Help Meyah Compete in Her First Full-Contact Karate Tournament!

Meyah is a determined 13-year-old martial artist training under James Sturt at Dokkodo Karate Jutsu Academy. She recently earned her 9th kyu with orange tabs, and her next big goal is to compete in the Kupa International Martial Arts Tournament in Hastings on May 31st—her first time entering in a competition!

Meyah is also neurodiverse and was diagnosed last year with autism-induced catatonia, a condition where anxiety can cause her to become nonverbal, immobile, and rigid for hours at a time. Because of this, she isn’t yet able to attend mainstream school full-time. However, martial arts has been life-changing - it keeps her connected, helps her manage her mental health, and gives her a sense of strength and belonging. With three years of martial arts training already under her belt, she’s ready to take on this new challenge!

From the moment she stepped into the dojo, James saw her potential, her resilience, and her quiet determination. His belief in her has helped her grow into the fighter she is today. If you knew Meyah, you’d know she’s one of the kindest people around- she loves drawing, dragons, animals, and shares her mum’s love for chickens and small pets.

Meyah inspires us every day with her courage, perseverance, and unstoppable spirit. This tournament is a huge step for her, and we’d love for you to be a part of her journey.

Thank you for supporting Meyah - we appreciate it more than words can say!

Much love,

Meyah & her family