The roar of the Tokyo crowd still echoes in Barrett Flinner’s mind.

Surrounded by the world’s finest young karatekas, the 14-year-old from the Deutsche Internationale Schule Johannesburg stood tall, calm, and ready. What followed was a performance that would earn him not one, but three silver medals at the 11th KWF World Championships.

Competing just a day after his 14th birthday, Barrett was the youngest in his age group, a fact that only fuelled his determination. Representing Dorfman Karate, under the mentorship of Shane and Malcolm Dorfman, he competed in three demanding categories: U18 unison kata, 14–15 individual kata, and 14–15 jiyu ippon kumite, finishing second in the world in each.

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“It felt amazing,” Barrett said, reflecting on his achievement. “Even though I was the youngest, I proved to myself that I could still compete with, and beat, older people. It really pushed me to give my best.”

His journey began at the age of five, when his mother introduced him to karate to build discipline and self-defence. What started as a simple routine quickly became a passion that shaped his character and outlook on life. “The discipline I’ve learnt from karate helps in everything I do – school, sports, and even just how I manage my time.”

For nearly a decade, Barrett has trained at Dorfman Karate, where lessons extend far beyond the mat. “It’s been an awesome journey. It’s been tough, but rewarding. Both Shane Sensei and Malcolm Shihan have taught me so much. Going to Japan for the second time was incredible.”

Among his toughest challenges in Tokyo was facing a much taller opponent from Russia. “He was about two metres tall, and his fighting style was very different. I had to adjust quickly and think on my feet. It was tough, but I learnt a lot.”

Behind every competition lies hours of preparation and mental focus. For Barrett, staying calm is key. “Before a big event, I remind myself that I’ve trained hard and there’s no reason to be nervous. I focus on my breathing and just trust my practice.”

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Representing South Africa on the world stage was a moment of deep pride. “It felt incredible to wear the South African badge and show what we can do. Winning three silver medals made me even prouder.”

Outside the dojo, Barrett’s curiosity and energy extend to other interests, such as padel, robotics, and scuba diving. Still, karate remains at the centre of his life. “Karate has taught me to be disciplined and to never stop learning. No one can ever be perfect in karate, and that’s what makes it exciting.”

Barrett dreams of earning his black belt within two years, while representing his country internationally. His focus is on continuous improvement and learning new techniques.

Discipline defines his journey, as he believes that hard work and focus make anything possible. Barrett’s story showcases resilience, respect, and determination, proving that greatness often starts with small steps and a strong spirit.

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