Last week, the World Combat Games took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, featuring the top fighters in various Olympic combat sports. Among the elite karate fighters was Mateo Solis, a freshman at Stanford University representing Team USA.
Being a freshman at Stanford didn’t stop Solis from pursuing his passion for karate. Despite the lack of NCAA support, he trained independently and found creative ways to stay in shape. He made use of the martial arts mats at the Arrillaga gym and even had a friend hold pads for him. Solis’s dedication and hard work paid off as he proudly represented the United States on the world stage.
Solis’s journey in karate began at a young age. Inspired by the movie ‘The Karate Kid,’ he begged his parents to enroll him in a karate class when he was just four years old. He joined Fonseca Martial Arts Dojo, one of the best clubs in the country, where he trained under the guidance of John Fonseca, a renowned karate athlete and Solis’s coach.
Karate is not just a physical sport; it requires mental discipline as well. Solis learned to embrace both victories and losses, using the latter as stepping stones to success. Fonseca emphasized the importance of cherishing the experience, learning from failures, and not worrying about others’ opinions. He encouraged Solis to focus on outworking everyone and let the accolades follow naturally.
Solis’s dedication and passion for karate paid off when he became the back-to-back karate champion at the Pan-American Games in Santiago, Chile, just before starting his journey at Stanford. He trained tirelessly and competed at his best, reminding himself of why he started karate in the first place.
Karate is often underestimated as an art form rather than a sport. Solis faced this stereotype when a teacher referred to him as an artist instead of an athlete. Determined to change this perception, Solis founded Tatami USA, a karate news company aimed at showcasing karate as a competitive Olympic-level sport. He wants people to understand the athleticism, speed, agility, and control required in karate, as well as the respect demonstrated towards opponents and officials.
Mateo Solis is an exceptional athlete who has risen to every challenge with his work ethic, grit, and determination. His journey from a freshman at Stanford to a karate champion is a testament to his passion and dedication. Through his efforts, Solis is redefining what it means to be a ‘Karate Kid’ and shining a spotlight on the sport he loves.