‘They Will Not Give Up’ – Wondergirl Explains Her Love Of Anime Characters
Thai superstar Nat “Wondergirl” Jaroonsak’s love for anime runs deep.
The 24-year-old is gearing up for her unique mixed-rules strawweight showdown with Dayane “Day Monster” Cardoso on February 16 in U.S. primetime at ONE Fight Night 19: Haggerty vs. Lobo on Prime Video.
That unique clash – which alternates between Muay Thai and MMA rounds – will go down at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok and is Nat’s seventh appearance in the world’s largest martial arts organization.
As she continues to make a name for herself on the global stage, fans are learning more and more about the former two-time Thailand National Muay Thai Champion who more recently transitioned to mixed martial arts.
To that end, “Wondergirl” spoke to onefc.com about one of her primary interests outside of fighting:
“I can’t remember the first anime I watched, but now I’m following the ‘Naruto’ series. I’ve been following this manga since I was in middle school.”
A veteran of well over 50 professional fights, Nat enjoys anime in part for the courageous and heroic lead characters.
Like a professional fighter with World Title aspirations, those characters display unrelenting determination – a trait that “Wondergirl” admires:
“I like the unyielding nature of anime protagonists. No matter what obstacles they encounter, they will not give up.”
What’s more, she likes that anime offers up entertainment for any mood, whether she’s looking for something upbeat to distract her from the rigors of training or something darker and more serious.
“Wondergirl” said:
“Some anime is fun, lighthearted, and relieves the stress in your life. But some people prefer to watch anime that has serious twists or dark content to meet their needs.”
Wondergirl Reveals What Anime Character She Would Be
Nat “Wondergirl” Jaroonsak sees certain similarities and crossovers between anime and martial arts.
Obviously, many of the shows and movies involve hand-to-hand combat, but she believes the connection runs even deeper.
One of “Wondergirl’s” favorite series is “Hajime no Ippo” – a boxing-themed show that follows the main character, Ippo Makunouchi, as he fights his way through the ranks.
Unsurprisingly, this is the character that Nat feels a strong connection with:
“I like Ippo Makunouchi from ‘Hajime no Ippo.’ He has perseverance and never gives up. And some of the boxing techniques presented in the story can be used in a real fight.”
As a global superstar competing against the planet’s most feared martial artists, “Wondergirl” is, in many ways, a type of anime character.
Naturally, she’s also imagined herself in one of these stories – specifically, “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.”
The Thai added:
“My character should be called Wondergirl Joestar, because I really like ‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.’ My character would be a Stand user who can unleash her Stand – an entity that resembles a protective spirit – to punch people.”
