Muryah Swan On Her Passion For Kickboxing
[Written by Stephen Wright]
For Muryah Swan, kickboxing is more than just a sport, it is a passion.
At just 16 years old, Swan has always been athletic, exploring several activities including football, gymnastics, netball, running, and sailing. Yet, none of them truly captured her heart.
That all changed just over two years ago when she walked into Aries Sports Centre in Hamilton and started training with the Bermuda Sanshou Association [BSA].
Photos courtesy of Muryah Swan
“I didn’t have a sport at the time and my dad was like, ‘You need to choose another sport’,” Swan told Bernews.
“I gave it some thought and made my way down to the BSA as I’d started to get interested in martial arts.
“I felt stupid initially because I didn’t know the drills and everyone else did.
“After a couple of months, I started to really enjoy it and six months later I decided I wanted to start competing.
“This is the only sport I’ve really liked. I feel like I want to give it my all.”
Swan’s first experience of overseas competition came at the Pan American Kungfu Championships in Markham, Ontario, in 2023 before claiming the silver medal at the Pan American Wushu Championships in San Clara, California, in the 15 to 17 123.4lbs female division a year later.
More recently, she won gold in the 13 to 16 years female advanced division at the Bermuda Open Wushu Championships at Whitney Institute Middle School.
On Saturday [February 15], Swan faces American Sarah Peterson in an adult Sanda kickboxing bout on the Fight Night undercard at The Shed in Dockyard.
“My opponent [from the Kaniwa Dojo in Amarillo, Texas] is quite a lot older than me – it will be interesting,” she said. “I’ve been training hard. It should be a good fight.
“I always get nervous before a fight. My stomach will be hurting all morning on Saturday. As soon as the fight starts, my nerves go away, though.”
Swan draws inspiration from the senior athletes at BSA, particularly Krista Dyer, whose dedication to her craft has left a lasting impression.
“Krista is really cool and works out a lot,” the Berkeley Institute student said.
“Before I got my bike and used to catch the bus, I’d see her running by my house, miles from where she lives!
“She’s a crazy workaholic. I want to be like her when I’m older.”
Beyond the physical rewards, kickboxing has had a profound impact on Swan’s overall well-being.
“I’ve fallen in love with the sport, she added. “I’ve even picked up jiu-jitsu at Aries to help my takedowns.
“I enjoy learning new techniques and punching people. It’s great taking someone down and thinking, ‘I did that!’
“It’s changed me as a person. I’m a lot fitter now. I’ve also been eating better, especially before my fights. It’s made me happier.
“If I feel sad, I go and do kickboxing and feel better.”
