The 6:00 a.m. shift from elite tatami to the school run
Sixty days after stepping away from competition, karate champion María Dimitrova is trading pre-dawn training sessions for the morning school run with her children. The athlete, who secured six consecutive gold medals at the Central American and Caribbean Games, told the publication hoy.com.do that her recent retirement has opened up time for domestic routines that rigorous training schedules previously made impossible.
Reclaiming family moments lost during peak athletic years
Dimitrova’s schedule began at 6:00 a.m., leaving her unable to participate in waking, preparing, and seeing off her children for school. “What I am enjoying the most is being more present with my family,” Dimitrova said, noting that stepping back from those daily moments as a mother had been difficult during her peak athletic years. While discipline remains a core part of her daily life, she added that she now directs her time toward her household and growing business ventures.
Growing the Dimitrova Training Academy footprint
Away from the competitive tatami, Dimitrova continues to expand the reach of the Dimitrova Training Academy. The enterprise opened a new branch in Punta Cana in September and is currently developing another location in Santo Domingo Este, scheduled to open in January 2027.
Broadening martial arts programs with new class offerings
The academy’s curriculum has also seen broad expansion. Alongside traditional instruction in karate, judo, taekwondo, aikido, Filipino kali, and self-defense, the training centers introduced kickboxing classes in September, with Brazilian jiu-jitsu additions scheduled for October. “I am excited to offer more options and bring more martial arts,” Dimitrova told hoy.com.do regarding the broadened program offerings.
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