With Karate’s Olympic Future Uncertain, Sakura Kokumai Eyes Strong Showing At Pan Am Games
Kokumai, a 2020 Olympian, will go from the world championships in Hungary right to Chile for the Pan Am Games.
Athlete Bio#
Hometown
Red Oak, TX
Personal
I started karate when I was 8....I have made the Junior US Team 3x; 2017 12-13 Female Elite Kumite +47kg, 2017 Female Team Kata, 2019 16-17 Female Elite Kumite +59kg...My dad is my real life hero because he has been a police officer for more than 30 years and he has saved the lives of many people. He also works very hard so I can train and travel overseas to compete. He comes to every tournament that he can and he supports me and several other Karate athletes. My dad is truly awesome!...My biggest win was the 2019 USA-NKF Finals Kumite when I won the gold medal....I love the feeling I get right before I step onto the tatami and the excitement of competing in both Kata and Kumite....I get my inspiration from my faith in God, from family and friends, and from Shihan Raul Shelton...."I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"Career Highlights
- World Junior, Cadet & U21 Championships, Santiago, 2019 (+59kg Kumite - Women)
