Name: Sakura Kokumai
Position: Female Elite Kata
Sport: Karate
DOB: 10/2/1992
Birthplace: Honolulu, Hawaii
Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif.
College: Waseda University (Masters Degree)
Coach(es): Nghia Pham
Other Career Highlights
- Member of USA Karate National Team since 2007
- 7x USA National Champion (Senior)
- Pan American Olympic Festival Gold Medalist
- 4x Junior Pan American Champion
- 4x USA National Champion (Junior)
- Karate1 Premier League Salzburg Silver Medalist (2020)
- Karate1 Premier League Dubai Silver Medalist (2020)
- Senior Pan American Silver Medalist (2019)
- 6x Senior Pan American Champion (2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2012)
- Karate1 Series A Bronze Medalist (2017)
- Karate1 Premier League Rotterdam Bronze Medalist (2016)
- Karate1 Premier League Paris Bronze Medalist (2016)
- World Combat Games Silver Medalist (2013)
- World Bronze Medalist (2012)
- Junior and Cadet World Championships Silver Medalist (2009)
Personal:
I started karate at the age of 7 in Honolulu, Hawaii. I made the Junior National team when I was 14 and been representing the country ever since. When I was younger I just loved being around people in the dojo, and loved traveling to international events with my teammates. As I got older I started to set bigger goals for myself as an athlete and fell in love with the sport all over again. Now I am excited to say that I am training to become the first Karate Olympic Medalist. This is our first time making a debut to the Olympic games. I am very honored and excited to have this opportunity. Three fun facts about me... I LOVE watching figure skating, I try my best to keep up with the sport, I know how to sail and my go-to pre-competition food is rice. :)
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