Holly Annett is set to compete at the event in Rhodes, Greece in October 2024.
This talented young woman has been studying karate for about nine years and is currently a “First Degree Black Belt.”
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She said: “After experiencing a different era in secondary school, I became interested in martial arts, which really boosted my confidence.”
“Specifically, I will be competing in traditional kata, creative kata, and wooden weapon (I use a bow).
“What I love most about karate is that I can be myself and express my talents through this amazing sport.
“It's also fun to compete. The list goes on and on!”
Holly is currently training to represent Great Britain at the European Games in London in August, but is also raising funds to compete at the world stage on Rose Island in October.
She has set up a fundraising page to raise the money needed for the trip, and is training hard whilst juggling her work as a lifeguard and swimming instructor with her university studies.
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Holly explained that she had qualified for a recent tournament and been selected for the England national team.
She said: “Over the next few months I will be attending monthly national team sessions, individual training, medical training and of course the World Championships in October.”
Like athletes on British teams in certain sports, Holly must fund her own travel to compete and represent her country.
She said: “The tournament is self-funded so we are hoping to raise funds for travel costs, tournament entry fees and sports equipment.”
“Any donations would be greatly appreciated and would be greatly appreciated if they could help make this dream a reality.”
She expressed gratitude for the support from everyone in the community, including sponsorship from Endeavour Personal Training Studio.
Holly's sport “Kata” is a Japanese word that describes detailed movement patterns performed individually or in pairs, involving wooden weapons such as bows.
The woman from Wantage has already enjoyed success in 2024, representing the University of Bath at the British Universities Sport National Karate Championships.
She also won two bronze medals, one in weapons and one in creative kata, at the KIBOU National Karate Championships and a gold medal in weapons and a silver medal in kata at the British International Open Championships.
The European Martial Arts Games will be held in High Wycombe on 3rd and 4th August.
The World Championships, which will be held in Greece from 20-26 October, will feature full-contact kickboxing, K1-style kickboxing, point fighting, light contact, kick-lite, karate kumite and kata.
