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Safiya Johnson is a professional fitness competitor and model who competes in the bikini division of the International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB).
Safiya followed the footsteps of her older sister Tanji, a well regarded veteran professional fitness competitor, into the pro fitness world. Initially, Safiya entered the fitness division and just recently transitioned over to the bikini division.
We are pleased to present this interview with Safiya Johnson.
Please note that HalfKorean.com comments/questions are in BOLD.
Background: The Basics on Safiya Johnson
Where were you born, raised and currently reside?
I was born in Germany and was raised in Irmo, South Carolina. I currently reside in Columbia, South Carolina.
How did your parents meet?
My dad was in the Army and was stationed in Korea. They were introduced by a friend.
Do you have any brothers and/or sisters?
I have two older brothers and sisters.
Are you fluent in Korean?
Unfortunately, no. I took two semesters of Korean in college and learned how to read and write it, but it never quite stuck.
What is your favorite Korean food?
Bee bim bap (비빔밥).
Did you grow up around other mixed Koreans?
Yes, I went to Korean church where I was able to interact with others of similar backgrounds.
Did you ever experience any identity issues while growing up?
Not really, I was always proud of what I was. I felt it was a privilege to be of mixed heritage and get to experience different cultures.
When was the last time you have been to Korea?
I have never been to Korea.
What do people who meet/see you think your ethnicity is?
I usually am mistaken for Hawaiian or Filipino. Especially when I get my nails done and all the Vietnamese women will think I am full Filipino because my skin is so tan. Filipinos also think I am one of them as well. It really just depends how I wear my hair. If I wear it curly… they don’t know what the heck I am.
Professional Fitness Competitor
Have you always been interested in fitness?
I started becoming interested in fitness in high school. I had saw Fitness America on ESPN and I was hooked. I also played sports in middle and high school so that always kept me athletic. I ran varsity track and cheered.
What made you decide to get involved in fitness competitions on a professional level?
I started competing at the age of 16. I realized that I had talent and a lot of potential to go far into the sport and so did others around me. With their support and encouragement… I kept competing for years until I earned the coveted “pro card.”
How long have you been competing?
About nine years now!
How supportive were your parents and family in regards to your pursuit of the professional fitness competitor career?
My brothers and sisters are very supportive. My mom, of course, still asks me “when are you going to get a real job?” haha… go figure! But all in all, I have a very supportive
husband and support group around me.
Your older sister Tanji is a veteran fitness competitor. How involved has she been in your career pursuits in the fitness world?
When I first started, I borrowed everything from her down to her shoes to her fitness outfits. She helped me with my posing and gave me a heads up about what to expect from the industry. Unfortunately, due to our distance, her living in Seattle and me living in South Carolina… I had to figure a lot of things out on my own. A lot people think that I have 24/7 access to my sister. The truth is that we only get to see each other about a couple of times a year. I pretty much train on my own and have learned how to pose in my own style. She had been a great mentor and motivator.
You moved from IFBB Fitness to IFBB Bikini. Was there any particular reason you decided to make the move?
Yes, fitness became too demanding and I didn’t want to kill myself trying to morph into a “matured fitness competitor.” Over the years I had put on a lot of muscle and often struggled to come in lean and shredded. Aesthetically I like the look of bikini. It’s a combination of athleticism and sass. Because I have streamlined my physique, as a bikini competitor I look good year around… period!
Would you ever go back to IFBB Fitness or compete in any other divisions in the future?
IFBB fitness would have to change dramatically for me to make a return. While I do miss the performing aspect of fitness, I do not miss the muscle that comes with it.
How competitive does it get between the participants of these events? Do people get along well?
The girls are usually very friendly back stage. I love my girls, its sisterhood because so few of do what we do.
How often do you go the gym and what is your training like?
When I am training for a show, I can be found in the gym at least six days out of the week. While I may not weight train every day, I am definitely doing some type of cardio anywhere from moderate to high intensity. I have a lot of muscle already from my previous nine years of training so for this specific division I am not looking to add any more mass. I do a lot of circuit training, plyos, and classes! Off-season I don’t do as much cardio.
How do you keep your motivation level to train as hard as you do and also with your diet, etc? Do you allow yourself “cheat” days at all?
I work with a very talented nutritionist Layne Norton. I carb cycle so my “cheat” days are more like high carb days. I keep myself motivated by always wanting to beat my personal best! Ive done plenty of shows to know that these girls aren’t no joke and I won’t be one either!
Would you have any advice/tips to people out there who might be looking to get in shape and become more active?
Yes, don’t think about… just do it! Commit to be fit!
Have you met any other mixed Korean/Asians in fitness competitions?
Yes, me and Natalie Pennington did a show last year together and she was a sweetheart. Our heritage always seems to connect us in the industry.
Do you plan to branch out into anything else such as modeling at some point?
I already do some fitness modeling on the side and have been featured in various fitness magazines including Muscle & Fitness. As well as personal training, I will soon be adding cosmetologist to the list. What can I say, I love making people beautiful on the inside and out.
What are some goals that you have set for yourself in the fitness world?
As a competitor, I would love to place top five and eventually qualify for the Olympia. That would be a dream come true. I am not trying to conquer the world… just my little universe! I strive to help and inspire others.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Well established in my career as a cosmetologist, still competing and maintaining my zest of fitness, and hopefully a mother!
Random:
What is your current relationship status?
Married for two years to an airmen.
Do you have any hobbies or interests that you do to relax?
Shop, reality show fix, and getting out of the house and doing anything active.
Anybody in particular that you respect/look up to?
I idolize no one including celebrities. I believe everyone is on my level and we all have something unique to offer. My older sister has been a great mentor in the industry and through her struggles I see a different perspective. But I respect all my fellow competitors because its not easy to do what we do.
Do you like soju?
I do drink socially although I don’t really like the taste of alcohol. My drink of choice is a tasty margarita. I must get that from my husband’s Mexican side. LOL I don’t like soju but my dad sure does!
Do you get on the Internet often and, if so, what are some of your favorite websites?
Hardbody.com, RxMuscle, Muscular Development, and of course HalfKorean.com 😉
You have your own website/blog, right?
Yes, I do. I have my own personal website which is still under construction but will be launching soon. I will be offering online training and other fitness related services. Please keep a lookout for that at www.SafiyaJ.com. I also blog on the regular at safiyajohnson.blogspot.com. This is geared more towards women and covers an array of fun topics. And please be sure to join my fan page and continue to show the love at www.facebook.com/safiyaj.bikinipro.
How did you find out about HalfKorean.com and what did you think about HalfKorean.com?
I think it was a random Google search. I always get curious about my people… hehe. I was delighted that there was site that catered to half Koreans and it was nice to see so many successful people on there.
Any words that you would like to pass on to the community?
Yes, know what you are and embrace it. It is really a gift. And if you haven’t already, “Commit to be fit” let it start today!
Thank you to Safiya for taking the time to share with us her mixed Korean experience. Thank you also to Matthew Jacobs and her management at Joyce VanSeters Fitness Professionals for coordinating our interview. You can learn more about Safiya at her official website, blog, Twitter and Facebook pages.
Interview by: David Lee Sanders
Posted: 12/16/2011
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