Today we’d like to introduce you to Eve Berrington.
Eve, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The appeal of martial arts began in my early childhood; seeing Kung Fu films placed a passionate realization that if these practiced humans could do it, so could I. There was a magnetic pull inlaid in my soul from that time, and my curiosities grew steadily. When I took my first college course load, I added a one credit class for my physical requirement: Self Defense, soon to be followed by Karate. Seeking free trials and friendly neighborhood practitioners, I learned the basics of Karate and continued my practical self-defense exploration. Transferring to Oregon State University led me to join the Wushu team, where I’d get to perform on stage with very talented athletes, artists, and members of the martial arts community. When the opportunity came for me to enter grappling competitions in 2017, I hastily adopted an appetite for martial combative technique. Stagnancy in my career haunted me; fitness and the drive to win a competition pushed my soul to develop a training routine in order to win these competitions. Finally, my mind’s curiosity and my bodies physical ability began to merge. As I slowly sewed up the severed parts of myself, changes began occurring in every area of my life. My attitude was changing, my confidence was growing, and my strength was being tested on the daily. I haven’t looked back since January of 2017. Today, I’m anxiously awaiting the 2019 US Open for Senior Women’s Freestyle Wrestling; the 2018 competition was my first official wrestling match on the USAW books. A good friend (who is now my coach) encouraged me to compete this year, and my life has been boosted tremendously. I was able to compete representing California State as a Left Coast Wrestling athlete. The totality of this experience in April gave me the zeal to move to San Diego to wrestle and teach with Team Puma.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
On the daily, challenges and obstacles are being faced; every black eye, torn ligament, broken bone, tweaked joint, and sore muscle is part of the process of growth. The body learns how to heal itself quickly and the mind learns when to rest, watch, and adjust. In that way, it is a smooth journey, if one considers the daily practice of not giving up. With just one option, there is a clear path forward. Wrestling is the oldest human sport: it’s the most difficult as well. (If you’re hesitant to believe me, I am open for debate, but have firm confidence I can convince you otherwise.) The struggle is relieved when there’s a great day on the mats or you see your personal progress. My heart is radiating joy when I’m in the wrestling room having a fair and productive practice.
Wrestling is quickly becoming the most popular sport for young women in the US; it’s growing in schools, and programs like Wrestle like a Girl and Left Coast Wrestling are really aiding that process. When I see young women in the wrestling room, I don’t just see talented, promising, playful ladies. I see true strength blossoming in the development of their confidence and femininity. The techniques of wrestling are inarguably crucial to success in the sport, but the creativity of a live match really lets these young athletes shine. Wrestling is the best sport to enroll your child in, especially your daughters. A girl who wrestles has learned the value of true tenacity and she knows her own strength; she is respected and respects her peers. A child that wrestles becomes part of the greater community of wrestlers, which (in my opinion) will only help them achieve all of their worldly goals.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Evie B/Team Puma Wrestling – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Nowadays, when I’m not in the wrestling room, I am playing or producing music in various parts of the world. There are several groups I play with, but constantly seek collaborators in various arts in order to produce meaningful masterpieces. I enjoy playing the tenor saxophone in Vegas-local Electra Brass (www.electrabrass.com) and with my talented collaborator and friend Jazmarae Beebe in Søltree (www.soltreemusic.com) in New Orleans. We released an album titled Stardust in 2017 in Seattle and are looking forward to writing our second record very soon.
My interests may seem far from related, but in actuality, they are nearly indistinguishable. Everything I do has an upward, uplifting force behind it, and that’s what might set me apart from other artists. I do experience the pain and challenging aspects of a sensitive soul in this deeply diverse world, but I present to others a positive impact they can see and feel, that will deliver either peace, happiness or inspiration.
Currently, I await the 18th Season of American Idol in which I’ll be competing, hoping to bring home the gold! Bridging the athletic and artistic worlds is extremely exciting to me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @musicaleve
- Facebook: facebook.com/eve-berrington
- Twitter: @EvieBMusic
Image Credit:
Brad Inglis, Chris Barron, Jenni Lee, Alex Dyring
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