Natomas Karate Instructor Places 3rd In Philippines Competition

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - A Sacramento martial arts instructor is making international headlines and she and her team placed third in an event held in the Philippines.

They call her "Sensei Christina" at Tokon Martial Arts in Natomas and Christina Hinschberger's recent accomplishment is a childhood dream come true.

She and her team placed third in a worldwide karate kata competition where teams perfect a series of synchronized techniques designed for multiple attackers.

"Just to be able to compete with other countries and know that we placed in the top three, it means a lot to me," she said.

Even when her long journey took a detour - she found out she was pregnant in the middle of her training - she never let up.

"I was on the dojo mats six days a week up until I was 37 weeks, and at 37 weeks I trained in the swimming pool," she said.

Her pursuit for perfection paid off.

It means a lot to parents at her Natomas studio too, knowing their children are learning from one of the best.

Strong, yet gentle, sensei Christina never stops guiding children. A third grade teacher by day, by night she continues to mold and maneuver.

We wondered if there's anything this sensei with feet fast as lightning couldn't handle?

"I'd like to think not," she said with a laugh.