A West Nottinghamshire College sports student who took up karate after experiencing bullying at school has fought her way to World Cup glory and is now hoping local businesses will support her sporting ambitions.
Seventeen-year-old Lia Dennis, who is studying Level 3 Sports Coaching, has transformed what began as a way of building confidence and learning self-defence into a passion that has seen her compete against some of the world’s best karate athletes.
Now a black belt and World Cup gold medallist, Lia, from Broxtowe, Nottingham, dedicates around ten hours a week to training alongside her college studies, coaching commitments and a four-hour daily round trip to Mansfield.
Her journey began five years ago, when her mum encouraged her to take up martial arts after she experienced bullying at school.
Lia explained: “I was getting bullied quite badly and my mum wanted me to learn something that would help me defend myself if I ever needed to.
“One day, my uncle and I were walking the dog when we saw some people handing out leaflets for karate. I told him I really wanted to try it.
“My uncle joined first, but then one evening, when I was already in my pyjamas getting ready for bed, my mum suddenly told me to get dressed because I was going to karate! That was how it all started.”
Just three months after joining GKR Karate, Lia entered her first regional competition as a yellow belt. Since then, she has achieved her black belt and regularly competes in regional, national and international-level tournaments.
Her biggest achievement came at the GKR Karate World Cup in Telford this year, where more than 2,000 competitors took part across three demanding days.
Competing in team sparring, individual kata – a choreographed sequence of karate movements – and continuous sparring, Lia secured gold in the latter discipline, winning all five of her bouts to claim the World Cup title in her division.
Unlike traditional point-scoring sparring, where competitors stop after each point, continuous sparring requires athletes to compete without interruption, with judges assessing their performance throughout.
Lia said: “It was the first time we’d done continuous sparring at a tournament, so it was quite different. I had about five bouts and managed to win every one. It was really difficult and tiring,especially after competing for three days, but I came away with a gold medal and a big trophy.
“I also won bronze in the team sparring, so it was an amazing experience.”
Earlier this year, Lia also secured second place at a regional tournament in Bradford. Her success has been supported by instructor Pete Lofthouse and the wider GKR Karate community, with Lia training at clubs across Aspley, Bilborough, Daybrook and occasionally Bradford.
Her dedication extends beyond competing. For the past year, Lia has helped teach karate to children and adults, gaining valuable experience that complements her college studies.
Through her sports coaching course, she has also developed her leadership and communication skills by delivering activities to visiting school groups and supporting PE sessions at local schools, including King Edward Primary and Nursery School in Mansfield.
She said: “I’ve always loved sport, but I really enjoy coaching and helping other people. At karate, I teach people of all ages, and it’s something I’d like to continue doing. Our club is like onebig family. Everyone gets along and, when someone new joins, they’re paired with somebody who can help them and make them feel comfortable.
“I was nervous on my first day, so I know how that feels. I’d tell anyone thinking about trying a new sport not to worry and just give it a go.”
Balancing her commitments is no easy task, with Lia often travelling straight from college to evening karate sessions, carrying her training equipment with her.
Sports teacher Steph Saunders said: “Lia’s achievements in karate are a wonderful example of the dedication and perseverance required to compete at such a high level.
“Balancing the demands of competitive sport with college studies can be challenging, and Lia recognises the importance of taking responsibility for her learning. She makes use of her free time to catch up on any work she has missed, demonstrating perseverance and accountability as she works towards her qualification.
“We wish her every success as she continues to pursue her sporting ambitions.”
On 28 November, Lia will compete at the GKR Karate National Championships in Sheffield, where she hopes to add another gold medal to her collection. In December, she will also attempt her next black belt grading.
However, competing at this level comes at a considerable financial cost, with tournament entry fees, travel, accommodation and specialist equipment placing demands on Lia and her family. Entry fees alone for her forthcoming national competition could exceed £100 if she enters all available events.
Lia is now appealing to local businesses, sporting organisations and potential sponsors to help her continue competing at the highest level.
She said: “The competitions can be really expensive, especially when you have to travel or stay away overnight.
“Sponsorship would help with travel costs, tournament entry fees and equipment such as new gloves and uniforms.
“Anything anyone could contribute would make a difference and help me keep doing what I love.”
Looking ahead, Lia hopes to pursue a career in sport, potentially through a coaching apprenticeship, while continuing to develop her karate skills and compete in major tournaments.
If any local businesses, employers or sporting organisations would consider sponsoring Lia as she continues her competitive karate journey?
Support of any size, whether through financial contributions towards competition and travel costs or assistance with specialist training equipment, would be warmly welcomed.
To discuss sponsorship opportunities or offer support, please contact Lia directly by emailing liarad09@gmail.com.