Little Lives UK recently had the opportunity to sit down with GB karate champion Carla Rudkin-Guillen and her father, Collin Rudkin, to discuss Carla’s remarkable achievements in karate and the profound influence that the sports sponsorship funding from Little Lives UK has had on her journey thus far.
How old was Carla when she first started karate?
Carla embarked on her karate journey at the young age of 4, drawing inspiration from her older sister. She attributes her initial steps into the world of karate to her sister’s influence and guidance.
What initially drew Carla to the practice of karate?
Karate was something the whole family have been involved with. With her dad coaching and her siblings participating too, Carla naturally followed suit. She chose Karate because she thought it was cool and totally different to other sports. For her, it isn’t just about physical activity; it also teaches self-defence, resilience, and, of course, enjoyment along the way.
What has Carla’s experience been with karate so far? Have there been any significant milestones/achievements along the way?
In 2022, Carla achieved a remarkable trifecta by triumphing at the English Championships, the British Championships, and the Commonwealth Championships—all within the same year.
As of now, Carla proudly holds the titles of English Champion, British Champion, British International Open Champion, and Commonwealth Champion, highlighting her unmatched prowess and unwavering dedication in the realm of karate.
Does Carla see herself going for the Olympics?
Unfortunately Karate hasn’t been chosen to be part of Paris 2024, after it made it’s Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020.
However, she hopes to be chosen for the World championships in October.
How does Carla feel that karate has impacted her physical fitness, mental discipline and overall wellbeing?
For Carla, karate serves as more than just a means of staying physically fit—it’s a vital aspect of her life. It offers a welcome respite from the demands of studying, providing a fulfilling activity that balances her routine. Moreover, karate has facilitated the formation of meaningful international friendships and lasting bonds, enriching her life in profound ways. Being part of a team within her squad has further enhanced her experience, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and camaraderie in her karate journey.
Carla’s training regimen is nothing short of elite. It encompasses a rigorous schedule of running, weightlifting, and strength training six times a week, with occasional double sessions in preparation for competitions. She attributes this intense training to a significant improvement in her ability to concentrate and maintain unwavering mental discipline.
‘The loss of my brother in December 2023 has inspired me to go on’
Collin shared a touching moment, something that had happened after Carla’s brother’s tragic passing in December. Whilst they were both going through his things, Carla got the call that she’d been chosen for the European Championships. They both saw this as a sign, motivating Carla to throw herself into her karate even more.
At her brother’s funeral, when Carla gave her speech, she found comfort in her karate training. It helped her zone out her emotions and focus on delivering a speech she knew her brother would have been proud of.
Looking back on the European Championships in February 2024, Carla admits it was tough competing whilst grieving. But coming out of this period successfully despite the pain, has given her a new sense of strength. Now, she’s determined to push herself even harder in her karate, knowing her brother was one of her biggest supporters and is keen to keep excelling.
What is Carla’s advice for someone considering starting a journey in karate?
Carla’s advice to those thinking about starting their karate journey is straightforward: start by joining the Southern England Karate Federation. She encourages giving the sport a shot, even if it’s something new and unfamiliar. Describing karate as a mind-over-body discipline, Carla emphasizes its distinctiveness from team sports like football, where attitudes may vary among players.
In karate, she highlights, it’s an individual pursuit, allowing practitioners to embark on their own unique journey without the pressure to match others’ standards. Unlike being on a football team where falling behind can bring on external pressures from teammates, karate offers a more independent path, where personal progress is the focus.
How does Karate compare to other martial arts? What made Carla choose karate?
When Collin relocated to Bournemouth, he was drawn to karate after seeing the world karate champion on TV. His admiration and passion for the sport naturally influenced his children. Originating from Japan, karate is renowned for its deep-rooted tradition of respect and discipline.
With her family’s keen interest in karate, Carla found it only natural to follow the same path. The sport’s history and her family’s connection to it made joining karate a seamless decision for her.Â
With Carla getting older have her priorities changed and has her social life become more prominent?
Carla attributes her ability to maintain a balanced life to the self-discipline she’s cultivated through karate. This discipline empowers her to navigate the demands of training, socializing, and studying with confidence. Understanding the importance of having a backup plan, Carla is committed to excelling in her A-Levels to keep her options open for alternative career paths, especially in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as injury.
With aspirations of attending university to study either languages or sports science, Carla aims to stay involved in her family’s business while pursuing her academic interests. Drawing inspiration from her parents—her mother’s expertise in languages and her father’s passion for sports—Carla sees this dual pathway as a natural progression, feeling fortunate to have multiple avenues to explore for her future. She appreciates how her upbringing has seamlessly guided her towards these interests, allowing her to chart her course without feeling pressured or uncertain.
Would a larger sponsorships enable access to more opportunities and competitions than what is currently possible? Â Is budget a factor in how much Carla does?
Collin and Carla emphasize the significant role that budget plays in Carla’s participation in various events, highlighting the essential role of sponsorships in making her endeavours possible. They explain how financial constraints dictate Carla’s ability to train with top coaches, underscoring the critical link between experience at the highest level and her chances of competing at European and World standard karate.
Looking ahead, Carla harbors aspirations of being selected for this year’s Commonwealths. Additionally, to qualify for the World Championships, she must meet specific criteria based on her performance in previous competitions, needing to accumulate points to maintain her championship level. This process brings considerable pressure, both in terms of performance and finances. Fortunately, with her father serving as her coach, Carla finds support in navigating these challenges, allowing her to focus wholeheartedly on her karate without the added burden of financial stress.
Does Carla receive any financial support from the UK government as she competes for our country?
Carla receives no support in any way from the UK government.
How does Carla see herself progressing in her karate journey in the future?
Carla shares that her primary aspiration is to earn a spot in the World Championships, a milestone she eagerly anticipates finding out about in July. Her ultimate aim is to challenge herself to secure a medal at the prestigious event. Alongside her competitive goals, she emphasizes the importance of continuing to relish her journey in karate, recognizing that there’s always room for growth and new achievements.
As she approaches her 18th birthday in January 2025, Carla looks ahead to transitioning to the U21 category and competing at the senior level. With her current standing as the top-ranked athlete in Great Britain for two consecutive years, she is driven to elevate her performance to European and World levels, aiming to leave her mark on the global stage.
Read more about our Sports Team Sponsorships. If you would like to support youths like Carla in achieving their dreams within sports, please consider donating to Little Lives UK.
