Sophie Cunningham: From Songahm Taekwondo to WNBA Enforcer
Sr. Master Sanborn asked me to share this incredible article about Sophie Cunningham. Sophie is a member of the Indiana Fever basketball team and also holds a Black Belt in Songahm Taekwondo!
The article highlights her journey from earning that black belt at just six years old in Columbia, Missouri—to defending Caitlin Clark on the WNBA court with integrity, precision, and confidence.
🔥 Sophie Cunningham: From Songahm Taekwondo to WNBA Enforcer
Sophie Cunningham began her martial arts training at a very young age. By age six, she had already earned her black belt in Taekwondo—a Songahm style discipline known for instilling respect, focus, and controlled strength . Long before her WNBA Draft in 2019, Sophie was channeling aggression into disciplined moves and learning early what it means to defend with conviction.
Her athletic versatility shone early: in high school she not only excelled in basketball and volleyball, but even stepped in as a high school football kicker when the team needed her—showcasing courage under pressure .
Fast-forward to June 17, 2025. In a heated game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Jacy Sheldon of the Connecticut Sun poked Caitlin Clark in the eye, igniting a skirmish. When officials did not step in, Cunningham physically defended Clark—executing a controlled bear-hug takedown that echoed her martial arts training. The move resulted in her ejection and a cascade of conversation online—it was disciplined, intentional, and unmistakably influenced by her decades‑long martial arts background .
Supporters—and even analysts who also hold black belts—defended her actions. Though she was penalized, many recognized the move as lawful aggression: a protective stand rather than reckless violence. On social media, fans celebrated her role, calling her Clark’s “enforcer” and praising her exactness .
Connecting Sophie’s Story to KarateBuilt Martial Arts & the KarateBuilt Charter
At KarateBuilt Martial Arts, we teach not just kicks and forms—but character, respect, and a line between discipline and dominance. The KarateBuilt Charter emphasizes:
- Respect for others
- Controlled response under pressure
- Purposeful action over chaos
- Defending oneself and others responsibly
Sophie Cunningham embodies these values:
- Respect & restraint: She didn’t escalate the confrontation with reckless moves. Instead she used her strength carefully and purposefully—a hallmark of traditional martial arts principles.
- Controlled under pressure: Even under intense game pressure, she acted with intention. This mirrors a core martial arts lesson: respond, don’t react.
- Defending others responsibly: Sophie’s takedown was not ego-driven. It was a strategic act to protect a teammate. At KarateBuilt, we teach that defending others ethically is part of mastery.
👊 Lessons KarateBuilt Students Can Learn
| Lesson | Application |
| Discipline from training | Sophie’s ability to stay calm and measured came from years of Songahm Taekwondo practice. Students can see how regular training builds real-world composure. |
| Purposeful action | Every motion—from the form to the takedown—was intentional, not reckless. That’s a key part of the KarateBuilt Charter. |
| Standing up for others | Sophie’s defense of Clark shows how martial arts can be used to stand strong, ethically and confidently. |
| Balance between strength and respect | Sophie didn’t seek conflict—she sought justice. KarateBuilt students learn to channel power with respect (and only when necessary). |
Storytelling That Inspires YOU
I want you to picture this: Sophie Cunningham started just like many of you—training hard, earning her black belt, and learning discipline in every class. She was only six when she reached that milestone. Years later, on the biggest stage in women’s basketball, she used that same discipline to protect a teammate—calmly, with control, and without crossing the line.
Here’s how her story connects to your training:
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For our younger students: Think about Sophie when you’re working toward your next belt. She started young, just like you, and what she learned then still helps her today. You’re not just learning moves—you’re building skills you’ll use for the rest of your life.
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For our teens and adults: Remember that martial arts isn’t just about kicking higher or breaking more boards. It’s about making the right choice in the heat of the moment. Sophie had the strength to do more, but she also had the control to do just enough. That’s the black belt way.
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For everyone: Every line of the KarateBuilt Charter matters. Respect. Self-control. Integrity. Sophie didn’t just memorize those words—she lived them. And so can you.
Why Sophie’s Story Matters to You
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She’s proof it works. Sophie’s not a character in a movie. She’s a real person using her martial arts training at the highest level of competition.
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She lives the Charter. From her early training to her decisions on the court, she follows the same principles we talk about in every class.
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She shows true black belt spirit. Power with respect. Confidence without arrogance. Courage without recklessness.
Here’s the takeaway for you:
Every time you bow in, every time you practice your form, you’re building the same kind of strength and character Sophie shows on the court. Your training isn’t just for tournaments or tests—it’s for life.
Sophie Cunningham’s journey—from mastering Songahm Taekwondo at six, to becoming a protective teammate in the WNBA—reflects everything KarateBuilt Martial Arts teaches. She proved that martial arts training isn’t just about kicks or strikes—it’s about cultivating respect, maintaining control under pressure, and stepping up to protect others ethically and effectively.
Let this story be a lesson to all students: martial arts shapes not just fighters, but leaders. At KarateBuilt, as echoed in the Charter, we train champions of character. Sophie is living proof of that.
5th Degree Black Belt, Certified Instructor