Karate keeps Anne-Marie fighting fit to cope with fame
ANNE-MARIE is a black belt karate champion… and the singer credits the martial arts for keeping her anxiety in check.
The Essex-born star has enjoyed a sensational 2018 thanks to her hits Friends, 2002 and Perfect To Me, plus her debut album Speak Your Mind.
‘Without karate, I don’t think I’d be able to do this,’ admitted Anne-Marie, who was a Shotokan karate world champion in her teens. ‘It really helped with focus and being able to keep going, even when you get beaten.
‘I wouldn’t have had that attitude if I didn’t do karate. It’s helped so much. I’ve always suffered from anxiety and, as weird as it sounds, I get really anxious when I’m around new people.
‘But I’ve learned a lot about myself, and I’m starting to really enjoy meeting new people. I think that’s a massive moment for me.’
Becoming pals with Ed Sheeran has also been life-changing for the 27-year-old. Not only did he co-write her hit 2002 — nominated for best song at next year’s Global Awards — he also invited her to support him on his tour. Anne-Marie added to Billboard: ‘Ed’s one of my best friends, so being able to tour with him and spend time with him just makes me happy.’
After a busy December, singing at Capital Radio’s Jingle Bell Ball and performing Rewrite The Stars on The X Factor with James Arthur, Anne-Marie is looking forward to a chilled Christmas before her UK tour next year.
‘I’m going to ask for some sort of spa day because, when you’re on a plane for that long, your back basically ages 40 years above your actual age!’ she laughed.
Author: Andrei Harmsworth
