Balancing study with high-level sport

02 November 2016
Tia Tuiburelevu

Tia Tuiburelevu keeps things busy studying towards her Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws conjoint while also training in karate.

For starters, she's won two silver medals at the World Goju-Ryu Karate Championships in the female senior kumite and team kumite classes, and was selected for the New Zealand Karate team which competed at the 17th Oceania Karate Championships in New Caledonia.

Tia’s achievements were acknowledged at the recent Blues Awards, where she took out the Sportswoman of the Year award.

"I first got into karate when I went along with my mum at about 8 years old — she was at a higher grade at a club in Westmere. I was on and off with it for a few years as I played netball, basketball and did swimming as well. I didn't start competing until I was about 15," Tia says.

"The most standout experience I’ve had so far was definitely the finals of the world Goju-Ryu championships last year! The energy was amazing and I got to fight some really awesome people from all over the world."

The idea of balancing study with high-level sport might be intimidating for some, but not Tia.

"For me, it works perfectly. Sports provide a really good mental outlet from university study and help you keep a routine. I find that my days are a lot more structured and I am a lot more focused in my study. Obviously when big competitions arise it can get pretty intense, but with a lot of support from the University of Auckland and my coaches it never becomes too much."

"A lot of students come into university and feel like they have to give up their sporting goals and other extra-curricular activities for study. You don't have to! Playing sports and being involved in other endeavours gives you a point of difference, a purpose and makes you a much better all-rounder. What they don't realize is that it's perfectly possible to do both — we have some really fantastic support services at the University who are always willing to help you out. "

Tia’s not sure what exactly she wants to do when she graduates, but further study overseas and putting her double major in Art History and Politics and International Relations to use in a career in law, foreign affairs or diplomacy are on the cards.

“Sports-wise, I definitely want to continue with karate for the rest of my life. Hopefully I can get into teaching and coaching at some stage to help the younger ones coming through. There are some really exciting prospects for the 2020 Olympics!”


Find out more about the Blues Awards