Amelia Sehar (11) is a talented young karateka who racked up a list of titles at the provincial, national, and international levels in 2025.

She received double gold for kata and kumite at the Mpumalanga Karate Championships.

During the National Children, Cadet and Junior Championships, she received a bronze medal for kata and a gold medal for kumite.

At the KSA League 1 Championship in Bloemfontein, she received a bronze medal for kata and a gold medal for kumite.

She received double gold at the KSA Styles Block Championships, for shokotan kata and girls’ kumite U45kg.

In the SKISA Gauteng Championships, she received double gold for kata and kumite.

Amelia also competed in the 12-13 years division and received two silver medals for kata and kumite.

She competed internationally in the AUSC UFAK Region South

Championships, where she received gold in U12 kumite and a fifth place in U12 kata.

She received a gold medal for kumite and a bronze medal for kata in the KSA League Championship.

Amelia took up karate in 2018 and has since obtained a brown belt.

She loves the sport because it has taught her discipline and self-control, while keeping her fit and allowing her to defend herself.

Amelia has learned through hard work and dedication at the Three Swords Dojo that she cannot achieve anything if she does not work hard.

Her role models include prominent figures in the karate community, such as Yorgelis Salazar, a Venezuelan karateka and silver medalist of the 2022 World Games in Birmingham.

Another one of her role models is Cylia Oukine, an Algerian karateka, known for competing in international kumite events.

Amelia attributes her success to her sensei, Jannie Degenaar, and the SKISA Three Swords Dojo.

“My achievements in 2025 would not have been possible without the dedication, discipline, and unwavering commitment of sensei Degenaar,” said Amelia.

According to Amelia, Degenaar has helped shape her into a champion through countless hours of training, motivation and expert guidance.

“Thank you, sensei, for your hard work, dedication and for believing in me every step of the way,” concluded Amelia.

When Amelia is not practising karate, she can be found reading, drawing and listening to music. She hopes to one day become a paediatrician.