THEY live 6000 kilometres apart and are separated by 52 years in age, but they share a focus which gives them a special bond.Richard Ng, who is recognised around the world as a master of his craft, and Hana Sawal - a tiny Wagga schoolgirl - are both driven by their love of karate.At 60, Richard has done it all in a sport in whichhe is known as a shihan. He has been a mentor for 45 years, is a seventh dan black belt and the national coach of the Singapore team. At the other end of the spectrum, Hana is only eight years old and in the early stages of her karate career.But the Henschke Primary School pupil is already making experts - including Shihan Richard - sit up and take notice."I think Hana will one day represent Australia and compete against Singapore," Shihan Richard said in Wagga yesterday."What she needs is tournament exposure overseas."She will be coming to Singapore next year to compete, which will help her progress."Hana's eyes light up at the prospect. "I would love that to happen," she said.Shihan Richard's association with Hana's family goes back a long way.He coached Hana's father Sawal Bin Salleh in Singapore from the time he was 10."I can remember Sawal from when I first started coaching him 34 years ago," Shihan Richard said. "He loved his karate so much. It's my passion ... and Hana's as well."Sawal is now a coach in Wagga but has called on his old teacher for a hand this week.Shihan Richard was only too happy to make the long trip to the City of Good Sports via Sydney, where he gave Hana some last-minute advice before she claimed a silver medal at the Commonwealth Karate Championships at the weekend.