At just 8 years old, Krisdiana “Krissy“ Dillard is no stranger to hard work. It’s landed her a chance to compete in the world karate championship.

Dillard isn’t letting her age stop her. In fact, she’s just warming up.

“It means I’m one of the best in the world at my sport,” she said.

She is competing against people from 30 other countries as part of Team USA.

Her specialty? Weaponry and fighting.

“Weapons is taking a bow staff and you have to master it,” she said. “Fighting is, like, you’re trying to beat the other person by getting more points.”

Watching martial arts movies inspired Krissy to join the sport two years ago. Her mom, Kay, was with her every step of the way.

"It's taking her to practice three times a week,” her mom said. “She does two hours, three times a week. She also practices at home. Because she uses the bow staff none of the brooms have handles."

All that practice is what got Krisdiana to where she is now.

"There are times when you're tired and you're dragging and she's at the door with her bag like, ‘OK it's time to go,” Kay said. “If you're 15 minutes early, you're late or whatever she says.”

Richard Everage runs the dojo. He’s worked with Krissy for the last two years.

“Watching her grow and progress these last couple of years, it’s been marvelous,” Everage said.

Watching older students succeed in the dojo pushed Krissy. And now Everage says she’s taking their place.

“I have kids who are 5 that are looking up to Krissy as a role model like she’s old,” Everage said.

The world championship takes place at the end of October. But Krissy is already looking forward to what the future brings.

“Her end goal is to become a black belt and a doctor,” Kay said. “I’m praying all things she wants she gets.”