SIDNEY — Sidney has its own “Karate Kid.”
Stari Williams-Smith, daughter of Steve and Michelle Smith, of Sidney ,and David and Jami Fritz, of Illinois, took first6 place in karate nationals. The competition took place in Cincinnati and Stari was 11 years old at the time.
Stari didn’t let her age stop her from bringing home trophies from the national competition.
“I like learning self-defense,” said Stari.
Stari started studying karate in Sidney at the Salvation Army at 419 Buckeye Ave. Karate classes are no longer available at the Salvation Army. For the last year and a half, Stari has studied in Troy at the Lincoln Community Center at 110 Ash St. taught by Champion Force Athletics.
Stari won first place trophies in Sparring and Board Breaking. There were three girls in Sparring. The other two girls were a 12-year-old and a 13-year-old. Stari was excited by taking home first place in board breaking, too.
“I had trouble breaking the boards in tournaments. At Nationals, I did it the first time using the same moves,” said Stari.
Stari has won several trophies and medals in different competitions.
“I plan to continue karate and go back to Nationals next year,” said Stari.
She does not compete in any other sports, choosing to concentrate on karate instead.
Stari has recently begun playing viola.
