Anderson’s upcoming appearance in Denver will mark another milestone, as she is set to become the youngest athlete ever to compete for a spot on the U.S. Senior Team. Photo courtesy of Anna Anderson

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Local karateka Anna Anderson will travel to Colorado in late January as she prepares to compete in the 2026 USA Karate National Team Trials, a key step in her pursuit of a spot on the U.S. Senior National Team.

Anderson, 18, of Ramtown Karate, is scheduled to arrive in Colorado Jan. 29, and stay through Feb. 2. The national team trials will be held in Denver from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, bringing together top competitors from across the country.

With the trip approaching, Anderson said her focus has narrowed to preparation, both physically and mentally.

“I’ve just been really focusing on training and getting in the mental space I need to be,” said Anderson. “I’m a Christian, so it revolves around me praying a lot and trying to take a different perspective on things and have a positive mindset. Sometimes I get down on myself when training, so I just need to flip my mindset more and have fun. I’m here to do my best and do what I love.”

Anderson said training in Colorado will differ from her current routine, largely due to the change in environment, but she plans to rely on familiar habits.

“It’s a whole different area and environment,” she said. “I’m excited to train in a new place. I’ve never been to Colorado. I have a routine I do before every competition, and I always feel more confident and ready after.”

During her stay, Anderson hopes to visit the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. The facility features an Olympic-size swimming pool, an indoor shooting range, and strength and conditioning training areas used by elite athletes.

“I really want to see the Olympic training center,” said Anderson. “Ever since it’s been possible for me to try out for the senior team, I’ve wanted to go. I feel like once I’m there, it’ll be real, like I could be a member of Team USA.”

During her stay, Anderson hopes to visit the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. The facility features equipment used by elite athletes. Photo courtesy of Chris Hull/United States Olympic & Paralympic Training Center

The 2026 National Team Trials serve as a pathway for athletes seeking to represent the United States in international competition. According to USA Karate, the event is designed to introduce talented practitioners on the world stage to compete for the country.

Anderson enters the trials following a standout performance last summer. In July 2025, she 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 in Fort Worth, Texas. Competing in the 18-to-20 age group, she represented Northern California and earned a position on the U.S. Junior Team with her first-place finish. The event also served as the official selection process for both the U.S. Junior and Senior National Teams.

Her upcoming appearance in Denver will mark another milestone, as Anderson is set to become the youngest athlete ever to compete for a spot on the U.S. Senior Team.

Looking ahead to 2026, Anderson said her goals extend beyond a single event.

“One of my goals is to make the senior team,” said Anderson. “Another goal is to make the under-21 team again and compete at the senior and junior PKF (Panamerican Karate Federation) and medal there.” Outside of karate, Anderson is enrolled in an emergency medical technician program and plans to complete prerequisite classes for the fire academy.

As she prepares for the trip, Anderson credits her support system.

“My coaches Jim and Kathy Ernest and Kiera Lake, all my friends at Ramtown, my parents, and all my friends and family,” said Anderson. “They’ve been really supportive through this crazy process.”

For more information about Anderson’s journey, visit the Ramtown Karate Facebook page or call 707-678-4899.

Local karateka Anna Anderson will travel to Colorado in late January as she prepares to compete in the 2026 USA Karate National Team Trials, a key step in her pursuit of a spot on the U.S. Senior National Team. Photo courtesy of Anna Anderson