CRAMERTON, N.C.,None — At first glance, Justine Kish of Cramerton looks far from intimidating, but after further examination, Kish is a true "Tuff" girl.
Kish, 22, is traveling to Thailand this week for the third time to compete in Mixed Martial Arts style fighting as part of Muay Thai boxing.
In 2007, Kish was the North Carolina Golden Gloves Boxing Champion and recently was chosen out of 1,000 candidates to become one of four competitors to represent the United States in Muay Thai Kickboxing competitions called "Tuff Girls."
Muay Thai is a type of kickboxing that makes use of punches, kicks, elbows and knee strikes.
The "Tuff Girls" competition is the brain child of trainer Grandmaster Toddy, who started a reality show called "Fight Girls" in 2006.
"Fight Girls" was immensely successful and watched by viewers from all over the world including over 50 countries.
"Tuff Girls" is the upgraded version that will show more of how the girls train for fights and also show live televised bouts in Thailand.
Kish has won the right to be one of four U.S. fighters along with four each from Australia, Europe and New Zealand for the chance to face the strongest fighters in Thailand who each have 10 years experience in Muay Thai.
SLIDESHOW: Justine Kish Will Use 9 Years Kickboxing Experience In Thailand
Kish has come a long way from her childhood in Russia where she lived in an orphanage before being adopted by her American parents at the age of 5.
Kish lived in Pennsylvania with her parents and after her adoptive father died, Kish and her adoptive mother moved to Cramerton to be closer to family.
Kish was a star track, basketball and volleyball athlete in high school at South Point and also loved martial arts, which she started at the age of 13.
Justine picked up martial arts so quickly that she was teaching by the age of 16.
Kish stuck to martial arts and after two years of auditions and training, including three trips to Las Vegas, she has been chosen as one of four Master Toddy's "Tuff Girls."
Kish recently competed in Atlanta, Memphis and Las Vegas and is on her way to Thailand again this week to train and compete against the world's best Muay Thai fighters.
Justine could not be more anxious or more ready for the challenge. "I'm so ready," Kish said Saturday as she made her final preparations.
She's a perfect candidate, not just personality and looks but the talent that drives her is better than anybody I've seen," said Kish's trainer, Jeff Jimmo, who has been teaching martial arts for 28 years.
Kish was a student at UNC Charlotte for two years and plans to return one day but for now she is focused on her passion -- fighting.
Unfortunately, Kish's employment doesn't quite cover the expenses that she will incur with her trip to Thailand.
She is responsible for her own airfare, lodging and expenses, so she is looking for support from her friends and local businesses.
You can help Justine realize her dream by donating to justinekish.com.
As for her expectations in Thailand, Kish is as focused as she will ever be, "I'm looking to win this show," she said.
Watch a video of Justine train below:
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