GAWLER East Primary School student Naiobi Searle travelled to Lake Taupo, New Zealand recently to compete in the Traditional Shotokan Karate-do Federation national championships.

The championships incorporates both New Zealander and Australian competitors, and the year six student, who is a purple belt, was ecstatic to travel over.

“Unfortunately I didn’t win anything, but I had a good experience,” she said.

“I learned I have to get down lower in my stance.

“We had two lots of training across Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, before the colour belt competitions on Friday and the black belt competitions on Saturday.”

The opening ceremony was on the Saturday, prior to the black belt competitions, and Naiobi said it was a unique experience.

“We had to line-up shortest to tallest in our states, and we walked around,” she said.

“They talked for a little bit about the culture and they had a Maori elder there.”

While she wasn’t successful in claiming any trophies in her over 150cm category, the Gawler Karate Club competitor has her dreams set high.

“Next year, nationals is in the Gold Coast, so that’s something I’m aiming for,” she said.

“I’d love to be able to go to Japan one day and train over there,” she said.

It would be a dream she’s had since she was five, which was when she got into the sport.

“I’ve been really enjoying it,” she said.

“Our friends were doing it for a while as well.

“My favourite thing is that they teach something new every time and they stick to the same thing over and over again, so you can practise.”