Thursday, October 1, 2026
When 10-year-old Charlotte Demmerle stepped off the mat after winning her semifinal match at the USA Karate National Championships in Washington State from July 16 to 19, she had accomplished a goal she had been working toward for years.
She had earned a spot on the 2026 USA Karate Junior National Team.
“I started crying with happiness,” Charlotte said. “But my sensei told me, ‘It’s time to focus, because you still have the finals.’ I was just so happy, because I’ve really wanted to represent Team USA for a long time.”
Charlotte won silver in female ages 10 to 11 kumite — sparring — and 47g weight division.
The Oceanside resident will now represent the United States at the Junior Pan American Karate Championships in Costa Rica Aug. 24 to 30, capping an extraordinary journey that began after one of the most difficult chapters of her family’s life.
Charlotte, who lives with her parents, Tracy and Kenny Demmerle, and her younger sister Kayla, 9, took up karate following the drowning death of her 2-year-old sister, Reagan, in 2023. Looking for healthy ways to help their children process the grief, the Demmerles encouraged Charlotte to pursue a sport she had been asking to try.
What they found was a remarkable natural talent.
“The minute she stepped onto the mat, it just brought her so much joy,” her mother said. “We discovered a talent that we had no idea existed.”
Charlotte now trains at Ultimate Martial Arts & Fitness, in Lynbrook, under Sensei Mamdouh Ibrahim. What started as an emotional outlet has become a passion that has produced more than 40 medals in tournaments in more than 10 states.
Her schedule reflects her intense commitment. While she typically trains five days a week, preparations for nationals increased her workload to seven days a week, with multiple three-hour practices and weekend training sessions.
“It’s been crazy,” Charlotte said. “When I’m at school, I focus on school. When I’m at karate, I focus on karate. It’s how I get through the busy-ness of each day.”
Watching videos of her earliest competitions and comparing them with her most recent performances, she said has shown just how far she has come.
“I’ve improved so much,” she said. “I remember when my kicks were just regular kicks. Now I’m scoring them to the head. It’s really cool to watch.”
Beyond the medals, Charlotte said that karate has helped her discover confidence and purpose. “I learned my passion for karate,” she said. “A lot of people come up to me and tell me I’m amazing at what I’m doing, and it keeps me wanting to do it. I just love it.”
And competing in the same category for the U.S. carries special meaning for her. “It means pride,” she said. “I’m representing my country, and I’m going to show other countries what USA karate is like.”
Her ultimate goal — Olympic-level karate — is even bigger.
Tracy Demmerle said the transformation she has seen in her daughter extends far beyond athletics. “Charlotte’s confidence has boosted so much,” she said. “After Reagan passed away, she became a little more reserved and didn’t want to open up a lot of people. Now she’s this confident, lovable person. When she steps on the mat, people are drawn to her.”
According to Tracy, coaches from around the country often comment on Charlotte’s sportsmanship as much as her talent.
“She never loses and is a sore loser,” Tracy said. “If she loses, she’ll give the other person a giant hug and tell them they did amazing. She’s become a natural-born leader, and as a parent, that makes me incredibly proud.”
Watching Charlotte qualify for Team USA was an emotional milestone for the family.
“I usually cry about a half-hour before she competes,” Tracy laughed. “Not because I’m scared, but because I’m just so proud. Then once she’s on the mat, I’m her biggest cheerleader.”
Charlotte’s father is a member of the Ultimate Martial Arts & Fitness coaching staff during competitions, offering encouragement from mat-side while Tracy cheers from the stands.
The family’s search for positive outlets after Reagan’s death also led Kayla to discover competitive dance, a passion that has helped her grow.
“For a while, we just didn’t know how life was going to be,” Tracy said. “But we knew we had to keep moving forward for our girls. When they found what they loved, it almost felt like a reward. Maybe Reagan’s life had a purpose, in showing us these incredible talents our daughters have.”
As Charlotte prepares to compete internationally, she hopes her story encourages other children facing challenges to pursue something they love.
“Find your passion,” she said. “When you’ve gone through a hard time, or if you’re losing and don’t want to keep going, it will pay off someday. You’ll thank yourself. Just never give up.”
