KARATE: Alessia Targa is no stranger to karate, but when she came to Roma five months ago as an au pair from Italy, she never dreamed she would represent Queensland on the national stage.

Practising the martial art since she was four years old, Targa, who is now 19, has represented Italy on the semi-professional team and competed all through Europe.

Last year Targa's team placed second at the European championships and came first at the world championships in Dublin.

Targa has now been selected on the Queensland team to compete at the Australian championships in Sydney next month.

"I love the atmosphere of karate,” she said.

"It's relaxed but disciplined at the same time.

"You can work out your frustrations through the moves and it really settles me down.”

Targa is planning on spending a year in Roma as an au pair for the Kosciuczyk family before she begins her nursing degree back in Italy.

In the mean time, she is sharing her knowledge and skills with her fellow students in the Roma renbukan dojo.

"My advice to them is don't ever give up,” she said.

"If at first it seems boring because the moves are repetitive, keep going.

"Keep training, not only in the dojo but at home as well.”

"I have to say a huge thank you to my karate sensei, Will Campbell, and also Marek Kosciuczyk and his family.

"Marek drove me to Brisbane for the tryouts and he has supported me in all of this,” she said.

Targa will head to Sydney on August 5 as part of the Queensland team competing in the Australian championships.