Brianna Smith is 11 years old. Brianna has been interested in sports and has been in karate since the age of 7. Brianna is instructed by Sensei Ryan Labranche at the Sudbury School of Martial Arts. Sensei Ryan started working closely with Brianna as she had an interest in wanting to be part of the National Canadian team. Brianna qualified and was able to represent Canada in August at the WKA 2007 competition in Germany, where Brianna placed 4th in musical weapons. In November 2007, at the IFMA World Championships in New Jersey, Brianna won 2 individual gold medals in weapons and kata and a bronze medal in stick sparring. With Sensei Ryan’s permission, Brianna has been able to extend her training by travelling to Toronto; she has been training under Sensei Michael Palitti and Sifu Glen Doyle. Brianna’s role models that have helped her achieve excellence in Martial Arts include Sempai Janik Guy, Sempai Jen Black, Sensei Craig Mason and Sifu Dave. Brianna’s advice to others is to get out there and compete and to never give up. Every time she competes her confidence improves allowing Brianna to assess what she has to practise for the next competition. Brianna is very thankful to her parents for giving her the opportunity and encouragement that was given to her. She often states without us she would not be where she is today.