When you meet Aishwaria Ramnarain, she appears a tiny, soft spoken women, but don’t let her fool you.

This is one girl not to mess with.

The 22-year-old karate champ has over 200 medals, including ten from international competitions and holds a 3rd dan black belt.

Known as the “karate kid” in her hometown of Shakaskraal, she started karate training when she was just 7 years old.

“It all started after a presentation on karate at Shakaskraal Primary School that convinced me and I signed up with the Shotokan Karate-do International South Africa (KISA) for karate lessons.”

She had her first tournament, Kanazawa Cup, in 2006 and got her KZN colours in 2007.

After that, she lost count on the number of tournaments she has taken part in around the world. Her biggest achievement so far was winning her gold medal at the Commonwealth Karate Championships in 2011.

“I was 13 years old and I got to be the first Indian female to get that medal in 30 years. That was one of the most special moments of my life,” said Ramnarain, who loves being able to compete without being categorized based on gender or race.

“Besides the discipline, I get to compete with people irrespective of their size or skin colour. “Karate has also given me the confidence to walk down the street without fear.”

She started her own dojo last year but became too busy competing and has closed it for the time being.

Her mother, Denisha Ramnarain, said she was very proud of her daughter’s progress and delighted that all her dedication was paying off.

“Most importantly I am not worried about her safety when she is not at home and the discipline and confidence she has just makes me the proudest mother on earth. I am her number one fan,” said Denisha, who travels with her daughter to all her tournaments.

They both praised her coach Shihan Brando Pillay and karate president Hanshi Sonny Pillay for their role in Ramnarain’s progress.