An 11-year-old from northern Israel recently became both a national and European karate champion, beating hundreds of other karate kids to the coveted title.
Lipaz Ashate from the northern town of Ma’alot Tarshiha came in first place in the European contest that took place in Poland in December, and again picked up the top prize at the Israeli competition last month.
Lipaz has been training in the martial arts since the tender age of six, and her most recent medals join earlier wins at various championships.
Lipaz has been supported for the last four years by the Youth Futures program, a subsidiary of The Jewish Agency for Israel that backs children across dozens of cities and towns in the country’s geographic and social periphery.
Through the program, she has been enjoyed the guidance of a private mentor, Hila Yoshfov.
“Hila is everything for me. She believes in me and has a significant part in what happened in terms of my wins,” Lipaz said after her most recent victories.
Lipaz, we wish you continued success (and promise to stay out of your way)!
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