A talented young student from Surrey is celebrating a remarkable international achievement after winning not one, but two bronze medals at a prestigious world karate tournament in Japan.
From Surrey Dojo to the World Stage
Sophie Baverstock, a Year 5 pupil at Lightwater Village Junior School, made her mark at the 11th JSKA World Karate Championships held earlier this month. The event took place in the Japanese city of Matsuyama, attracting nearly 750 competitors from more than 30 different countries.
This gathering made the championship one of the largest and most competitive karate events on the global calendar. Sophie's incredible performance earned her a third-place finish in both the Sanbon and Kumite disciplines, a significant accomplishment for the aspiring martial artist.
A World-Class Arena and an Unforgettable Experience
The tournament was hosted in the spectacular Ehime Prefectural Budokan, a massive 5,000 square metre martial arts arena renowned as one of Japan's finest. With multiple competition areas running at the same time and the venue filled with hundreds of athletes and their supporters, the scale and electric atmosphere truly underscored the world-class nature of the event.
Reflecting on her journey, Sophie said: "If you told me three years ago when I started karate classes that I would be going to the World Championships in Japan, I would have thought you were lying. Here I am three years later, I have come third in two events at the World Championship."
Inspiring Advice and Heartfelt Thanks
She also had a message for other young people with big dreams: "My advice to other people if they are interested in karate, follow your dreams and work hard, because anything is possible when you put your mind to it."
Sophie extended her gratitude to her coaches, Sensei Ken and Sensei Jana, for helping her achieve so much in a short time. She also thanked her friends for their support and her family for making the trip to Japan possible.
Francesca Hooker, Headteacher at Lightwater Village Junior School, expressed immense pride in Sophie's accomplishment. "We are so incredibly proud of Sophie, and everyone has been congratulating her on her fantastic achievement," she said. "Karate is a sport which requires focus, ability and commitment, all qualities we promote and nurture here at our school, and so Sophie is a wonderful role model for her fellow students."
