María Dimitrova expands martial arts academy following retirement

Former karate champion María Dimitrova, a six-time consecutive gold medalist in Kata at the Central American and Caribbean Games, is transitioning into a new phase of life following her retirement. Dimitrova shared that the period following her competitive career has allowed her to reconnect with her family and participate in daily routines, such as preparing her children for school, which were previously difficult to manage due to her intensive training schedule.

In addition to her role as a coach for the Federation, Dimitrova is expanding her business, the Dimitrova Training Academy. The academy recently opened a branch in Punta Cana and has plans to open another location in Santo Domingo Este by January 2027. The academy is also diversifying its curriculum; in addition to karate, judo, taekwondo, aikido, kali filipino, and self-defense, the academy added kickboxing in September and will incorporate Brazilian jiu-jitsu this October.