My Retirement as Emerita from StrongFirst
By Reneta Music
StrongFirst Certified Team Leader Emerita
After more than a decade of dedication and training in the StrongFirst community, I’m honored to announce my retirement and transition to emerita status.
But before I close this chapter, I want to share a few thoughts—especially for those who are aging, facing illness, or recovering from life’s heavier punches. Because training isn’t just about muscle, it’s about what carries you when everything else gives out.
On August 28, 2023, I was diagnosed with stage 1A invasive ductal carcinoma—breast cancer. The news was shocking, of course, but I handled it well. My loved ones? Not so much.
So, what does this have to do with strength training? Everything.
I’ve always been tough. I earned my first-degree black belt in 1994 in an all-male dojo. I’ve raised two children—and many more through my at-home daycare. I earned my Level I RKC in 2011, Level II in 2012, StrongFirst Bodyweight Certification in 2013, and StrongFirst Barbell Certification later that same year. Four years of grinding, technical, uncompromising training. And it all paid off when I needed it most.
Every kettlebell swing, every deadlift, every rep was building more than muscle. It was building resilience. And when cancer came knocking, I had the strength—mental and physical—to meet it head-on.
I had a lot in my favor. We caught it early. I was 52. It wasn’t genetic. A lumpectomy and five rounds of radiation later, the treatment was over. But the fallout had just begun.
My body didn’t feel like mine anymore. On top of the diagnosis, I hit menopause and stepped away from a job I’d held for nearly 16 years. That’s a triple hit to the identity. I gained 12 pounds, lost motivation, felt constant joint pain, and drifted into a depression I didn’t recognize at first.
What pulled me out? My students.
Every session I taught forced me to stay sharp. I couldn’t lift heavy anymore—and that was hard. I loved lifting heavy. My best two-hand anyhow totaled 114lb pounds. My heaviest deadlift was 265lb. Bench? 140lb. Heavy was who I was. It gave me power. It gave me control. And suddenly, it was gone.
So, I leaned into skill.
I focused on teaching with precision and grace. I rebuilt from the inside out. It took about two years, but slowly, I came back—different, but no less strong. I’m now 54, post-cancer, post-menopause, and proud to say I’ve founded a nonprofit: The Music Academy of Karate and Empowerment, a karate dojo and strength training center grounded in purpose and passion.
If I can offer you one piece of advice, it’s this: stay dedicated to skill. Strength will shift. Life will shake you. But skill is something you can always refine, no matter where you are in your journey.
Being part of StrongFirst has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my life. From my very first kettlebell class in 2010 to the certifications, workshops, and countless hours spent refining technique, this path has shaped me—not just as an instructor, but as a leader and a human being.
I’ve stood beside some of the most committed professionals in the strength world, and I carry deep respect for the standard StrongFirst holds. I’ve learned what it means to be a quiet professional.
Though I’m stepping back, I’ll never stop being a student—or a teacher—of strength. I’ll keep helping others get stronger, prepare for certification, carry their kids to bed, or simply get off the floor without pain.
To my friends and colleagues: thank you. Thank you for trusting me, lifting with me, and walking this journey beside me. It’s been an honor to contribute to a school that values principle over popularity, and strength over shortcuts.
This isn’t goodbye—it’s just a new season. The weights may rest a little more now. They may not be as heavy. But my spirit of strength? That’s not going anywhere.
With respect, gratitude, and strength,
Reneta Music
StrongFirst Certified Team Leader Emerita
