Due to the national level achievement in the karate, M. Ismail Sholeh successfully entered the Faculty of Animal Science (FAS) UGM in the 2018/2019 academic year through the Penelusuran Bibit Unggul Berprestasi (PBUB) in the Karate branch sports group. Ismail won second place in the karate national championship in Gunung Kidul in 2016.
“Thanks God I was able to be the student of FAS UGM to continue my studies and develop my hobby as a farmer. Livestock has good prospects so I chose FAS UGM to study, “said Ismail.
Ismail admitted that he liked karate since participating in karate extracurricular activities in class XI and the National Student Sports Olympiad (OOSN) at the district level. “I like karate because we are taught to always be disciplined, assertive, and work hard,” explained the alumnus of Playen Mardhotullah Vocational High School Gunung Kidul.
The student from Lampung chose the kumite (fight) branch in the match he participated in. However, the choice is not an easy thing as the ability needed to become a kumite branch karate athlete is not easy. “To compete in the Kumite branch, we are required to have a strong body resistance, speed and accuracy which is good in attacking, has great techniques and strategies, able to withstand emotions, and also must be able to survive and avoid opponent attacks,” said the man who has twice won the karate championship in Yogyakarta Province.
To won the competition, Ismail trained twice a week plus took part in athletic centralization training for two days in a week. “I also practice by myself every day for 30-60 minutes. I must be smart in managing the time because I also have to go to school and participate in other activities. In addition, we must remain focused on the goal, which is to be a champion,” he said.
The man who wants to be an entrepreneur also shared some tips to achieve something. “Continue to practice, never give up even if it fails. Revive, look at your dreams and your target to be the champion. In addition, continue praying and asking for blessings to both parents because Allah’s bless is in the parents’ bless,” explained Ismail who had attended an education at the Islamic boarding school after graduating from vocational high school.
He inserted hope to be able to graduate on time from FAS UGM by having capable skills in livestock. “I plan to have a livestock company. In addition, I hope I can continue the struggle to become a karate athlete to make FAS UGM proud,” he said. (Nadia)