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Kara Stothard showing her martial arts journey with KRMA

From Young Student to World Champion: Kara’s KRMA Journey

January 15, 2026•1 min read

From Young Student to World Champion: Kara’s KRMA Journey

Kara Stothard’s KRMA story is one of long-term development. Having trained with the school from a very young age, she had become Sensei Kara, an accomplished Black Belt and a World Champion by January 2026.

Growing Up Through Martial Arts

Kara’s journey began when she was young. The original celebration of her progress looked back on that connection with KRMA and the martial artist she had become.

Progress Is Built Over Time

Her story brings attention to the years behind an achievement. A title or belt marks a milestone, while a student’s development extends across the training that leads to it.

From Student to Black Belt

By 15 January 2026, Kara was an accomplished Black Belt and was identified by the school as Sensei Kara. These were significant parts of the journey being celebrated.

Reaching the World Stage

Kara had also become a World Champion. That achievement forms part of her story, alongside her development from a young student through continued martial arts training.

A Journey We Are Proud Of

This celebration is about more than competition success. It recognises Kara’s long-term journey with KRMA and the progress represented by becoming a Sensei, Black Belt and World Champion.

We are proud to celebrate how far she has come.

Andrew Banks sensei

Andrew Banks sensei

Sensei Andrew Banks is the founder of Koku-Ryu Martial Arts and a multi-discipline martial arts instructor with over 30 years of experience. He specialises in coaching children, adults, and families, with a focus on confidence development, traditional karate, freestyle martial arts, kickboxing, and self-defence. Andrew is passionate about empowering students to grow on and off the mats.

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