Sensei Dolina Ross

Sensei Dolina Ross has dedicated almost half a century to Shotokan Karate as an elite international competitor, national champion and senior coach. As founder of Karate Alba since 2008, preceded by her founding of Highland Karate in the 1980s, she has transformed access to the sport in the Highlands, mentoring generations of athletes and using karate as a vehicle for inclusion, resilience and community development.

Few people have done so much for karate in Scotland, particularly as a female practitioner, over such a substantial period of time. Sensei Ross is the first woman in Scotland to set up and run a karate federation, and she is the only Scottish woman to represent the national UK team in competition Kata. She has received several awards, including Outstanding British Achievers Award for Outstanding Global Achievement at the UK Karate Awards in 2024 (TUKKA), recognition as Highland Council's Inverness Area Sports Coach of the Year, and a Sports Personality nomination for the Scottish Gaelic Awards.

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She is a tireless supporter and advocate for providing access to karate for all children and adults regardless of economic background or physical abilities. 

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WHY KARATE MATTERS​

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Sensei Ross firmly believes that Karate builds a child's self-esteem by providing a  structured environment where they master new skills, earn belt promotions, and achieve personal goals, transforming their belief in their own capabilities.

Through consistent training, children develop physical competence, mental resilience, and the ability to handle failures positively, which fosters a sense of pride and confidence that carries over into everyday life. Karate Competitions bring this awareness and experience together in a controlled setting, forming essential developmental milestones in every child’s karate and life journeys.