Before the medals and the international flights, there was a four-year-old girl in Karate gi trying to emulate her big sister.
Hannah Sullivan grew up, kept showing up, and she’s now going to Chengdu to represent Australia at the 2025 World Games.
Popularly called Sensei Hannah, her selection still feels surreal.
“I honestly felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders,” she said. “This moment made me speechless and beyond proud of myself.”
Only one male and one female athlete are chosen to represent Australia in karate at the Games. For Hannah, being the sole female athlete selected across Oceania is a major milestone.
“To me, this means aiming to make every young girl in martial arts proud,” she said.
“It’s about showing that with hard work, consistency and belief in yourself, you can reach the highest levels.”
That belief began early.
Hannah followed her siblings into the dojo as a child. Her sister was a fierce competitor she admired. Her brother showed strength and loyalty, always turning up for the club even on his most tired days. Karate began as a family activity, but over time, it became something much more. Now, she’s still on the tatami, chasing growth.
Getting to the World Games hasn’t been easy. Preparation has been intense, and every detail has mattered. From strength, conditioning and high-level sparring, everything has been designed to sharpen timing, reflexes and strategy.
Hannah has worked closely with her coach, personal trainer, physiotherapist and remedial massage therapist. She even travelled to Switzerland to train with elite competitor, Elena Quirici, a world-class athlete known for her discipline, mindset and generosity.
“It’s completely immersive,” she said. “Training at this level isn’t something you do alone. It takes a whole team.”
Outside of training, Hannah’s life is a constant juggle. She balances university, coaching, social life and recovery, while learning to manage her body’s limits.
She said, “Sometimes that means slowing down after an injury or taking time off when I’m sick,” while adding that “balance is about working smarter, not just harder.”
Hannah grew up at West Coast Karate, a family-run club. Her dad is the coach, her mum is the friendly face of the club, and now, Hannah helps lead classes alongside her childhood friend, Eric.
“This family is where I learned to work hard, lead with purpose and give back to others,” she said. “The support I’ve had from every single member has shaped who I am. I wouldn’t be the person or athlete I am without West Coast Karate.”
Her coach and dad, Brian Sullivan, noted Hannah’s success has lifted the whole club.
“She’s a superb martial artist and an outstanding role model,” Brian said. “Her skills leave me in awe. She sets the standard for everyone.”
Brian said Hannah brings back ideas and techniques from her international training, helping the entire club improve. But more than that, she’s built a community that supports each other.
“At her level, you need training partners who can match your intensity,” he said. “We’re a small club, and her success wouldn’t be possible without that support.”
That impact is clear to those she teaches.
Kaitlin, an adult student who came from male-dominated sports, said Hannah helped her believe in what was possible.
According to her, “I had never seen a female athlete perform at such a high level in person.
“Watching her makes me believe I can aim higher. She’s taught me that consistent effort can lead to extraordinary things.”
For Danielle, a teenage student in Year 12, Hannah’s lessons go beyond karate.
“She’s encouraging and makes every class fun and challenging,” she said. “She helped me understand that progress doesn’t have a deadline. That’s a lesson I’ll carry in life, not just sport.”
According to Hannah, being a role model is something she takes seriously.
She said, “No one has a perfect journey,” while also noting that people should “celebrate your wins, learn from your setbacks and remember why you love it. Be kind to yourself and enjoy the process of getting better.”
Looking ahead to Chengdu, she’s excited to step onto the world stage; not just for herself, but for the people behind her.
“Competing is always what I love most. But I’m also excited to meet other athletes, experience a new culture and soak it all in. This is something I’ll carry with me forever.”
