MEET CHRISTINA
I was born in South Africa. I started my Martial Arts training when I was nine years old. From the moment I stepped on the mat, I knew I’d found my passion.
Since then, I’ve become a six-time Individual World Karate Fighting Champion and one of only two women in the USA to achieve the rank of 5th Degree Black Belt in Kimura Shukokai International (KSI), a style of karate that has a worldwide following.
I use this background as a basis for teaching Karate and Self-Defense classes, and I was honored to be named the USA Women’s Team Coach. Helping others learn how to empower and defend themselves brings me so much joy.
As resilient business owners, my Greek-Cypriot parents showed me the significance of hard work to achieve one’s goals. They have always inspired me, especially when we picked up our lives to move across the world to America when I was 17.
From decades of travels with family and friends to international karate competitions, I’ve obtained a keen perspective on how people around the world live, work and eat. I’ve seen first-hand the impact that these choices have on people’s health and happiness.
My Mediterranean roots have instilled in me a love for wholesome, healthy foods. I love sharing the knowledge I’ve gained from my multigenerational kitchen and family table. To me, health is about more than what you eat. It’s about a healthy mind, body and spirit. Being healthy is truly a way of life.
When I’m not training or traveling, I take pride in my corporate career -- serving clients in the wealth-management industry. I’ve had the privilege of working for various global financial corporations, assisting clients at all levels of management from executive assistants to CEOs.
In the spring of 2021, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was able to face this challenge by relying on my commitment to exercise, a healthy lifestyle and my faith in God. With the support of my loved ones and my sense of humor, I persevered. Today, I want to share my journey with others as a source of inspiration so that they, too, can overcome any challenges in their lives.