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Nine-year-old Breena Martin doesn’t mind getting into a tussle. 

In fact, the Pike Liberal Arts School third-grader said sparring is her favorite part of classes at MojuKai Karate in Troy. She’s been taking classes for the past year-and-a-half years and just competed in her first tournament. 

The young yellow belt student came home from the Sunshine Classic Open in Panama City with first place trophies in kata and weapons. 

Breena said in addition to learning self-defense, karate also taught her self-control and discipline, which helped her with her tournament wins. Breena used a bow staff in the competition and said, “I like the weapon the best, because it’s the most fun.”

Instructor and MojuKai Karate owner Lennis Darby said tournaments were about a lot more than trophies for young students. 

“Tournaments are part of a character building process,” Darby said. “The biggest benefit of tournaments is that it teaches kids how to be out in front of the public. I don’t care if they win or if they lose, all I care about is if they’re making the right effort.

“I’m really proud of Breena. She’s the first student to compete in three years. To win two first place trophies in her first tournament is impressive. I’m very proud of her.”

Breena is the daughter of Rick and Jane Martin. 

Her father said he was proud of how Breena competed and that she was learning what she was capable of.

“It’s comforting in the sense that she’s learning how to defend herself,” Martin said. “But, it’s really amazing to watch her learn what she’s capable of and what she’s capable of doing.”