Morgan aims to fulfil American Aikido dream
AGOLD-STANDARD sports scholarship has helped an Edge Hill University student pursue her ambition of appearing at a world championship.
Morgan Murphy, 21. from Normanton, Wakefield, is in the final year of a Film & Television Production degree, an area she hopes to move into upon completing of her course.
And while she hopes to graduate in 2019, the year also sees her chosen sport at the forefront of her goals – namely the Japanese martial art of Aikido.
The former St Wilfrid Catholic High School & Sixth Form College student is due to compete at the 12th edition of the world championship in San Diego, USA in July, having picked up some encouraging results, as well as coaching experience last year.
“I came third in Basic Kata in the European Open Championships in Holland, and third at the British Open in Open Kata.
“I was very surprised at my result in Holland as it was the first time I had medalled in a partnership where I did the techniques (tori).
“I also went to Romania with my coach to help teach a club in Constanta as they wanted to become a part of the Worldwide Sports Aikido Federation.
“It was a lot of fun and a challenge to teach young students who spoke another language.”
She feels the Edge Hill University scholarship, worth £1,000 per academic year plus benefits such as free gym membership, personal training and physiotherapy support has made her chances of success more likely.
“The scholarship has really helped”, Morgan says.
“I have been able to travel to GB training every month without worry of the cost of getting there.
“Alongside this I have been able to pay for trips to competitions and seminars, which have been located across Europe.
“The gym has helped me not to lose confidence, as it’s difficult to attend regular Aikido classes.
“Full access to the gym and a personal trainer has helped me prepare.
“They encourage me to work hard, which is needed when I am not able to train with my team.”
The support for injured athletes could prove vital for Morgan, having recently found out she had torn her ACL in her left knee.
Fortunately, it should not rule out her participation in San Diego, with a national competition in Dartford next-up in April.
“The physios have been incredibly helpful allowing me to know how to strengthen my muscles to avoid further injury in upcoming competitions.
“I will be getting surgery after the world championship, and initially I will be taking a step back from Aikido for a couple of months.”
She admits the pressure of her studies and fulfilling a regular training schedule has proved an issue in the build-up to this summer’s event.
“I would like to train more, however, the challenge to juggle both is getting increasingly difficult.
“I’m in the gym two to four times a week which includes classes such as Metafit.
“Whenever I go back to Yorkshire I train with my partner, Aikido training is based primarily on two people practicing prearranged forms, usually at least three times a week.”
Morgan was selected for a Sport Scholarship (gold) award in 2017 – being awarded £1,000 per academic year towards her studies, plus free benefits include annual gym membership on campus, personal training and sport science support tailored to her individual needs.