By Ron Lane
If one were to stop and wonder, exactly what proverbs would best suite Cooroy’s 13-year-old Dannica Starkey, junior Black Belt member of the Sunshine Coast Martial Arts, one could not do better than to quote Mark Twain: “It is not the size of the dog in the fight that counts but the size of the fight in the dog.”
This young lady, despite her youth, has made people in the International world of Martial Arts, sit up and take note. In the words of her Sensei (teacher)Bryan Dukas 6th Dan, “With her dedication, self-discipline and mental outlook of never giving up, her fighting spirit is beyond question.”
This assessment came about in 2019 after she had achieved what many thought, was impossible: she, in her division, won the gold medal for Kumite (sparring) at the World Shotokan Karate Championships in Tokyo Japan.
“This of course was very good and exciting,” she said, “but when it was over it was a big relief. It was not easy, as the rules in Japan were a bit different and the standard was very fast.”
Add to this Sensei Dukas said, “We were all very proud, our team members, supporters, all of us: this was an incredible achievement. At this tournament she was up against the very best,”
For Dannica, a grade 8 student at Sunshine Beach State High, it all started at the age of 3, when she went along with her brothers to join the Sunshine Coast Martial Arts Club at Noosa, then known as the KBI and started in her kindy classes. “Some people might think that that is too young, but there are a lot of sports and hobbies that the children can start at that age, ballet and gymnastics for example: they are often referred to as Kindy classes and they just learn structure, have fun, and begin to develop their personalities,” said her mother Jennifer.
It was in 2016 that sensei Bryan Dukas, entered her life. Following a suggestion from friend Tammy Kelly, a former South African martial arts student now living in Noosa, Dukas, arrived in October 2015 for a look at the dojo and a bit of a holiday. Liking what he saw he spent time with Tammy teaching at the Noosa dojo: then in April 2016, returned to South Africa, settled all family affairs and with his family arrived back August 2016:then he bought the dojo and started to teach his style and philosophies.
For Dannica Starkey, her relationship with Dukas and other senior sensei has been one of outstanding success. “Her attitude and approach to karate is very determined and positive: she will never give up– and thrives on hard training,” said sensei Dukas. With a support team of instructors, such as Rick Hislop and Tammy Kelly both 5th Dans, (Japanese gradings) the success of this young girl is understandable.
Through the years her achievements have been outstanding: five consecutive Queensland titles and four consecutive Australian titles, all in kumite(sparring): then in 2018 named in the Australian team.
Representing Australia in New Zealand for the Oceanic Cup (which is the Oceanic region), in kumite, she won a bronze medal. Also, in 2018, again representing her country, this time in the Pacific Cup, won a silver medal in the kata competition ( a detailed pattern of movements either solo or in pairs ) and a bronze in the kumite. The Pacific Cup was contested by teams from Australia, New Guinea ,Fiji, New Caledonia and other Pacific regions.
These results have been outstanding. But of course, for Dannica the year 2019 would be the year to remember, winning an Australian gold medal then following this, her success in winning the gold in Japan at the world championships.
It is no wonder that for this young lady, Karate has become a way of life, with the possibility it could be a life- long commitment. Being aged 13, she at present holds a junior Black Belt, but on reaching age 15 she could, if considered ready by her sensei, sit for her senior Black Belt.
When a young athlete embarks on a sporting career and starts to achieve success, you will often find that apart from her coaches, a major component has been out sanding family support. And the Starkey parents(Jennifer and Danny) are a classic example. Apart from facing the financial aspects of having an international athlete within the family, the parents showed total support when they utilized some space in the home to build her own dojo: and the floor of which, is properly covered with karate mats.
This home dojo has been an outstanding success. Apart from normal training times, the outbreak of the Covid virus, which saw the closure of sporting facilities, resulted in Dannica using the home dojo to the utmost.
Despite her youth, she has not neglected the financial burden imposed upon her family: she has undertaken to start a small T shirt business to help raise funds. When asked about the shirts she said, “I came up with the slogan, Kick Like A Girl, and so far, it is going ok.” A wonderful gesture from someone so young.
When chosen to represent one’s country in international competition, it is always considered an honour: then to travel to such places as New Zealand and Japan to compete (and attend training seminars) makes it more so. But for these young athletes it often comes as a big cost to the families. Unfortunately, because there is little or no public recognition, for the martial arts, the cost to the families can be enormous.
When Dannica was chosen to represent Australia, she not only paid $400 for her Australian track suit (of course complete with the national coat of arms ! ) but as stated there was also the financial burden: all coaching and competition entry fees, travel and accommodation to be paid by the family. For the year 2018, (which included overseas travel to represent her country,) this total was an estimated $15,000. Because of the lack of media exposure and public awareness, there is virtually little or no sponsorship for the martial arts. This then results in the financial burden being shouldered by the families. For someone so young to achieve so much, is something that we in the Noosa community can take pride. Well done to Dannica and family.
