Shaina West aka ‘The Samurider’ is a magnificent self-taught martial artist and aspiring stunt actor, set to perform at MCM Comic Con London this weekend!
After suffering a horrific motorbike accident, she turned her feelings of helplessness into self-confidence from her love of anime characters. Now she has become the superhero she has always admired on the screen, and is inspiring others to become winners of their own dreams.
With 93.4k followers, viral videos on YouTube and having worked on Star Wars, she states: “I want to inspire people to break free from their restricted, inhibited lives and do what they love. No excuses, no fear.”
Pride spoke to Shaina about how it all started, injuries, inspirations, the meaning of her anime tattoo, what she’ll be doing at Comic Con, advice and more!
After your motorbike accident, what lead you towards martial arts?
I never had any sort of experience before. When I had the accident I couldn’t do anything for a few weeks, I just binged watched loads of anime shows. I was feeling really weak, so I just wanted to come back much better than I was. Something in me just said [start training], so I started watching YouTube videos and mimicking them and that’s how it started.
What was your reaction when you started receiving such a high following?
It was so out the blue, it was really overwhelming but at the same time motivating to pursue it a lot harder than I was. It was just a hobby, [but it made me feel] more empowered and happy.
You make it look so easy in your videos, but it’s definitely a tough skill. Has anything ever gone horribly wrong?
I had a job for Star Wars last year where I was doing a promotional fight video. I fell on top of my hand and really badly injured my left hand, [I’ve also pulled muscles]. Needless to say, it doesn’t make me want to stop or anything, it makes me want to get better for the future.
Shaina West
What have you learned on your journey, have there been any major challenges?
Absolutely, the biggest one that comes to mind is about self-confidence and self-belief. I never would have imagined anyone would ever take me seriously (laughs).
I get dream jobs that I never would have imagined I could do this early in my career, like doing Comic Con – I’ve been a huge fan for years. It’s insane, and it’s just the beginning when you think about it.
With all the masses of support that I get, it really shows me that I need to believe in myself as much as every one else does – and when I do, magical things come from it.
What will you be doing at the Comic Con ?
Live performances, weapon demonstrations, live QnA panels, guest signings, fan art etc.
Tell us your favourite anime movie and why?
Naruto. I’ve been watching it since I was 11 or 12 years old. It’s just so inspirational how so many of the characters who develop in the most unlikely circumstances always come through stronger. There are so many lessons that can be applied to your life, some people read motivational self help books, I get the same feeling from watching anime.
Shaina West
What is the meaning of your tattoo?
‘The will of fire’, it’s a statue in the village [from Naruto]. The meaning is unique to any one who holds the symbol. To me it means to be strong, to fight for what I believe in and to cherish what I do. It really [pushed me to commit to training]. I can talk about this all day (laughs).
Who inspires you apart from anime characters?
My older brother. He is the living embodiment of hard work speaks talent. His metamorphosis is so inspirational to me. If I work hard there’s nothing I can’t do and I’ve learned that from him.
Shaina West
What do you want to teach other people?
I suffered from anxiety and depression for a long time, it’s not gone but […] because I get to do what I love on a daily basis, it helps develop more confidence and self-esteem. My advice to people is to do what they love. When you really embrace who you are and what makes you, you – I feel like that really helps to relieve all of that pressure we get from society that provokes things like mental health issues. I never could have imagined that doing something as a hobby could turn into a career. That’s more than I could ask for.
Tickets for MCM Comic Con here:
Keep up to date with Shaina West on Instagram: @TheSamurider
