave me the question that would get me back into this fight.

“Daphne, who is your ex-boyfriend?” I asked. This one caught her clean on the chin. “I don’t want to answer that one Coach.” I sense I’ve provided fodder for yet another dinner table conversation.

In all seriousness, Daphne is a wonderful young lady that any parent, especially a father, would be proud to have.

Daphne’s career aspirations include being an “Actress. I was kind of thinking about being a singer but I’m not sure.” I asked Daphne is she ever met anyone famous. She replied, “I met Selena Gomez at the mall and got her autograph.”

Daphne’s biggest concern heading to Orlando is, “Who I’m going to fight.” Having coached Daphne many times I can tell you unequivocally, I am not in the least concerned about who she fights. I’ll expand on why shortly.

At this time I’d like to turn to Daphne’s family, friends and Coaches to learn a little bit more about the young lady with the shiny brown hair and terminal case of ‘Beiber Fever’ sitting before me.

Her friends described her as, kind, sweet, caring, kind of shy, quiet and hyper at times. Descriptions of her fighting ranged from strong kicks and smart to great angles and terrific checks.

According to Erika and Emily, “You can make her laugh easily and she likes Justin Beiber.” Marisa had nothing but good things to say about Daphne,”Where do I begin? She’s an awesome friend. She’s like my sister. She’s very loyal and I can count on her anytime.” One last thing from Marisa about Daphne, “She has Beiber Fever.” Seth said, “She’s skinny and smart. She looks like the Daphne from Scooby Doo.” Seth added this gem, “For doing Tae Kwon D she’s really, really girly. Like scary girly.” When it came to describing Daphne the fighter Seth said it best. “Ya, her angles are frustrating.” Nathan concurred with Seth, “I try to roundhouse and oh…miss!” High praise from two very skilled fighters.

Mrs. Tober had this to say about the impact of TIMA on Daphne. ”It’s been nothing but good.” Her confidence has gone up.” Mrs. Tober said the influence of Daphne and her father (Damion Tober. TIMA’s current All Star of the month) training together has been great. “It’s taken their relationship to another level. It brings tears to my eyes seeing the relationship they have. ” Mrs. Tober also likes how Mr. Tober and Daphne play ‘Call of Duty’ together. I know, I said duty. Mrs. Tober had this to say regarding Orlando. “She’s put a lot of sweat and tears in the last two years. Pushed herself further than I thought she could. She inspires me so much. I have complete confidence she’ll do exceptionally well at the tournament.” As do I ma’am.

I asked Mr. Tober about the Call of Duty story. “She’s a COD artist. She loves to knife. There’s something about watching the blood come out.” Apparently video games aren’t the only place Daphne gets the best of her dad. “She’s got a heck of a check. She gets me every time.” Mr. Tober’s strongest memory of a Daphne fight took him back to the ‘Jimmy Kim Invitational’. In a fight we call, ‘The comeback’.

I was coaching Daphne at this tournament. We were waiting ringside for our turn. Fighting on the same ring right before us was a TIMA teammate. In fact, the winner of this fight would face Daphne. I’m sorry to say the other girl dispatched our TIMA colleague in less than 30 seconds via a 7 point gap. She was big, strong, fast and mean. Daphne was clearly rattled. I did my best to settle her nerves, but there was little I could do. The fight started for Daphne pretty much the way it went during the prior match. However, with the benefit of seeing her opponent fight first we had the advantage of preparing for her. Therefore, Daphne was able to keep the difference in the score less than the 7 points which would’ve automatically ended the fight. That being said, she was losing by 6 points after round 1. I took an unusual tact as a coach that I’ll never use again. I too had resigned myself to the fact that we were going to lose this fight. So in between rounds I told Daphne that all I wanted her to do was to kick this girl as hard as she possibly could. Not to injure her, but to make sure she remembered her the next day when she was nursing aches and pains inflicted by TIMA. Well, Daphne listened, and then some. She went out there and punished this girl. Powerful roundhouse, angle out, and repeat. Again and again. Her opponent became frustrated and exhausted. Daphne continued her assault. It was epic. One of the best fights I’ve ever had the pleasure of watching from the chair. I hate to say her opponent was saved by the bell. Ten more seconds and Daphne would’ve won the fight. But she won much more than that. She won the respect of her parents, coaches, master and friends.

Daphne taught me something that day. One, never underestimate her and two, never give up. So, like I said at the beginning of our story, I’m not concerned about who Daphne fights in Orlando, but I’m concerned for ‘Who’ she fights in Orlando.

I hope you enjoyed being ‘In the clinch’ with Daphne Tober. Please check back in very soon when we get ‘In the Clinch’ with Brooke ‘Gumby’ Barth.

For the Team,

Coach Woodward