My name is Abby Knapp and I have been selected to represent the AAU-USA National Karate Team at the WUKF championships in Cluj-Napoca, Romania this September 23rd-26th. This is the 8th time I have been selected for this honor, a feat that I have worked long and hard hours for. I was able to qualify by winning a decisive gold medal in the women’s kobudo division at the AAU Nationals this July.

Over the course of my 18 year journey in competitive karate, I have enjoyed a successful career, complete with many national and international titles. I have had a long and consistent history of success. I am a many time kobudo National and even a World Champion, a kumite National Champion/medalist and a kata National Champion/medalist and International medalist.

I train full time, averaging about 3-6 hours a day, 6 days a week. I do this in addition to a busy teaching schedule, where I teach classes at my dojo in addition to teaching private lessons on the side. The tough reality of being an amateur karate athlete in this country is that I do not get compensated for any of expenses as an athlete, and all of my tournament expenses are out of pocket. This includes airfare, lodging, registration, meals while traveling, etc. On average, I attend 10-15 tournaments a year at least, many of them away tournaments, so my expenses will add up to around $15,000 if I factor in national and international tournaments. This doesn’t include my training expenses, or what I pay for my weekly lessons in order to prepare for these events, as well as what I pay for equipment (uniforms, belts, weapons), and registration for the virtual tournaments that have become a mainstay of the post-pandemic athletes’ reality.

Despite the financial hardship, there is no path that I would pick over the one that I’m traveling on right now. This is the path that leads to my dream, and I am determined to follow it for as long as I am able. My dream has been unchanged since I was a 10-year-old girl—I wish to be a world champion. I want to be the greatest karate practitioner in the world, and I know that I have the work ethic and dedication to reach this goal. I also want to give back to the communities that have helped me reach my goals, and to help the youth of today become better karateka and people themselves. I am a role model to many and when I’m not training, I invest my time into building up the next generation any way I can.

Thank you for considering my cause. I could not be here without everyone’s support and generosity.