By Esther Lauaki
Eduardo Salazar’s life would have looked very different if not for martial arts.
Five years ago, the Werribee martial arts world champion was involved in a motorcycle accident that broke his spine, leg, pelvis and left him wheelchair-bound.
Mr Salazar also lost sight in his left eye as a result of the accident.
Doctors initially told him he would remain bed-bound for the rest of his life – a prognosis that he would not accept.
He said it was his training that he leaned on to get him back on his feet.
The 45-year-old got his first taste of martial arts when he was eight, and quickly found a talent for Muay Thai, kung fu, taekwondo, kummooyeh and hapkido.
“For me, martial arts is a lifestyle,” Mr Salazar said.
“Martial arts is about self improvement … When you really learn about martial arts, you understand the real purpose is understanding yourself in different situations.
“I did all my [hospital] therapies and, in addition, my training in mindset helped me to go through my program.
“A month after my accident, I was able to sit in a wheelchair for short periods of time.
“Eventually I was able to sit for longer … I left my wheelchair a year and a half ago and use a cane to walk now.”
Mr Salazar has since won multiple world titles in kummooyeh and hapkido, most of them achieved while he was still in his wheelchair, and has more medals that he can carry.
“It’s not about the bones or skin, it’s about the mind. The most difficult disability to overcome is that which is in your mind,” he said.
Mr Salazar, a fourth dan black belt in hapkido, moved from Columbia to Werribee and passes on martial arts secrets at classes at Iramoo Community Centre and Featherbrook Community Centre in Point Cook.
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