Dixon Karate Athlete Wins Gold, Earns Spots on U.S. Teams

Anna Anderson dominates at Karate U.S. Open, secures spots on prestigious national squads

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:23am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, energetic painting in vibrant neon colors, with rapid brushstrokes conveying the raw power and dynamic movement of a karate competition.The explosive energy and dynamic movements of elite-level karate competition are on full display in this vibrant illustration, capturing the essence of Anna Anderson's gold medal performance at the Karate U.S. Open.Dixon Today

Anna Anderson, a competitive karate athlete from Dixon, California, won a gold medal in her division at the Karate U.S. Open in Fort Worth, Texas and earned spots on the prestigious USA Olympic-level 18-to-34 Women's Team and the U21 USA Team, marking a major milestone in her career.

Why it matters

Anderson's success at the high-profile Karate U.S. Open and her selection to the national teams demonstrate the strength of the Ramtown Karate program and its ability to develop elite-level competitors. Her accomplishments also inspire younger athletes in the Dixon and Vacaville areas who may be interested in taking up competitive karate.

The details

At the Karate U.S. Open, Anderson competed in the 18-to-20 division and captured the gold medal without allowing a single point against her. She also competed in the 18-to-34 category, facing older and more experienced opponents, though she did not achieve the results she had hoped for.

  • Anderson competed at the Karate U.S. Open in Fort Worth, Texas on April 12, 2026.
  • Anderson earned spots on the USA Olympic-level 18-to-34 Women's Team and the U21 USA Team in April 2026.

The players

Anna Anderson

A competitive karate athlete who trains at Ramtown Karate in Dixon, California. She won a gold medal in her division at the Karate U.S. Open and earned spots on the prestigious USA Olympic-level 18-to-34 Women's Team and the U21 USA Team.

Jim Ernest

The chief instructor at Ramtown Karate, where Anderson trains. He said Anderson's success reflects both her individual effort and the program's history of producing high-level competitors.

Andrew Pisany

One of Anderson's teammates at Ramtown Karate who serves as a sparring partner and helps with her development.

Lazer Ingram

Another one of Anderson's teammates at Ramtown Karate who serves as a sparring partner and helps with her development.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I was really excited to be there. In the past, I'm normally really nervous, but this time I didn't have that. I was just excited to compete.”

— Anna Anderson, Competitive Karate Athlete

“I just woke up that morning, and I knew I wasn't losing.”

— Anna Anderson, Competitive Karate Athlete

“We had a game plan, I listened to my coach. I just felt like I wasn't going to lose. I had a good mindset that day.”

— Anna Anderson, Competitive Karate Athlete

“It's just a really big achievement and goal. Ever since I found out about the U.S. team, it's been a goal. So, to say the first time I tried out, I got it? That's a big accomplishment.”

— Anna Anderson, Competitive Karate Athlete

“I have coaches that care about me and teammates that give up their time and weekends to train with me. My other two teammates, Andrew Pisany and Lazer Ingram, are great sparring partners, always inspiring me.”

— Anna Anderson, Competitive Karate Athlete

What’s next

Anderson is preparing for the Pan American Championship in Brazil, where her goals include medaling and enjoying the experience of competing internationally.

The takeaway

Anna Anderson's gold medal victory and selection to prestigious national karate teams showcase the strength of the Ramtown Karate program in Dixon, California, and inspire the next generation of local athletes to pursue their competitive dreams.