Kiara is a karate kid with all the right moves

KIARA Peters, 11, has the makings of a martial arts champ.

The orange belt karateka has made quite the impression on her peers and seniors and looks forward to all upcoming tournaments and gradings lined up for this year.

It was inspiration and encouragement from her father that gave her the push to try something new outside her comfort zone.

“My father was at a local mall when he saw two men dressed in the karate attire and approached them to ask about where they train where interested persons could sign up. It wasn’t long after then when I joined the Funakoshi Karate International (FKI) Bluff dojo in 2018.

“I was quite curious about the sport when I first tried out and I wasn’t sure if I had what it took to do well in it. I must say though, that it trying it out was a pleasant experience. As I began to progress into higher grades and belts, it’s started getting harder. But I’m used to the challenge now. I really enjoy it, it’s like my lifestyle now,” she said.

She trains twice a week at the dojo and also dedicate time to training at home with her younger sister. “I always want to develop and work at perfecting my moves. That’s why when lockdown came it was hard on me because it put a limit on my training and progress as I wasn’t able to be guided by my sensei. In addition to aiming for my green belt, there is a yellow belt kata that I was supposed to train for and get last year. I need to pick up from where I left off before the lockdown with my sensei in order to make sure I get it at my next grading in June. However, I’m most happy to be back in the dojo doing what I love.”

The young karateka not only packs a mean punch but also possesses a lot of potential. In addition to her current orange belt, she achieved the best junior girl award at FKI Bluff’s previous grading held in 2019. “Doing well in any style of martial arts is not about the colour belt you are on, it’s about having the right attitude,” said the Assegai Primary School learner.

She noted that the most challenging adjustment for her has been to follow in the footsteps of her seniors in assisting new karatekas while still working towards perfecting her moves and skills.

She said her father is her biggest supporter. “My father also did karate back in the day but stopped at an orange belt. He always comes to my tournaments and motivates me to do my best.”

She hopes to one day get her SA colours and make the national team, affording her the opportunity to compete internationally. “Martial arts is my passion, I’ve tried other sports but I haven’t gotten any of them right like I do with this. This is the element I thrive in.”

Her sensei, Shaun Miln said Kiara has excelled in her training and has what it takes to go very far. “Even when Covid-19 hit, she didn’t lose her determination. She has the drive to push through and that is evident in her attitude towards her training this year. The goal for this year is to obtain her green and blue belt. She is putting in everything that she’s got to get there. To see a youngster so dedicated to the sport will always make me proud,” he said.