The Aranmore Catholic College Year 9 student, who holds a brown belt with black tip, won two silver medals at a recent Australian Karate Federation (AKF) event.
‘The competition was pretty tough but I had to try my best and aim high,’ Caitlin said.
‘Tournaments are challenging because you don’t know what the other competitors are like, how skilful they are. I was competing against 14 to 15-year-olds and the person I lost to was a 1st Dan black belt.’
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READ NOWCaitlin is the WA titleholder for her division and age and is training for the Go-Kan-Ryu (GKR) World Championships next month.
‘I’m pretty excited and a little nervous ” on the day I’m usually quite nervous right up to stepping into the ring,’ she said.
‘Once in the ring, everything falls into place and I just focus on doing my best.’
She is also set to compete in another AKF tournament next Sunday and the GKR State Titles in October.
The martial arts enthusiast began training only four years ago when club representatives visited her home.
‘I like the way martial arts is about developing the body and mind. You need to be strong physically and mentally,’ she said.
Her preparation for competitions includes eating well, practising, keeping focus and making sure she rests.
‘I train every day except for Tuesday and Sunday. I train for an hour on each of these days. I’m lucky that my parents are very supportive and drive me to each dojo (class).’
She said her top priority was achieving black belt before 1st Dan and then ‘hopefully the Olympics’.
‘I intend to be in this sport for a very long time and every year it seems to evolve and show me new and different inspirations,’ she said.
‘My goal is to have a career in martial arts and to encourage others to follow their dreams.’