A Closer Look (Biography)
Welcome to my website/ biography, my name is Deania Nidra Sen and I was born in 2013 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. My roots are half Dutch and half Dominican.
My goal: To become one of the best female karatekas in the world.
The philosophy of Martial Art Culture has been woven into my upbringing from the day I was born. Basic elements such as respect, wisdom, craft and meditation run like a common thread through my life. From a very young age, I was very impressed by ‘the Monks’ and as soon as I was able to walk, I enjoyed imitating their movements/stands. I became very serious and was annoyed if I didn’t succeed. This is probably part of my character.
'Shotokan'
When I turned 5, my parents accompanied me to a Karate School in Amsterdam, where I was introduced to the ‘Shotokan’ style. I was guided by Sensei Almir Skrijelj (national coach youth kata KBN). During the first exam (yellow belt), the examination committee declared that I was exceptionally talented and was advised never to stop. My talent was soon developed further and I trained 3 times a week, for several hours. My regular school also supported my development in the field of Karate, which allowed me to leave school a little early once a week so that I could start training in the Dojo on time.
In addition to the training, I developed an interest to participate in KBN competitions. I have achieved several podium prizes at Open National Championships Youth, Battle of the Elements and Dutch championships. My passion grew. During the training, I enjoyed assisting my Sensei and serving as an example for the ‘lower belt’ students. I was able to learn at ‘Karate Do Buitenveldert’ up to and including my brown belt 3rd Kyu. Although I enjoyed training, not all my needs were met and I decided to say goodbye and move on.
'Kyokushin-Kai'
I was now 9 years old and it was time to expand my talent. Together with my parents we chose to switch to another school/karate style, namely ‘Karate Do Yokoso’ from the Engelhardt family. Here I was introduced to ‘Kyokushin-Kai’ karate. During the trial lesson I already saw big differences in training style, which gave me a very good feeling. Previously I was mainly concerned with Katas and here I got introduced to ‘Semi Contact Fighting’. I really enjoyed this and I finally was able to use the techniques in a real fight!
Here my talent was noticed as well. Even though I was new to the ‘Kyokushin-kai’ style, after six months of training I was invited to take the exam for the brown belt 2nd kyu, which I successfully completed. My interest in competitions was still there and after taking the exam I talked to my Sensei’s (John Engelhardt and Gilbert Engelhardt) about participating in competitions, which was welcomed. Unlike my previous school, where I participated in ‘KBN’ competitions, Yokoso participates in ‘Wako’ competitions. Traditional Katas, Point fighting, Light Contact, Creative Forms, Musical Forms, and Forms with Weapons. Lots to choose from, an overload of interests and I needed time to think about what I liked to do.
'Competitions'
In March 2024 the time had come, my first International Wako Tournament, The Yokoso Dutch Open in my own city Amsterdam! I participated in 2 categories: Traditional Forms and Point Fighting. And with success. I became 3rd in the Traditional forms (U12) and 2nd in Point fighting (-32 kg). This left me wanting more… I was allowed to participate in the competition training for Point fighting given by Sensei ‘Carvin Burke’, who already trains many talents, including World Champions. I felt honored, but also realized that this is top level sport and that I had to work hard to achieve this. This caused my training days to go from 3 times to 5 times a week.
In addition to Point Fighting, I also want to continue with Traditional Katas. My Sensei told me that there were few competitions for Traditional Forms. My parents advised me to think about the other options in Forms (Creative, Musical, Weapons) and I quickly decided. I was interested training with weapons since the first time I saw my colleagues. I spoke to my Sensei again and asked what the options were. He spoke to the other Sensei’s and I was introduced to Sensei ‘Stefano Scandola‘, a world champion who teaches Bo Staff and Kata training at Yokoso. To get acquainted with the Bo Staff, I made a Bo Staff myself and took it with me to my first lesson. My Sensei was positively surprised.
After 9 months of training its time to perform my first competions in Creative forms with weapon and Musical Forms with weapons in 2025, and with succes, a gold medal (9.5, 9.5, 9.5 judges).
'International Tournaments'
After fighting my first 3 tournaments in 2024 I wanted more. My goal was to compete in 3 major international tournaments in 2025.
Athene, Greece
In January the first tournament was planned, namely the European Cup in Athens. How nice, such a big tournament with athletes from many different countries. I was looking forward to performing together with my team. In full focus I started my first matches, it felt good and made it to the final in my category -32kg. An exciting final, we were evenly matched until the end and an extension had to provide a solution. In the end I lost with a difference of 1 point, but I am very satisfied with a beautiful 2nd place. In the -37kg it also went well and I became 5th. What a beautiful journey and what an experience I was able to gain.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
In March it was time for the 2nd big tournament in my own city Amsterdam, the Yokoso Dutch Open 2025. I participated in 7 categories (4x pointfighting, tradional kata, creative forms and musical forms). It was a spectacle piece. Where I became 2nd and 5th in Athens, I won 6x gold and 1x silver in Amsterdam. This was fantastic and a nice reward for the hard training of the past months.
Budapest, Hungary
After a year of intensive training and growth, it was time to participate in one of the biggest tournaments in Europe: ‘The Hungary World Cup.’ Quite exciting, because I have only been doing Point fighting for 1.5 years. I come to every tournament to win, that is my attitude. Unfortunately there was no podium place for me and I was very disappointed at first. Afterwards when I look back on my matches I can be proud that I can participate in such a tournament and compete against the best opponents in Europe, I am grateful for this beautiful but also certainly important experience. I know what I have to do and will come back stronger next time.
There are some International Tournaments coming up soon, please check here for the schedule.
'Topsport Amsterdam'
At an age where many are still exploring who they want to be, I stepped into a unique journey: a pilot program of Topsport Amsterdam for young sports talents in Amsterdam. Twelve participants, between 10 and 14 years old, each with their own passion – from breakdance to kickboxing, from freerunning to karate – came together under the banner of Urban & Combat Sports.
I loved being in an environment where everyone shared a similar goal and passion. The group atmosphere was uplifting, and training alongside others brought both challenge and a healthy, positive sense of competition. Having access to facilities and resources beyond what I normally find at my own club made the experience even richer. Its stimulates the drive: to learn, to grow, and to push beyond my own limits.
The guidance we received reminded me of the values I hold close in karate: respect, perseverance, mastery.
'Exam Preparation'
After years of training, taking Kyu exams, it is time for me to close a period and more importantly, start a new period. In recent months I have followed an extra training (in addition to the 5 trainings that I do weekly) in preparation for my Dan Exam. In this training, beside the physical training, a lot of attention is also paid to the theoretical knowledge and background of karate.
Given my 11 years of age, it was still exciting whether I would be allowed to take the exam (the age limit is normally 15 years). My Sensei Gilbert Engelhardt, who trains me for this exam, has submitted a dispensation request and this has been honored, which means that I could take my exam in July 2025. I am looking forward to this important/ special moment in my Karate career.
'Youngest Black Belt of the Netherlands'
Saturday, July 5, 2025, was finally the day: my black belt exam. Even though I had prepared well, I was still a little nervous. I took the exam with several other karatekas, and there was an independent Examination Committee. Despite a few minor errors, I was satisfied with my performance. The Committee’s words were clear: “What a fantastic exam.”
At the black belt award ceremony (black and white due to my age), I was told that I was officially the youngest black belt holder in the Netherlands. This didn’t go unnoticed; National journalists from TV and newspapers were eager to do an interview or feature on this result. A wonderful experience! Here you can find some of the media items.
I am deeply honored to be a black belt holder at this age, and I wear it with pride, honor, and respect. My responsibility has taken on a different weight. Each one, teach one.
'Stay tuned'
If you want to support me or stay informed of my development, training and/or competitions, you can follow me on Instagram and Facebook where I regularly share photos and videos.
Thank you for reading my biography and hopefully I will see you again on one of my platforms or personally at one of the competitions.
Greeting, Deania Nidra Sen
“Live life to the fullest”
(Quote)