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Somers 7-Year-Old Already A Karate Champion

SOMERS, N.Y. -- The next karate kid is from Somers. And she's only 7-year-old.

Sierra Deodhardi has already won several karate titles.

Sierra Deodhardi has already won several karate titles.

Photo Credit: Bobby Deodhari

Sierra Deodhari, who currently has a brown belt, is the holder of 2 international titles and is ranked in the #1 in the New York Karate Tournament for her age group.

Sierra, who trains at Croton Karate under Peter Doherty and attends Somers Elementary School, recently won the USA Karate Federation Do Philadelphia Regional Open and took third place in the under 13 black/brown belt division.

The 7-year-old said she started learning karate after she felt shy and scared in kindergarten. It was love at first sight.

"I love to run, jump and kick," Sierra said.

Sierra said her sensei, Peter Doherty, has been very helpful, making sure her stances are correct. Karate has made Sierra more outgoing, she said. 

"I'm not shy anymore," Sierra said. "I'll talk to anyone. I've made more friends at school."

Although she gets a little nervous before meets, Sierra, who trains two hours a day, said she gets ready by listening to KidzBop. She said her favorite place to compete was Puerto Rico. 

Sierra said kids should take up karate because it helps you learn respect, stand up for yourself and learns manners while also giving you more confidence.

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