Traditional Karate Academy

More Than Medals: Traditional Karate Academy Shines at Nationals with Skill, Faith, and Purpose

Traditional Karate Academy sent four competitors—Ava Rosendahl, Ava Moore, Isabel Shuey, and Julianna Rosendahl—to the 2025 U.S. Budo Karate Association Nationals held in San Diego, California. The team delivered an outstanding performance, bringing home a total of eight medals: five gold, two silver, and one bronze.

Ava R - Age 14

Ava has been training in karate for nine years. She currently holds a first-degree black belt and is scheduled to test for her second-degree in July. For her, karate is deeply personal and generational; passed down from her grandfather to her father, and now to her and her siblings. “Karate means the world to me,” she says, expressing gratitude for how it “pushes, motivates, and inspires determination.” This was her second time competing at Nationals, and she previously represented the U.S. at the World Championship in Spain. Ava competed in both Kata and Kumite this year, earning gold in each event.

Ava M - Age 15

Ava Moore has been practicing karate for six years. Ava currently holds a 1st kyu brown belt and will be testing for her black belt in July. “It [Karate] was the first sport I ever really liked and the only one that has been consistent,” she shares. She believes the discipline she’s gained through karate has positively influenced all areas of her life. This competition marked her debut in the tournament world, and she competed in both Kata and Kumite, earning silver in both categories.

Isabel S - Age 16

With ten years of experience, Isabel views karate as more than a sport—it's a community. “I’ve met amazing people who have changed my life,” she says. Karate has helped shape her values, discipline, and self-defense skills. This was her first competition, and she competed in both Kata and Kumite, taking home a bronze medal in Kata and a gold medal in Kumite. Isabel currently holds a first-degree black belt and plans to test for her second-degree in July.

Julianna R - Age 20

Julianna has been training for thirteen years. She is currently a third-degree black belt and is actively pursuing teaching opportunities. To her, karate represents discipline, honor, humility, and perseverance. “Karate is not just something you do—it’s a lifestyle,” she reflects. She believes the lessons she has learned in the dojo have equipped her for real-world challenges far beyond self-defense. Julianna has competed in numerous tournaments, including the 2024 World Championship in Spain. In this year’s national competition, she competed in both Kata and Kumite, receiving gold medals in each event.

Reflections on the Experience

Reflecting on the event, each of these girls learned about honor and respect, preparation, and camaraderie. Julianna and Ava Rosendahl were excited to compete once again, especially with these new additions to their team, Ava Moore and Isabel Shuey. Once again, they were

reminded the importance of preparation, and their purpose in competition, which is to grow and to glorify God while doing it.

When asked about what she learned from her first competition, Isabel Shuey said, “I got to learn about the people I traveled with, and I learned to really depend on the Lord for strength and courage.” She expressed her thankfulness to travel and create memories with the people she loves and enjoys.

When asked the same question, Ava Moore shared, “We are created to be social and in fellowship with others.” She emphasized that while success isn’t guaranteed, the effort and dedication we invest provide growth, motivation, and purpose. “Our true strength comes from Christ,” she said, citing Psalm 73:26: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” She also shared a special realization: “Even though I originally flew out to California for Nationals, I found that I wasn’t just there to perform. The Lord worked through me to plant a seed of faith in two other girls from a different dojo.”

Not only do their experiences highlight how enjoyable and enlightening karate competition is, but they also emphasize how karate can shape character and faith, revealing purpose beyond competition and self-defense.

Sensei Kraig Rosendahl and Sensei Seth Rosendahl

Sensei Kraig Rosendahl has continued his martial arts training for forty-nine years. He has been teaching for forty of those years and is still going strong. He attended this year's nationals as coach for his four students. He says, “I am very proud of our students, but I'd be proud even if they hadn’t won.” He emphasized how important it is to win or lose with honor and humility.

Sensei Seth Rosendahl has been training for thirty-eight years, and he has been teaching at his father’s side for thirty years. He was a judge at the U.S. Budo Karate nationals this year. He managed his ring in a professional manner with integrity. He was also very proud to hear of his students' achievements.

Winning with Honor

Winning a karate competition with honor means achieving success through discipline, respect, and integrity. It requires more than physical superiority; it demands emotional control, fairness, and adherence to the spirit of budo. An honorable victory is marked by clean technique, graceful conduct, and humility in both triumph and defeat. The true martial artist does not seek to humiliate or overpower, but to elevate the encounter by showing reverence for the opponent and the art itself. In doing so, the competitor proves that the greatest victory is not over another, but over the self.

A Message from Traditional Karate Academy

The dojo is immensely proud of these young women. They represented Traditional Karate Academy with honor, composure, and exceptional skill. While we celebrate their athletic achievements, we are even more inspired by the people they are becoming. We look forward to their continued growth, both as martial artists and as individuals dedicated to excellence, integrity, and faith.