How We get Our Kicks?

The feilding mother and teacher has raised a winning karate kid!

- Emily Beaumont

It’s hard to imagine the softly spoken duo, who regularly erupt into warm laughter as they pose for the Weekly’s camera, fiercely fighting their way to the top of the karate world championships. But that’s exactly what this mother and daughter have done.

While most mums actively discourage fighting, Miho Davis has gently guided her daughter Erika Elers (16) down the path of Shito-ryu karate. One of the four major styles of karate in the world, Miho has been coaching her daughter in the discipline since she was a toddler.

“When I was two or three, my mother’s students would video me doing karate punches,” laughs Erika.

Miho adds, “I even made her a really tiny uniform!”

Erika’s talent was soon apparent and, from the age of four, was winning every competition she entered.

“It wasn’t until you were 11, you lost your first match,” recalls Miho. “She’s always calm and doesn’t become very emotional at all. But that time, I could tell she was really upset.”

Placings other than first are a rarity and, over the years, Erika has accumulated numerous medals, championships and accolades, peaking with the Karate World Championship title for 14-16 age group.

Ensuring her daughter remains grounded, Miho is quick to point out, “She’s been doing good, of course, but in my eyes, not always perfect. There’s always some parts that she can improve.”