Anna Anderson represented Northern California and competed in the 18–to-20 age group. Her first-place finish in her division earned her a position on the U.S. Junior Team and made her eligible for upcoming international events. Photo courtesy of Ramtown Karate

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Anna Anderson of Ramtown Karate won gold in the Women’s Under 21 Elite Point Kumite Division at the U.S. Karate National Championships and U.S. Junior Team Trials, held July 9 to 13 in Fort Worth, Texas.

The tournament featured top junior karate athletes from throughout the country competing for spots on the U.S. Junior National Team.

Anderson, 18, represented Northern California and competed in the 18-to-20 age group. Her first-place finish in her division earned her a position on the U.S. Junior Team and made her eligible for upcoming international events.

“It feels really cool,” said Anderson. “It’s a pretty big accomplishment.”

Anna Anderson of Ramtown Karate won gold in the Women’s Under 21 Elite Point Kumite Division at the U.S. Karate National Championships and U.S. Junior Team Trials, held July 9 to 13 in Fort Worth, Texas. Photo courtesy of Ramtown Karate

She had faced several of her opponents earlier in 2025 at the USA Open Karate Championships and Junior International Cup in Las Vegas.

“I felt pretty good,” said Anderson. “These are girls I’d fought before in Las Vegas in April, so it was nice going in already knowing how they fought.”

The event also served as the official selection process for the U.S. Junior and Senior National Teams. Anderson will be the youngest person ever to compete for a spot on the U.S. Senior Team.

“A little crazy but I’m very excited about it,” said Anderson.

As a new Junior Team member, Anderson is scheduled to train at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs next January.

“I’m excited; that’s something I’ve been looking forward to for a couple of years,” said Anderson. “I didn’t get to go last year because the Olympics was going on.”

Anderson is from Dixon and has been a part of Ramtown Karate for several years. In addition to competing, she has worked as a karate instructor for the past two years.

“It’s a fun job; I really enjoy it,” said Anderson. “I love teaching the kids and seeing them grow.”

She trains six days a week. According to chief instructor and owner Jim Ernest, the dojo is confident in Anderson’s performance.

“We think she has a good chance. She’s an incredibly hard worker and has a great attitude,” said Ernest.

A recent graduate from About Face Charter School, Anderson was homeschooled and missed her high school graduation to compete at a tournament in Mexico. She currently attends Solano Community College and is working toward becoming a firefighter.

 “I knew I always wanted an active job and to help people. A lot of my family members are paramedics and firefighters. For me, it seems like a cool job and experience,” said Anderson.

Sensei Jim Ernest, the Ramtown Karate chief instructor, considers Anna Anderson a hard worker and is confident in her skills to make the U.S. Senior Team. Photo courtesy of Ramtown Karate

Outside of karate, Anderson enjoys painting and sketching but karate is her number one interest.

To Anderson, karate is about more than just competition.

“For me, it helped me find more discipline and respect for others and it’s just great being part of a team, especially at Ramtown Karate. I think everyone should find a sport they love and enjoy playing. It’s a great way to find friends, too,” said Anderson.

Anderson thanked her coaches and supporters, saying, “I want to thank my coaches Jim and Kathy Ernest just for being there with me throughout my karate career. Smai Karate (my sponsor), everyone at Ramtown Karate and my competition team, which helped me get this far.”

For more information about Anderson’s journey, visit the Ramtown Karate Facebook page.