Roseville resident Shannen Park grew up in a rough part of Sacramento and was bullied mercilessly in elementary school. Needless to say, she didn’t have an easy childhood. One day, her family decided enough was enough. They enrolled her in taekwondo classes, along with her sister, two brothers and father. Park loved the chance to bond with her family and community; she was also thrilled to finally be able to discourage bullies. “I like to say that taekwondo saved me,” she says. “It teaches you a lot of things about mental and physical strength, and it shaped who I am today.” Although Park eventually became a second-degree black belt, she had to leave the sport due to her parents’ financial woes.

Ten years, a husband and two children later, Park returned to taekwondo, and soon found a new goal: to become the next American Ninja Warrior. She appeared on the show earlier this year, and while she didn’t make it to the finish, she is already training for her next attempt. “I want to become the first mom to finish the qualifying course,” she shares. Park also hopes to raise awareness about bullying through her appearances on the show. “I want to show kids it’s possible to overcome it,” she attests. Recently, Park competed in the United World Taekwondo Association’s World Championships and earned her third-degree black belt and two world championship titles. “Through taekwondo, I’ve learned self-defense, self-discipline and perseverance—and I’m definitely never getting bullied again!”

 — Amber Foster 

 Q&A

Q: What advice would you give to your younger self?  

A: Slow down, relax more, and take time to enjoy every moment.

Q: What comes to you naturally? 

A: Anything physically challenging

Q: What’s your biggest pet peeve? 

A: Waiting in long lines

 

Q: Are you high or low maintenance? 

A: I’m high maintenance when it comes to looking my best. I never leave the house without wearing makeup, get weekly massages and always have my nails painted. When I look good, I feel good.

Q: What are you most proud of?

A: Raising my two children (TJ and Tori) while running a successful business (Rivers Edge Cafe) and competing on American Ninja Warrior.

Q: Favorite humanitarian cause? 

A: Make-A-Wish Foundation

Q: Best words of wisdom you’ve received?

A: “Surround yourself with people who are only going to lift you higher.”—Oprah Winfrey