Ireland's real life Karate Kid takes The Ellen Show by storm
Who needs Ralph Macchio when Ireland’s very own Karate Kid is taking the world by storm with her incredible moves?
With 172 martial arts titles Jesse Jane McParland from Co. Armagh is the real deal – oh and did we mention she’s just 10 years old?
Jesse Jane first came to global attention with a viral video of her performing an unbelievable martial arts routine complete with flips, kicks, jumps, clever choreography and… massive knives. Yep, don’t try this at home!
Always one with an eye for a superstar, Ellen de Generes invited Jesse Jane onto her show to talk about her amazing achievements.
Initially Jesse Jane's parents weren’t enamoured with her interest in karate and tried to get her to shift her focus to a less 'dangerous' sport. But Jesse Jane knew what she wanted.
“We went to watch basketball, but I couldn't stop thinking about karate,” Jesse Jane told Ellen. “We went home and mummy asked why I didn't like ballet or Irish dancing, and I said, 'Not every girl dreams of being a little princess'. The next Saturday, daddy took me to karate.”
“That is a really smart and clever and advanced thing to say,” replied Ellen, “because I think that people just kind of follow what everyone else does but you’re marching to your own drum, which is what you should be doing!”
To look at Jesse Jane and listen to her softly spoken voice you would never think she could kick our butts! What an inspiring young girl – we’ve officially got a new hero.