11-year-old Alexa King from Fairways is preparing to compete in the highly-competitive Karate World Championships in Finland in June.

As a member of the Samurai Plumstead karate dojo, young Alexa has achieved her brown belt in karate and is a kumite and kata specialist.

At the age of three, Alexa chose karate over ballet. After years of dedication, the hard work paid off and Alexa qualified for the national karate team after being one of four karatekas to win at last year’s Kimura Shukokai International South Africa Championships.

In recognition of her call up to the SA Karate team at the tender age of 11, Alexa won the first ever Diamond Award at Wynberg Girls’ Primary school in 2024.

Alexa recalls the moment her name was called out.

“It was the second last day of school and I did not feel like going. My dad encouraged me to go just in case I got a participation award so I went along reluctantly,” she said.

While daydreaming in assembly, Alexa’s ears pricked up when she heard her principal announce the first ever Diamond Award.

“When she said that it was going to the girl destined to compete in an international karate competition in Finland, I knew she was talking about me and my heart began to pound. Everyone was screaming and clapping. It was a really special moment.”

The Kimura Shukokai International Karate World Championships is set to take place in Järvenpää, Finland, on Monday June 9.

Getting there, however, isn’t going to be easy. Alexa needs to raise R70 000 to make the trip possible.

Ever the go-getter, she sells milkshakes at the Victoria Cricket Club in Chukker Road, Kenwyn. Alexa is not going to allow this opportunity to slip through her fingers.

Her mom and dad, Shirlaine and Brent are nothing but proud of their daughter.

“Alexa is extremely disciplined. She manages to train, compete, teach younger karatekas, and keep up with her school work. We know she is going to achieve her dream and excel on the world stage when she gets there.”

To support Alexa’s trip to the Karate World Championships, contact her father, Brent King on 082 5811 420.

Samurai Plumstead’s instructor Trusha Sithaldeen-Lakey with karateka Alexa King.

Alexa King is one of four top medalists from last year's Kimura Shukokai International South Africa South Karate Association’s (KSISAS) National Championships who were selected into the KSISAS national squad. She is raising funds to compete at the Karate World Champs in Finland in June. Picture: Lonwabo Marele

She tried out ballet but it was the karate bug that bit Alexa King from the tender age of 3. Picture: Lonwabo Marele

#karate

Fairways girl sets her sights on karate world stage in Finland

Khayelitsha Kyokushin Karate shines at Unicity tournament

Electric atmosphere at Barebones MMA Championships