The modern understanding on women has changed dramatically over the last few decades. This is mainly due to the fact that the fair sex has proven successful in many areas, which were always associated as a strict men’s club.
Today in the “She is the Star” article we have the pleasure of having a wonderful young lady.
Her name is Aleksandra Marinova. Her first love is the kyokushin karate and lately one can see her in the movies. A few months ago she had a small part in the movie “Labyrinths of Love”. More about that, the famous actors she was the partner of and for the art is available for you to read on the next lines.
How did you get the invitation to act in “Labyrinths of Love”?
The surprise is that this role was created specifically for me. I remember that I was in the training room when my coach, who is also the executive director of the Bulgarian Karate Kyokushin Federation, mr. Stoyan Dimov told me that Vladimir Shteryanov sent me an invitation to participate in his film.
At first I was overwhelmed. Then I realized all I had to do was be myself. I am extremely grateful to Vladimir Shteryanov for this opportunity and mostly because he chose me to participate in this awesome co-production of Russia and Bulgaria.
There you partnered with Yana Marinova and many famous Bulgarian actors as well as with Sergey Bandyk. What did you learn from them, which helped you during the shooting process?
My participation in this movie was entirely connected to those two big and well established names in cinema. Both of them were extremely patient and professional with me and showed me that despite my lack of acting training this does not mean I will fail to perform my task.
Yana told me: “Relax and do it as if you are really talking with your mother just before some major tournament”. And the words with which Sergey Bandyk motivated me in spite of the bad weather were as follows: “Buckle up, are you a karateka or what!?!”
What was a typical day at the set for you?
Those were one of the best and most interesting days of my life because ever since I was a child I dream of becoming an actress. And there it is my dream came true. It is now that I realize how tough and consuming it is to act. Luckily I had to be myself.
This was reassuring, because I am a karateka all my life. My part in the movie was a recreation of the preparation for the World Championship of kyokushin karate in 2013.
Then I had my gold medal I was lusting after. The toughest part of the shooting was related to the weather. Sergey and I had to train in the mountain during the winter, which was a true challenge for we wore nothing but our kimonos. However, it is nothing but good memories … even when we were freezing (she laughs).
Would you drop the tatami (competing) for the acting?
Why would I do that? I would rather to make place for both since the kyokushin karate is not just any sport. It is an Eastern martial art, from which you could learn for a lifetime and it would never be in vein. I am extremely fortunate to be part of the Bulgarian Karate Kyokushin Federation, which has clubs throughout the country.
Most of the karateka and coaches are like a big family to me, which is actually priceless. The acting is not a serious thing right now, because I have some different plans for the future in a very different profession, which is law.
After “Labyrinths of Love” would you like to participate in other productions and what would be your character there?
Oh, yes! Certainly if I get another offer I would not hesitate.
Why and how did you pick kyokushin karate?
It was moreover the other way around. I was very little – 6 or 7 years old when I first walked into training. My mother asked me once if I wanted to try and visit one training session. That was it I was drawn in and so for the last 17 years. Parallel to the karate I visited dancing lessons and painting classes, but nothing compared to the kyokushin karate.
Despite the heavy sport, which you practice, you manage to conserve your femininity and tenderness, a thing that many ladies tend to lose. How do you manage to be equally perfect both at the tatami and in your personal life?
It is a general opinion that when a woman practices a martial art she most certainly has to be tomboy and rude nonetheless. I dare to claim that kyokushin karate really has very beautiful women, who in no way have lost their femininity.
As for myself I can proudly say that there always has been a fine balance between the life at the tatami and out. I am a perfectionist and I am very critical to myself and perhaps this has aided me to a certain extent.
Do you have some sort of lucky charm or ritual that you do before a tournament?
I never go back. If I am already on my way and I realize I forgot something important I would rather ask someone to bring it for me instead of going back. I guess it is a sort of superstition.
What is the formula to win at the tatami/contest and in real life?
To be self disciplined, a healthy dose of stubbornness with strong character and never back down no matter what is going on. The mental setup is one of the most important factors.
Should you enter a battle with the expectation of defeat, then how could you expect to come out victorious?Therefore irrespectively of the battle – sports or no sports, you always give your best and hope for the best.
What is Aleksandra with no karate, do you have a hobby?
I like to hang out with my friends, to see the movies, to visit the theater and to practice yoga.
For all these years what did you learn from kyokushin karate and how did that help you in real life?
The art has given me the concept that there are no impossible things. I learned to overcome not only the difficulties, but also myself. I learned that my body knows no limits and that it is all in your head and you limit yourself. I learned to be patient, because it is a long process and the journey of every one of us is full of challenges.
You study law…How do you see yourself in the future?
This is the profession I have chosen. Law and kyokushin are both a great challenge. I will strive for perfection there as well.
Any final words to the readers of Az-jenata.bg
Firstly stay healthy, believe in yourself and dream on! Dreams do come true.
Photographs: personal archive
Source: az-jenata.bg
