Karate instructor takes aim at female empowerment

Sensei Nicole Hazle, who recently completed the Guardian Girls Karate Instructors’ Course Americas, hopes to use her achievement to make a difference in the lives of girls.

The Jamaica Karate Federation (JKF) said Hazle was selected to represent the country at the World Karate Federation initiative because of her long-standing dedication to karate instruction and community development.

“Through her work with children, youth, and adults, she has earned a reputation as a knowledgeable instructor, supportive mentor, and positive role model. Her commitment to helping students develop confidence, discipline, and life skills through karate made her an ideal candidate to bring the programme to Jamaica,” JKF said.

Hazle said she is more equipped to share the sport with women following the initiative, which was held in Mexico City, Mexico, from June 12–15.

“The programme reinforced how karate can be used to support personal development and help individuals build confidence in everyday life. Meeting instructors from across the Americas allowed us to exchange ideas and learn from different experiences while working toward a common goal. I am excited to bring these lessons back to Jamaica and to help create more opportunities for women and girls to discover the many benefits that karate has to offer,” Hazle said.

Now a WKF-certified Guardian Girls Karate instructor, Hazle has joined a growing international network of leaders equipped to deliver the programme within their communities.

The 2026 staging brought together 23 instructors from 17 countries across the Americas, including four Caribbean nations, namely, Jamaica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and the Dominican Republic.

The initiative is geared at using karate as a platform for education, awareness, and personal development through structured learning activities and practical training. Nicole Hazel Participants develop greater self-confidence, decision-making skills, situational awareness, and personal-safety strategies while learning how to recognise and respond to unhealthy behaviours and abusive situations.

The JKF said its participation in the programme was a strategic decision that supports both national and international priorities as the initiative contributes to its efforts aimed at addressing gender-based violence through education and prevention, it responds to increasing interest in programmes designed specifically for women, and it aligns with their broader objectives to increase female participation and leadership in sport.

JKF President Tony Robinson said Hazle’s work using karate to help women is not new for her.

“Sensei Nikki (Nichole Hazlle) has already made a significant impact through her work as an instructor and mentor. She has dedicated countless hours to helping young people develop confidence, character, and discipline, and she continues to serve as an excellent example for girls and women within our karate community,” he said.

Robinson said the JKF aims to help more women to grow in the sport.

“As a federation, we are committed to creating more pathways for women to become involved in karate — not only as athletes but also as instructors, officials, leaders, and advocates within their communities,” he said.

He said the Guardian Girls Karate is not only helping JKF members but helps broaden the public’s understanding of what karate can offer.

“While many people know karate through competition, programmes like this show that the sport can also provide practical life skills, personal growth, and increased self-awareness. Women do not need to be athletes, competitors, or of a particular age to benefit from karate. Whether a participant is a young girl, a university student, a working professional, or a mother, there is something valuable to gain from the experience,” Robinson said.

The JKF said it looks forward to working with Sensei Nikki to introduce Guardian Girls Karate activities across the island.