From left, Kathy Ernest, Jim Ernest, Anna Anderson and Kiera Mackenzie of Ramtown Karate were excited to participate in the 2025 USA Open Karate Championships and Junior International Cup from April 15 to April 21. Photo courtesy of Ramtown Karate

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Anna Anderson of Ramtown Karate competed at the 2025 USA Open Karate Championships and Junior International Cup from April 15 to 21.

The event, held in Las Vegas, brought together the best young karate athletes from across the nation to show off their skills and vie for a spot on the U21 team.

According to Anderson, going into the competition, she felt confident.

“I had my plan that day and I knew it was going to work out,” said Anderson.

Anderson is an instructor at Ramtown Karate, 1680 N. Lincoln St., and has been practicing martial arts for about seven years. Anderson and her sister attended a self-defense training event hosted by Sensei Jim Ernest and she signed up for classes the same day. Several years later, Anderson finds herself competing among the nation’s top karateka under 21 years old. The top two competitors from each division were given the honor of representing Team USA at the Pan-American Championships in Monterrey, Mexico.

Anna Anderson will represent Ramtown Karate and Team USA at the Pan-American Championships in Monterrey, Mexico from May 18 to May 26. Anderson could be the seventh international champion that Ramtown has trained. Photo courtesy of Ramtown Karate

After several hours of grueling competition, Anderson won first-place at the US Open Under-21 team trials. Through this victory, Anderson has secured her spot on the United States Junior National Point Kumite team. Currently, Anderson is considered the number one seed for the Elite Kumite division.

“I’m really excited. My coaches have been helping me for a long time, and I’m just thankful for the support from everyone at Ramtown Karate, who has been encouraging me and making sure I know I deserve this,” said Anderson.

Ramtown Karate, owned and operated by Jim and Kathy Ernest, has a mission to empower students through excellent martial arts training. According to Ramtown Karate’s website, this training is attainable through humility, confidence, passion and an open mind. Ramtown has crafted at least six international champions with these disciplines, and Anderson is following suit.

Anna Anderson won first-place at the US Open Under-21 team trials. Through this victory, Anderson has secured her spot on the United States Junior National Point Kumite team. Currently, Anderson is considered the number one seed for the Elite Kumite division. Photo courtesy of Ramtown Karate

 

“We’re just so proud of every one of them. As they get better, they come back and feel they owe the next person. We are going against these big schools out in New York, Boston and Chicago, and we are beating them. We have created a little Dixon dynasty,” said Jim Ernest.

From May 18 to May 26, Anderson will represent Ramtown Karate and Team USA on an international stage at the Pan-American Championships in Monterrey, Mexico.

For more information about Ramtown Karate, visit ramtownkarate.com or call 707-678-4899.

To follow Anderson’s journey on Team USA, visit her Instagram, @anna_anderson_karate.