See how a young martial arts star is kickin’ her way to the top
Come chop it up with this record-breaking young martial arts star. Fatima Naseem (Pakistan), a black belt, is making a name for herself in the martial arts world at only 12 years old.
On 1 February, in her high heels, Fatima popped 35 ballons in one minute, which earned her the Guinness World Records title for most balloons burst by high-heel kicks above the head in one minute.
Fatima said: “I have always loved challenging myself and trying something unique. This record inspired me because it requires flexibility, balance, strength, and focus.”
Sorry to burst your bubble if you think this looks easy, but popping ballons in heels is a difficult record to achieve. Fatima was able to pop 13 more ballons than the previous record holder. Her secret? Years upon years of training.
“I started martial arts when I was just three years old. I was inspired by my father and always wanted to be like him. Watching him train every day made me fall in love with martial arts. It has helped me become more confident, disciplined, and strong,” Fatima said.
Training from a young age, Fatima has accumulated many awards and honours including the Under-14 National Championship, 15 gold medals in various martial arts competitions, the PSL “Hamaray Hero” Award, the ISPR Pride of Pakistan Award, and the Fakhar-e-Karachi Award.
“In the future, I want to become a professional fighter because I have a strong passion for fighting and martial arts. I enjoy it the most, and it makes me feel confident and powerful,” Fatima said. “My dream is to hold the highest number of martial arts world records in the world. For this goal, I know I have to work harder than ever, train consistently, and stay focused. I am ready to put in all the effort and dedication to achieve my dreams.”
Read more stories about record-breaking skills in our Sports and Fitness Section.
Fatima also hold the titles of most balloons burst while holding an egg in 30 seconds (both hands), most full contact elbow strikes in one minute using alternate elbows (female) and most splits in one minute (female). She has also earned the titles most knee to elbow steps in 30 seconds and most full extension punches in one minute while holding two eggs, but they have since been broken. All of these attempts show that Fatima is well on her way to achieving her goal.
“I feel very proud and happy to achieve a Guinness World Records title. It means a lot to me. This achievement has given me more confidence and motivation to work even harder in the future,” Fatima said.
Fatima is the daughter of Muhammad Rashid, who himself is a serial record breaker.
Muhammad said: "With passion, discipline, and determination beyond her years, she achieved her first record milestone in 16 August 2020, setting the foundation for an inspiring and powerful career."
He is very proud of his daughter and it's easy to see why.