By Frankline Okutoyi
Stella Luku first became interested in karate in 2004.
"I attended a karate lesson out of curiosity. I loved it! I approached the instructor Paul Kimani and asked him whether he thought I could make a good karateka," she told Teen Stars.
Stella is lucky to live at Mully Children’s Centre in Yatta where her talents have been nurtured.
"Mr Kimani enrolled me in the karate club, where I have been training for six years," she says.
Soon after joining the club, Stella participated in the East African Karate championship for the first time.
Stella Luku intends to be a karateka for the rest of her life. |
And despite never having competed in a tournament before, Stella was the overall winner in kumite (sparring).
"I was pleasantly surprised by the victory," the 14-year-old says.
Stella says karate has helped mould her personality.
"I used to be shy but now I have courage, determination and discipline. I am also physically strong," she says.
Two years after her surprise win, in 2006, the defending champion also won in the Eastern and Southern Africa Karate Championship held at Kasarani Stadium.
The Form One student says she juggles sports and schoolwork well.
"I don’t compromise either of them. I train in the evening after school. When you train a lot you are well equipped to take on any opponent," she says.
She hopes to travel to Asia one day to improve her karate skills.
"I would like to mingle with best karatekas from Japan, Korea and China where Karate is popular.
She intends to continue with the martial art all her life.
"Karate instils discipline in all aspects of your life. Besides, I would also like to stay fit and healthy and win as many trophies and medals as I can," says Stella, who has several trophies and medals to her name.
