Sara Benfares

Shodan from Sweden and the first female Shodan at Molndals Funakoshi Karate Club.

Sara Benfares has trained in karate since 1996 and describes karate as both physical practice and mental-spiritual study.

Rank

1st Dan, promoted in 2003

Country

Sweden

Dojo

Molndals Funakoshi Karate Klubb

Profession

Nurse

Training Path

Sara began practicing karate in 1996 at Molndals Funakoshi Karate Club, then led by Shihan Sandor Nagy, 7th Dan. She was inspired by her father and brother, who also practiced martial arts, and wanted to learn self-defense.

She received Shodan in 2003 from Shihan Sandor Nagy. In 2006, her brother Sensei Zakaria Benfares, 4th Dan, took over Molndals Funakoshi Karate Club, and Sara continued training with him.

She has also trained in jiu jutsu with Shihan Pavel Antonsson, 5th Dan.

Teaching and Example

Sara assists at the club when needed, helping instruct other students. She was proud to be the first female Shodan at Molndals Funakoshi Karate Club after 26 years of club history.

As more girls joined the club, Sara worked to set a good example for them.

View of Karate

Sara describes karate as close to her heart. She values the physical practice of techniques, kata, and fighting, as well as the mental and spiritual side of training.