Spring 2015

President’s report Karate BC is going AWAD

By Charles La Vertu provincial level event is very difficult President, Karate BC for anyone with a disability.

Those of you who attended the Our goal is to treat everyone equally Karate Canada Nationals earlier this but that is difficult to do if there is year were presented with a limited understanding of what a demonstration of courage and competitor’s disability is or how it tenacity by athletes with a disability. impacts him or her. Surry‐san would like to see a This made for an incredible category for athletes with disabilities performance which received a well‐ that allows the athlete to feel deserved ovation from all who were included in that feeling of excelling at in attendance. a sport. For the very first time in its 40‐year “Being able to present your best kata history, the National Championships in front of officials at a zone and/or featured and showcased competitors provincial event and be considered in AWAD divisions, and they an equal to all other competitors is inspired the entire Canadian karate empowering,” he said. community with their display of determination, courage and I am happy to report that the Karate perseverance. John Barnes photo BC board of directors has accepted Mr. Surry’s proposal to develop a One of these athletes was Neil Surry Uchiage still karate program that promotes from the Shima Karate dojo in inclusivity, teamwork and Nanaimo. kata champ empowerment for people with disabilities. Mr. Surry had major trauma to his Karate BC’s Toshi Uchiage pelvis and hip area due to a blast The program would include continued his remarkable run at injury and subsequently suffered competition categories for zone and the 2015 Canadian Karate major burns to his body in a kitchen provincial competitions in kata and Championships at the Richmond fire. kumite for persons with disabilities. Olympic Oval, winning his 13th consecutive national title in kata. Mr. Surry found that qualifying for a (Continued on page 4)

Karate BC NEWS Spectator Code of Conduct

 I will encourage my child to compete to the best of their Fortius Athlete Development Centre ability. Sydney Landing 2002A 3713 Kensington Avenue  I will show respect to all of the athletes, coaches, officials Burnaby, BC V5B 0A7 and spectators. t 604.333.3610  I will not take part in any form of bullying (in person or f 604.333.3612 electronically) toward a parent, player, team coach, referee e [email protected] or club representative. Bullying in any form will not be www.karatebc.org tolerated. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President: Charles La Vertu  I will respect the refereeʹs judgment, integrity and honesty. [email protected]

 I will support all efforts to eliminate verbal and physical 1st Vice‐President: abuse at Karate BC events. Donna Gardecki  I will not attend or take part in any KBC sanctioned event [email protected] while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. 2nd Vice‐President:

 I will encourage my child to participate by the rules and to Kurt Nordli resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence. [email protected]  I will not encourage any behaviours or practices that would Secretary: Sarah Perez endanger the health and well‐being of any of the athletes. [email protected]  I realize that my child can be penalized for my behaviour. Treasurer: Ken Corrigan [email protected] I realize that failure to abide by this Code of Conduct will result in the immediate removal of myself, and potentially my Membership: Andreas Kuntze child, from the vicinity of the Karate BC event and potentially [email protected]

further events. Directors‐At‐Large:

Rick Penner

[email protected] Karate BC Affiliations: Coaching Association of BC Brendan Flower Karate Canada The Canadian Olympic Pan‐American Karate Federation Association [email protected] World Karate Federation BC Recreation and Parks Association Paul Sexton Canadian Sport Council [email protected]

Ministry of Community, Newsletter Editor: Sport and Cultural Charles La Vertu Development

2 Karate BC NEWS Double honours for Wallis

Retiring Karate BC executive director Dan Wallis was honoured by Karate Canada at the 2015 National Championships and by Karate BC at the Sport BC Awards for his service to karate over the last four decades. Karate Canada’s prestigious Ross Rumbell Award is in recognition of years of outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Canadian karate. The President’s Award recognized his service to our martial art in BC. Dan has been a driving force in karate in BC as a volunteer, an instructor, an athlete, a team captain, a coach, an official and a director. He has been a member of Karate BC for 39 of its 40‐year history and has served on its volunteer board of directors for 13 years including six as president. He also served as president of the National Karate Association (Karate Canada) for two years. Karate BC president Charles La Vertu, left, presented the Currently the Karate BC executive director, Dan has been Sport BC President’s Award to Dan Wallis. In the picture officiating since 1985 and has been a provincial referee at below left, La Vertu and Karate Canada vice‐president Craig Vokey presented Dan with the Ross Rumbell award at the most provincial championships, Zone 6 tournaments, BC 2015 Nationals held in Richmond Winter Games, Karate BC Open tournaments and other Karate BC‐sanctioned tournaments. The current secretary general for the Wado International Karate Do Federation, he served for four years as president of the Vancouver Island Karate Society and is currently a director. A retired school principal, Dan started training in karate in 1972 and currently holds the rank of nanadan (7th degree black belt.) He will leave his post as KBC executive director at the end of July.

Karate BC First Vice‐President Donna Gardecki at the Sadohana dojo in Japan with Soke Irie Yasuhiro, founder of Dick Grant photo KoKoDo JuJutsu 3 Karate BC NEWS

home for sport karate clubs President’s report within Karate BC and Karate (Continued from page 1) Canada.

We do not require instructors to be a Surry‐san will develop education member of any larger organisation. modules for karate clubs that promote greater participation of We have always and continue to persons with disabilities in karate; accept individual independent and an online forum and/or dojos, as long as the instructor committee of athletes to help Karate received a bona fide Dan grade. BC implement these proposals. The most common infringements the For kumite, that is going to require committee has found are: thinking outside the box as standard  The chief instructor of a dojo is rules for kumite would not be not yet Sandan. appropriate for persons with disabilities.  The chief instructor of a dojo has not yet obtained minimum level 2 The focus could shift to creating NCCP. opportunities for persons with  Some dojos only register those disabilities to demonstrate to officials students that enter Karate BC their application of karate techniques tournaments. It is a requirement and control over movement. to have ALL students of a Karate Surry‐san will be applying to karate BC affiliated dojo enrolled. his extensive experience in  The instructor, having left his/her developing rules for sports. organization, has not yet affiliated to another recognized dojo from Other provinces have indicated an accepted style/organization or support and I look forward to seeing not applied for style recognition. his program implemented throughout the province and the We have also been looking at country. tiered membership but there has been little interest shown at the Balanced budget National level.

I am happy to report that we NCCP requirements have succeeded in offsetting the Neil Surry at the Nationals budget deficit we suffered two Ken Corrigan, Executive Karate BC is working to address years ago and were able to carry Director Dan Wallis and me ‐‐ some real issues expressed by over $30,000 into the current was able to whittle that to a dojo instructors that say we are fiscal year from the last fiscal. balanced $509,000 budget. requiring certification levels that are either duplications or not This includes our annual Of course this meant cutting appropriate to their clubʹs needs. contribution of $20,000 to the back on some wish lists to what office/training centre fund. we can afford. Our Executive Director Dan Wallis and our Program Coordinator Thea Had we acquiesced to all the Non‐traditional clubs Culley met with Laura Watson from requests of committees, we Coaching Association of Canada. would have had a $100,000 Our Technical Committee deficit this year. headed by Sensei Mike Scales They report that there are many has been working diligently to inconsistencies that Watson has However the budget committee find ways to legitimately find a (Continued on page 6) ‐‐ which consists of Treasurer

4 Karate BC NEWS Congratulations to . . .

Pam Ross, seen here with Khyber Barnett, on being selected National

Team assistant coach for kata. Also Derek Chan, left, one of five Senior National Team Roster kumite athletes to be carded joining Team Canada as assistant for the 2015‐2016 cycle by Sport Canada through the Athlete Assistance Program, based coach is 13‐time Canadian champion on results attained in the course of 2014‐2015. — Gerry Ilmayer photo Toshi Uchiage, junior kata — training camps. Westshore Kimura Shukokai Karate Westshore Karate will be delivering on its new relationship with the the martial arts curriculum for the Dwight School Canada Westshore Physical Education program. Middle School. A tremendous opportunity for The Dwight Schools have been families seeking the highest academic delivering high quality education in standard in addition to high quality various countries for over 140 years. programs in ice hockey, dance and The newest Dwight School will open karate. this fall in the Victoria suburb and

Ted Gosling, second right, was awarded his Godan (5th degree Black Belt) at the age of 71 and in spite of needing knee replacement and damaging leg tendon/ligaments at Reuben James who, after many years of work. An amazing example of fortitude and perseverance. Pictured are from left hard work, received his engineering ring. Hardeep Gill, Tanner Nyl who got his Shodan, Tak Sameshima, Gosling and Gosling’s sensei, Paul Sexton. 5 Karate BC NEWS President’s report

(Continued from page 4) noticed and is looking into on our behalf.

They will be making recommendations to the board on what they feel the certification requirements should be for Chief Instructor. Dick Grant photo Highly successful BC Team coaching and support staff from left, team chiropractor The current NCCP requirements are Dr. Bo Gregson, coach Peter Stoddart, coach and assistant to the head coach Mike Instructor Beginner Certified plus Ditson, coach and team manager Pam Ross, head kata coach Junya Yamamura, head Competition Intro Trained. coach Nicole Poirier, coach Matt Bickel, coach Dr. Marshall Cheng, and coach and High Performance Committee chair Jason Farquharson The traditional karate requirement for instructors and assistant instructors. People not familiar with World Chief Instructor is Sandan. Karate Federation rules do not appreciate the fact that their athletes One proposal being discussed is Half‐year memberships may be penalized for actions of their changing the requirement to coaches or supporters. Instructor Beginner Certified and We have instituted half‐year Sandan and dropping the memberships, for colour belts only requirement of Comp Intro Trained as thereby allowing people to register BC Team tops in Canada the workshop for Comp Intro is not new students halfway through the needed for a dojo instructor who is year without the sticker shock of Congratulations to the Karate BC not leading his club into sport full membership fees. Team and its coaching and support competition. staff. However, half‐year members are Dropping that component should not eligible for zone/provincial For the second year in a row, BC won address concerns being raised by our championship events, but do have the most medals at the Karate instructors and it will not impact the full and complete membership Canada Nationals held in Richmond quality of instruction being offered in rights and responsibilities. walking away with 57 — 17 gold, 22 a dojo. silver and 18 bronze. These new members are then The Sandan certification sets a fairly required to register fully for the A total of 334 athletes, 59 referees, 41 high technical standard that is not following September and would coaches and numerous delegates took evident in other sports so the not be eligible for half‐year part in the three‐day event at the combination of Instructor Beginner membership in the following year. Richmond Olympic Oval. Certified plus Sandan should be Karate BC was an instrumental sufficient. Spectator code of conduct partner in ensuring the success of this

event, by providing numerous If the board approves the change, Given problems faced by amateur volunteers, assistance and then it can be taken forward to Karate hockey and other sports, and the equipment. Canada. fact that many venues are concerned about spectator behaviour, your And a very special thank you to our Those coaches wanting to coach zone board has decided to implement a volunteers. Without you, there would level and above will need to continue Spectator Code of Conduct. be no tournament. with certification. (See page 9) The code, see page 2, is just common This event was again webcast live And of course we are continuing to sense. require criminal record checks for (Continued on page 8)

6 Karate BC NEWS Congratulations

Four members of Karate Canadaʹs Regional Examinersʹ Panel, under the national Technical Advisory Committee, Senseis Chris Taneda (Chito Ryu), Dan Wallis (Wado Ryu), Ken Corrigan (Wado Ryu) and Mike Scales (Shotokan) decided to not New BC Team Head Coach Mike Ditson only be grading panel members but also to upgrade their Karate Canada Dan Certificates, at the Karate Canada National Championships. They all hold 7th Dan in their respective styles but upgraded their Karate Canada Dan certificates to 7th Dan. Also successfully testing for his 6th Dan was Sensei Paul Sexton. Tournament planned for Kootenays

Sensei Scott Hutcheson of Trail War, and had hoped to return there Traditional Karate has obtained a for a visit before he died. grant from the Kootenay Boundary Regional district to hold a tournament in the Beaver Valley, Rossland and Trail region. Newly‐weds Peter and Rachel Stoddart He said there are no opportunities for registered amateur sport karate in the region and “we must travel to the Okanagan or Lower Mainland to compete or attend clinics or courses, and the costs involved diminish participation.

“We need to hold competitions, courses and clinics here in our region to promote this healthy lifestyle.”

Hutcheson also hopes to hold a clinic in New Denver in memory of the father of karate in Canada, Karate BC Tournament Director Kurt Masami Tsuruoka, who died Oct. Nordli served as tournament director for Thank you to Sensei Roy Tippenhauer 10, 2014 at the age of 85. the karate eliminations at the Pan Ams of Campbell River Shito‐Ryu who is in Toronto. His wife Brenda was chief stepping down as Zone 6 head coach O’Sensei was interned in New marshaller and KBC Director Brendan after coaching the zone since 1996. Denver during the Second World Flower was responsible for volunteers.

7 Karate BC NEWS

She created a great team of coaches President’s report which, as mentioned earlier, resulted

(Continued from page 6) in BC being tops in the country for two years in a row. across the nation. The action was Karate Canada also recognized her followed closely at home by qualities, awarding her coach of the thousands of friends, members, year honours twice, and inviting her supporters and family members. to serve on the Team Canada A big thank you to Second Vice‐ coaching staff. President Kurt Nordli who served as I am happy to report that the board tournament director, his wife Brenda has appointed Mike Ditson as the Nordli who was chief marshaller, Bob new head coach. Mooney, Brendan Flower and our volunteers, national officials, and Thea Culley Dojo and work pressures have various partners and sponsors prompted High Performance Culley who will be leaving us including Sport Canada (the Committee chair and BC Team coach shortly to concentrate on her athletic Canadian government), Hosting BC, Jason Farquharson to leave as well. Hosting Richmond, Sheraton and career in field hockey. Marriott Hotels, ViaSport, Arawaza, Jason served on the KBC board for I am sorry to see them both go as Canadian Martial Arts Supplies, several years and was very effective they have done a fantastic job in Mikado, Singleton Urquhart, Special as HPC chair. looking after our programs and our T Group Events, and many others. members. His guidance and thoughtful advice And thank you to our staff Thea will be missed. Twenty people applied for the Culley and Cheryl Gray who worked position and a short list has been closely with the volunteers. After 12 years on the board, the last compiled. four as your president, I have decided The great pictures were provided by not to run again. References are being checked and Victoria parent Gerry Illmayer (see interviews will take place. pages 20, 21 and 22.) It’s time for younger people to come forward and help grow our Dan, who served on the board for 16 association. Toshi still kata champ years, 10 as president, and as National Karate Association (now I would like to thank my fellow Of note at the Nationals was that Karate Canada) president for two board members, all committee Toshi Uchiage of Steveston is the years, has been a tremendous asset members and our volunteers. Canadian men’s kata champion for to Karate BC and the board and his th the 18 year – 13 as a senior and five counsel, insight and enthusiasm will as a junior. I was very fortunate to work with be missed. such dedicated and sincere people.

Farewell He has been a Karate BC member This is a hard‐working volunteer for 40 years. board, and its members spend an Everything being equal, Karate BC amazing number of hours working on will have a new executive director Thank you Dan for your long and your behalf. starting mid‐June who will be faithful service to karate‐do and to mentored by outgoing ED Dan Wallis Karate BC. And I want to thank Cheryl Gray for until the end of July. her support and help over the years. Also leaving us is our head coach We decided to make the ED position Nicole Poirier. Nicole has done a Always cheerful, she is a great asset full‐time again by combining the part great job for the BC Team and her to our association. ‐time ED position with that of our leadership will also be missed. (See part‐time program coordinator Thea pp. 10, 11 and 12)

8 Karate BC NEWS province by having standards in Alternatively, they may seek Coaching place that people need to work Competition Development “in towards. Training” status as this does not require Competition Introduction requirements “Standards are necessary to move Certification but does require other any association’s coaching levels pre‐requisite training and completion forward,” said Executive Director for Provincial of the four Karate‐specific modules Dan Wallis. provided by Karate Canada or the six Championships “That being said, just because there multisport modules. are standards doesn’t mean we Karate BC is establishing new cannot approve exceptions, and In order to support athletes on the requirements for coaches who wish to provide a timeline for that exception floor of the 2017 Provincial participate in the provincial to get the necessary qualifications.” Championships, all coaches for each championships and other coaching zone must have achieved related events. The policy is in place as a guideline Competition Introduction – any zone can make a case for Certified status by completing the Our goal is to assure that regional exemption based on individual course evaluation process. coaching staff are obtaining the needs. proper training to provide their In order to support athletes on the BC Winter Games athletes with the best possible floor of Provincials, all head support. coaches for each zone must have  All Head Coaches at the 2016 BC This also aligns with both Sport achieved Competition Introduction Winter Games are required to Canada and Karate Canada Trained status by having completed be Competition Introduction expectations. the course. Certified. In order to support athletes on the  All Assistant Coaches at We are not trying to eliminate young, floor of the 2016 Provincial the 2016 BC Winter Games are prospective coaches. Championships, all head required to have Make Ethical coaches for each zone must have What we are doing is greatly Decisions Certification. achieved Competition Introduction increasing the general level of Certified status by completing the coaching certification throughout the course evaluation process.

9 Karate BC NEWS Holistic approach to coaching Nicole Poirier Leaves Lasting Impressions

By Thea Culley children bring me so much joy in my day. I love seeing them growing up.” Genuine, caring and the ability to create a team environment. Nicole’s impact on the BC Team over the last four years is evident. These are all characteristics that describe Nicole Poirier. “It’s clear to see how much the BC team has grown through all of the Nicole has been the Head Coach of hard work Nicole has put into both the Karate BC Team for the past four the athletes and the coaches,” said years and under her leadership the Karate BC Team member Derek team has grown from a group of Chan. individual athletes to a team who supports each other in their pursuit of “As an athlete myself, I feel so lucky a common goal. to have had Nicole lead the team. Thinking back to four competitive An accomplished karate athlete seasons ago, the way she was herself, Nicole has won the Canadian coaching us then compared to the National Championships many times, when asked to reflect upon her level we are being coached now is coaching style. night and day.

“Humour and laughter is definitely “Over the years, Nicole has been able part of the package when coaching. to continually adapt our trainings to the level of our athletes to challenge “My favourite thing about coaching the BC team and foster their growth is setting goals, training for and development. competition, and evaluating the progress. “I believe it is her perseverance and is a former Pan American Champion, “I have my own karate club and (Continued on page 11) and won the 1995 Pan American Games in Mar del Plata, Argentina.

Nicole has studied various styles of karate such as Shotokan, Chito‐Ryu, Goju‐Ryu and Shito‐Ryu and she is currently studying Wado‐Ryu.

In addition to her undisputed knowledge in technical development, childhood development, and high performance, her ability to understand her athletes’ needs and show them the support they need has made her an extremely successful coach.

“I have a holistic approach to my coaching for the development of body, mind and spirit,” says Nicole BC Team coaches Mike Ditson, Pam Ross, Nicole Poirier at selection tournament

10 Karate BC NEWS Nicole Poirier

(Continued from page 10) vision for our team as a whole that has led the BC team to the success we have today.”

Sumi Uchiage, veteran of both the Karate BC Team and Karate Canada National Team has also benefited from working closely with Nicole.

“I think most people will agree that Nicole has been able to establish a great team environment. The athletes work well together, while trying to keep each other motivated.

“This is a true reflection of the smooth team work and support In 1995, Coach Nicole Poirier won Canadaʹs only ever female karate gold medal provided by the coaching staff. ( +53kg female kumite ) at the Pan American Games which is held every four years. It was held in Mal del Palata, Argentina. In 2011, she was a coach on the Team “Nicole cares so much for the athletes Canada karate team in Guadalajara, Mexico and was in Pat Grant’s corner when she on the team, as well as for the future won the +68 kg female kumite gold medal, qualifying Pat for the 2011 Pan American development of the team. I’m sure the games. — Dick Grant photo team will continue to strive forward with the base that she has created for Pam Ross reflects on her time spent She is a true leader! us. working with Nicole as part of the BC Team. “Nicole’s passion for karate has been “I have shared by many in British Columbia known “This past year was a particularly and I am grateful to have been one of Nicole since great year for the BC Team. We them. I was very earned the most medals out of all young, from the other provinces and were “Thank you Nicole! Thank you for when she extremely successful in the everything you’ve done for me. You used to train individual tournament awards. truly will be missed but I wish you at Steveston (Continued on page 12) Karate Club. “We won both the Male and Female I am Junior Athlete of the Year awards grateful to through Khyber Barnett and have been Shalene Lee, the Sportsmanship able to Award through William Wright Nicole in competition know her as and Nicole won Coach of the Year! an athlete, and as a selfless, “For me, Nicole has been one of my hardworking coach and friend. Best biggest inspirations. I feel of luck to her in her new adventures!” privileged to have had the And it’s not just the athletes who opportunity to work under her have been impacted by Nicole’s drive reign. for excellence and caring nature. “She has fostered an environment Nicole Poirier and Team Canada’s Goli Karate BC Team Coach and Manager of harmony amongst coaches, athletes and other supporters. Khalili in Madrid, Spain.

11 Karate BC NEWS BC athletes also make up a fifth of the Nicole Poirier Canadian Senior National Team and over a third of the under 21 roster. (Continued from page 11) This is a significant contribution of all the best and more.” athletes to the National program and Karate BC Executive Director Dan a testament to Nicole’s ability as a Wallis is quick to point out the depth coach. of Nicole’s character and the impact Karate BC is extremely proud to have that has had on the team. had Nicole as Head Coach over the “Nicole was an assistant coach of the last four years. BC Team prior to becoming head She has provided exceptional coach four years ago and when she leadership, skill development, and took over the team it was a team in demonstrated the values of our name only. organization. “There were divided loyalties and We wish Nicole all the best in her factions on the squad and it is to coach has skyrocketed these past future endeavors and are looking Nicole’s credit that she has molded a four years and Karate BC and the forward to following her cohesive unit that works so well BC Team have greatly benefited achievements as she continues to together to support each other as with her as Head Coach.” impact those around her. well as to pursue their own Under Nicole’s leadership the BC individual dreams. Editor’s note: Thea Cully, a senior Team has achieved noteworthy member of the women’s National Field “Nicole has had to stand tall on a few results at the Karate Canada Hockey team, is Karate BC’s program occasions to bring athletes in line and National Championships. coordinator. She is leaving Karate BC to it was those test cases that earned her continue her quest to be an elite athlete the loyalty and support from fellow Most recently finishing 2nd in the for as long as she can and enjoy her time coaches, administrators, board medals standing while winning the to the “max” without having any regrets. members, athletes and their families. most number of medals at the 2015 National Championships held at the She will be competing in the 2015 Pam “Nicole’s overall development as a Richmond Olympic Oval this past American Games this summer in Toronto January.

Nicole and international karate coach Antonio Oliva Seba during BC Team training 12 Karate BC NEWS Karate Canada annual awards

BC was represented well when Karate Canada held its customary annual banquet at the end of the Nationals held in Richmond, where various prestigious awards were presented to members of the Canadian karate community. This year’s Ross Rumbell Award (in recognition of years of outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Canadian karate) was awarded to former Karate Karate Canada Junior Female Athlete of Canada and Karate BC President the Year Shalene Lee (and current Karate BC Executive Director) Dan Wallis (See page 3). Coach of the year – the Ron Tkacz Award – went to Karate BC head coach Nicole Poirier (right), the second time she has been so honoured. Volunteer of the year went to Brenda Nordli, right. The award was presented by Karate Canada Craig Vokey. Brenda’s husband, Kurt, far right, was tournament director. — Dick Grant photos

Khyber Barnett is the Karate Canada junior male Athlete of the Year Thank you to Volunteers of

BC Rocks the National Championships

For the second year in a row, BC won the most medals at the Karate Canada Karate BC would like to thank our 75 volunteers for their tremendous Nationals held in Richmond walking support of the 2015 Karate National Championships. away with 57 — 17 gold, 22 silver and They contributed to countless hours of hard work while maintaining 18 bronze. smiles and positive attitudes and without these efforts, 2015 would not The strong Quebec team came in have been the huge success that it was. second with 49 — 18 gold, 16 silver and 15 bronze. We look forward to working with you all in the future. Ontario took home 36 — 11 gold, 11 For the second consecutive year, the entire event was webcast live across silver and 14 bronze. the nation, thanks to our continued partnership with ViaSport. The action was followed closely at home by thousands of friends, members, Alberta came in fourth with seven — supporters and family members. one gold, one silver and five bronze.

13 Karate BC NEWS Kelowna Kumite Cup Tournaments

boost calibre T

The calibre of each fighter rises high‐ er and higher each event, the pro‐ gress is astounding in many of the athletes, reports Sensei Rodney Hob‐ son whose dojo runs the Kelowna Kumite Cup, a series of small tourna‐ ments from February to May.

Taking part are members of the Rod‐ ney Hobson Karate Academy and the Kamloops Renshikan Karate‐do.

“We host a four‐tournament series to boost competitive experience, Hob‐ son said.

“This is an entry level tournament to give kids the experience of karate Callista Kronyk, RHKA Kelowna, left, and Jayme Fennell, Kamloops Renshikan tournaments. Our first event is in February then one a month until May 2.

“Thanks to all the officials, volun‐ teers, families and competitors,” he said. “You have all improved by gi‐ ant leaps, and weʹre so glad we have these opportunities for everyone to get together and learn with each oth‐ er.”

Final results can be found on the RHKA Facebook page and include: Boys 8‐9 Grand Champion ‐ Geoffrey Smith; Girls 9‐11 Grand Champion ‐ Lauren Reid; Boys 10‐11 Grand Champion ‐ Regan Nguyen; Girls 12‐ 13 Grand Champion ‐ Jayme Fennell; Boys 12‐13 Grand Champion ‐ Zach Pedersen; Girls 14‐15 Grand Champi‐ on ‐ Jocelyn Fennell; and Boys 14‐15 Grand Champion ‐ Kyle Beaudoin.

Mike Scales, Don Shapland and Paul Sexton conducted the first ever Karate BC kobudo certification clinic

14 Karate BC NEWS Fun at the West Coast Gojukai Skills Challenge

By Mike Scales Chair, KBC Technical Committee

Sensei Donna Gardecki hosted the West Coast Gojukai Skills Challenge February 28th 2015 in Coquitlam.

I attended both as coach and a Ian MacDonald, seated, and Chris Browett in the Medical corner Technical Committee observer. and younger, 9th kyu – 4th kyu. (free sparring and tag kumite), two This is a wonderful event for young Kata divisions, an obstacle course, a The event is designed in order to children held in a non‐threatening division with push ups, sit ups, have the competitors be involved in fun environment. vertical jump, long jump and a talk on constant activity. safety. The competitors age range is 13 years There were two kumite divisions The competitors are awarded points for winning and losing and at the end of the competition points scored in each division are added up and medals and ribbons are awarded.

Every child in each division is lined up and awarded a participant ribbon.

What was very evident as I walked from ring to ring was the expressions on the children’s faces, they were having fun.

There was no sitting around for an hour waiting to do one kata like at some tournaments, it was constant action. When each division was completed the children rotated to the next ring.

Young students 3rd kyu and up were used as volunteers in the rings and as coaches.

Shihan John Priegert officiates in the Paddle Kumite (Continued on page 16) 15 Karate BC NEWS 7. Fitness Challenge.

Shortly after that athletes began competing in their separate rings – approximately 30 minutes was given for each ring to get through all competitors in that division.

The boys and girls competed with one another in the same age category up to 10‐11 years old.

The 12/13 year olds’ scores were separated between girls and boys. Kids received eight points for a loss and 15 points for a win.

Bob Mooney, seated right, managed the kata/kihon ido ring with style They were able to do AT LEAST four rounds of kata, up to eight rounds of The Challenge kumite‐style competition, up to two Skills Challenge rounds of the skills course and were The Skills Challenge was designed maximally challenged for vertical (Continued from page 15) by Donna Gardecki to reflect the jump, standing broad jump and training and competitive needs of pushups. As a competitor completed their the young athletes as defined by our event they were offered advice from a new Long Term Participant Awards were given for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, teenage coach. The event also gave (Athlete) Development model and 4th in each division. young teenage officials a chance to (LTPD). The judges and ring captains also hone their skills. The Skills Challenge is organized picked three participants who, The parents of my students love the into 7 different rings: 1. Kumite/Tag overall, exemplified the qualities in event. It started at 9:30 a.m. and was Kumite; 2. Tag Kumite and Paddle each of these categories: Best finished at 2:30 p.m. Kumite; 3. Obstacle and skills Decorum, Best Sportsmanship, Best course; 4.Education station; 5. Kata/ Effort. This event is a great introduction to Kihon Ido; 6: Kata/Kihon Ido; competition without the threatening environment of a regular large tournament.

Technical Committee member Sensei Peter Akutagawa was present with me to observe and both of us recommend this type of event should be expanded and supported by Karate BC.

Sensei Donna Gardecki and all her volunteers did an amazing job. On behalf of Karate BC I would like to congratulate Sensei Donna on another great event.

16 Karate BC NEWS

not forgotten anything, very KBC Okinawan Kata Seminar challenging.

By Mike Scales, where designed to be practiced by We finished off the day with very KBC Technical Committee Chair all the styles of Okinawan Karate interesting self‐defence techniques groups when they got together. Karate BC hosted an Okinawan Kata during which Sensei Sato and I tried Seminar at to choke each the Pinetree other and Community twist our Centre, necks into Coquitlam, unnatural March 1st, positions, 2015, lots of fun!

The seminar We were was taught by Sensei Don Shapland finally We then moved on to the Kata 8th Dan Shorin Ryu. treated to a demonstration of a really Chinto, also known as Gankaku in old version of Nipaipo by Lawrence The event was a resounding success Shotokan. Larocque, one of Sensei Shapland’s with 28 attendees from the lower senior students. Sensei Shapland’s students first mainland, Vancouver Island, Ashcroft demonstrated the Kata so we could and Kamloops. This is a beautiful Kata with an see the sequence. obvious Chinese influence that most Karate styles represented were Wado had never seen before. Sensei Shapland taught kata by first Ryu, Shotokan, Goju Ryu, Shorin Ryu showing a Bunkai (application) and Shito Ryu. This is twice as long as the Nipaipo then the moves from the kata. most of us are already familiar with Karate BC Technical committee but we could see where the modern We slowly worked through kata members Akira Sato, Mike Scales and version came from. doing each Bunkai in turn then Peter Akutagawa where also in adding to the sequence we had attendance. The seminar ended at 3 p.m. with a already practiced. This took almost group photo. Judging by the smiles Sensei Shapland got things started two hours then we stopped for a on all the faces everyone had an with a short lecture on the history of well‐earned lunch break. interesting and fun day. Karate in Okinawa. It should be noted To start the afternoon session off here that Sensei Shapland lived in On behalf of Karate BC I would like Sensei Shapland showed us a two‐ Okinawa for many years and is part to thank Sensei Don Shapland and person exercise for Hikite of an Okinawan family so his his students for an interesting and (retracting hand) and a pushing knowledge of the island is extensive. action‐packed seminar. hands drill. We were then treated to a One of the mandates of the new Now it was time for the second demonstration of various Okinawan Karate BC Technical committee is to kata of the day, Wansu (Enpi or versions of kata by Sensei Shaplandʹs provide more activities and seminars Wanshu in some styles). students. for the members who are not totally sport‐oriented and this is hopefully Sensei Shapland’s students first It was very interesting to compare the the first of many to follow. demonstrated the Kata then again Okinawan versions to the Japanese we went through the various Should you have any requests for a and observe the changes that have Bunkai and all the matching Kata seminar of a particular topic, please been made since the Katas were sequences until we completed them contact Mike Scales. brought to mainland Japan. all. Tel: 604‐945‐9877 Next Sensei Shapland led us through Cell: 778‐877‐2635 We now went through Chinto and the two Kata Fukyu Gata Ichi and [email protected] Wansu again to make sure we had Ni. These kata (Gata in Okinawan)

17 Karate BC NEWS To the Jersey Shore

Vancouver Island Kimura Shukokai’s Trip

Seven Kimura Shukokai members from Vancouver Island travelled to the Jersey Shore for the 2015 Kimura Shukokai International World Chief Instructor’s Course, held at a beach resort in April.

The group included the KSI Chief Instructor for Canada‐West, Sensei David Bentley, Jackson Dallas from the Brentwood Bay Dojo, Kristina Bentley from the North Saanich Dojo, Sensei Norman Ensil from Sooke Shukokai and Sensei Rob, Sensei Rob, Sarah and Rose Walker and Kristina and David Bentley Sarah and Rose Walker from Westshore Shukokai. together from the 23 member Shihan Thompson focused on countries to continue the technical building effective strength in the th This year marks the 20 anniversary evolution that is a hallmark of the Hara while remaining relaxed and of the passing of the style’s founder, style. supple in the limbs and Shihan Soke Shigeru Kimura. Marinus shared his insights into how The KSI World Chief Instructors are: we can use the hard‐wired, “fight or Annual WCICs have been held since Bill Bressaw of the USA; Eddie flight” response as an integral part of to honour all that he bequeathed to Daniels of England; Lionel Marinus our karate. his students. of South Africa, and; Chris Thompson of South Africa, all 8th Each WCIC includes a Dan grading The WCICs bring senior students Dan. and Jackson Dallas, of the Brentwood Bay Dojo, successfully graded for his Two mid‐week training days were Shodan. dedicated to hard physical training, focused on developing and The 2015 KSI WCIC was a wonderful delivering power and to kumite opportunity to grow as Karateka, timing drills. train hard and to share time with our international Kimura Shukokai We also found time for workshop family. sessions to learn how the member countries develop their referees and It also provided the opportunity to for the occasional pint or two with mark two decades since the passing our many international friends. of the remarkable man who relentlessly pursued technical Over the weekend the World Chief improvements to his karate and who Instructors shared the latest became renowned for the power of technical areas they are exploring. his strikes, the power of his personality and the power of his Shihan Daniels shared kumite flow friendship. drills and footwork, Shihan Bressaw provided insights into body We look forward to next year’s WCIC alignment and muscle chain in Lisbon. connections. Sarah Walker 18 Karate BC NEWS

Gordon Chan photo 2015 National Championships a Resounding Success

By Jason Farquharson Karate BC’s Elite 12/13 competed take a moment to thank the dojo High Performance Committee Chair and again shone under the guidance instructors, parents and most of all Team BC Coach of Coach Marshall Cheng and Coach the coaching staff who have worked Peter Stoddart. diligently to make this a very Fantastic and Amazing! successful season. I would like to congratulate all the The two words that I would use to athletes on their performance and describe how our Karate BC Team did at the 2015 Karate Canada Nationals in Richmond. The 80‐plus members of the Team BC brought home 17 Gold, 22 silver and 18 bronze. There were many highlights of the nationals to share including Toshi Uchiage’s 13th national kata title or the Team ABC (Team Alberta and Team BC Combined) Senior Men’s Team who were victorious over Quebec to take silver in team kumite. But the courage and tenacity displayed by the athletes who competed in the AWAD (Athletes With a Disability) made for an incredible performance which received a well deserved ovation from all who were in attendance. Proud Karate BC president Charles La Vertu, right, presented the gold medal in the Another great addition to this year’s Youth Cup boys’ kata to Jaylen Abalos, centre, and the silver medal to Yushi event was the Youth Cup where Nakajima, left, at the 2015 Karate Canada Nationals — Gerry Illmayer photo 19 Karate BC NEWS 2015 Karate Canada Nationals Gerry Illmayer photos

Terrence Chan, Khyber Barnett, Amr Fahmy

Valerie Doyon Melissa Chan 20 Karate BC NEWS

Shalene Lee

John Sawal

Tan Nguyen

Nicolo Wakelin

21 Karate BC NEWS

Claudia Laos‐Loo

Warren Grafton

Evan Kwong Seiya Takeuchi

22 Karate BC NEWS Youth Cup added to karate nationals

By Karate Canada Course, Dan examinations and various other activities. No less than 334 athletes, 59 referees, 41 coaches and numerous delegates Karate Canada wishes to sincerely and volunteers were assembled in the thank Karate BC, the event’s Richmond Olympic Oval in Tournament Director Kurt Nordli, its Richmond at the end of January for head officials Zvonko Celebija and the three‐day long 2015 Karate Yaro Tarana, its staff at the event Canada National Championships. including Program Manager Alexandra Roy, 2015 Nationals’ All participants were greeted to Manager Warren MacLean and warm welcoming speeches during Karate Canada’s new Events Manager opening ceremonies by British Cheryl Tataryn. Columbia’s Technology, Innovation and Citizen’s Services Minister We thank all participating Committee Amrik Virk (also father of long‐time members and volunteers, various Senior National Team member members of the Board of Directors, Jusleen Virk and her sisters, who are Citizen’s Services Minister Amrik Virk our National and International also elite karate competitors), Karate Officials, as well as our various Canada’s President Dragan Kljenak Another great and popular addition partners and sponsors for this event, as well as Karate BC President to the event was the inclusion of the including Sport Canada (the Charles La Vertu before the action “Youth Cup” divisions, featuring 12 Canadian government), Hosting BC, got underway. ‐13 year old athletes. Hosting Richmond, Sheraton and Marriott Hotels, ViaSport, Arawaza, Co‐host Karate BC has been an Live broadcast Canadian Martial Arts Supplies, instrumental partner in ensuring the Mikado, Singleton Urquhart, Special success of this event, by providing T Group Events, and many others. numerous volunteers, assistance and For the second consecutive year, the equipment. entire event was webcast live across Finally, we wish to thank and the nation, thanks to our continued congratulate all Provinces and For the very first time in its 40‐year partnership with ViaSport, and the participants for their remarkable history, the National Championships action was followed closely at home performances. featured and showcased competitors by thousands of friends, members, We wish all of you a great 2015‐16 in AWAD (Athletes with a disability) supporters and family members. divisions, who inspired the entire competitive season, and look forward Canadian karate community with As usual, the National to greeting you in Richmond again in their display of determination, Championships were preceded by a 2016 for our next edition of these courage and perseverance. National Coaching Certification Championships!

Given the high calibre of performances seen at these National Championships, the future looks bright, and Canada has very strong hopes leading up to the upcoming Senior Pan American Championships, TO 2015 Pan Am Games, 2015 Junior World Championships, and numerous other events of the season.

23 Karate BC NEWS BC Team members on Team Canada Eight Karate BC members have won places on the Team Canada roster.

Selected following the recent highly successful Senior National Training Camp 1 earlier this year for the 2015‐2016 competitive season.

Jusleen Virk who will compete in – Canadian Officials well represented 50 kg kumite, Cindy Jacob, ‐ 68 kg and Derek Chan ‐60 kg. at 2015 Senior Pan Am championships

A total of 31 Canadian judges and here with Norma Foster, third from referees took part in the 2015 Senior right, the first woman to achieve Pan American Karate WKF judge licences for both kata and Championships recently held in kumite. Toronto. They include from left Trevor Out of these, 22 have also Walmsley ‐ Judge A Kata, Judge A successfully obtained or upgraded Kumite; Ali Najafi ‐ Judge C Kata their International Licences at this and Kumite; and Valentyna event. Zolotarova ‐Judge B Kata, Judge B Kumite; Rosella Ng — Judge C Kata, Karate BC salutes those officials who Judge C Kumite; and Andreas Kuntze upgraded their licences pictured ‐ Judge B Kata.

Sumi (pictured), Hidemi and Toshi Uchiage will compete in kata as will Kennth Lee and Seyia Takeuchi.

Four‐year‐old Rasandre Evans of Hayabusa Karate in Vancouver, centre, won gold in kata and bronze in kumite at the Hayashi‐ha Cup in Washington. He is the son of Sensei Valentyna Zolotarova

24 Karate BC NEWS KBC athletes strike it rich in Las Vegas

Team Canada led all participating Caitlyn Lam, USA Open, bronze; nations at the recent USA Open USA Open, bronze; Natasha Lam, Karate Championships (Las Vegas, USA Open, gold; April 4‐5) in the senior elite kumite divisions’ medal tally, and excelled Kenneth Lee, North American Cup, in many other divisions as well. silver; Shalene Lee, North American Cup, gold. The team collected no less than 12 medals in senior elite divisions (four Brendon Ly, North American Cup, gold, three silver and five bronze), 10 gold; Julia Maclean, USA Open, medals in the junior elite (16‐17) bronze; Kyle Macmillan, USA Open, divisions (one gold, four silver and bronze. five bronze) and seven medals in the Isaac Mand, USA Open,silver and cadet elite (14‐15) divisions (two bronze; North American Cup, bronze; gold, one silver and four bronze). Timur McNern, USA Open, gold; Furthermore, Team Canada claimed Jasmeet Minhas, USA Open, gold; gold in men’s senior team kumite, as Michael Plunkett, USA Open, bronze. well as gold in female junior team John Sawal, North American Cup, kumite, silver in male junior team Jusleen Virk won silver in kumite gold; Harpreet Sidhu, North kumite, gold in female cadet team at this event. Karate BC medalists American Cup, silver; Pawanpreet kumite and gold in junior team kata. include: Sidhu, USA Open, gold; North American Cup, bronze. Two days earlier, Team Canada had Khyber Barnett, USA Open, gold already earned a staggering total of and bronze, North American Cup, Ryskul Tynybayeva, USA Open, gold; 56 medals at the North American silver; Victoria Barusic, USA Open, USA Open, silver; Sumi Uchiage, Cup, an invitational tournament bronze. North American Cup,bronze; Toshide assembling national team athletes Uchiage, North American Cup, from Mexico, the USA and Canada. Rita Becker, USA Open, silver; bronze. Isabel Chan, North American Cup, Karate BC is extremely proud of all bronze; USA Open, silver and Thanushanth Vasanthakumar, USA the Karate BC athletes who competed bronze; Melissa Chan, USA Open, Open, gold; Jusleen Virk, USA Open, bronze; North American Cup, silver; North American Cup, silver; bronze. Maansi Virk, USA Open, gold; USA Open, silver; North American Cup, Amelie Del Rosario, USA Open, bronze. gold; Josh Dhillon, USA Open, silver; North American Cup, bronze; Alexandra Zaborniak, USA Open, Valerie Doyon, North American gold and silver; North American Cup, Cup, gold. bronze; and Stephanie Zaborniak, USA Open, two bronze. Amr Fahmy, USA Open, gold; North American Cup, bronze; Zoe Fong, USA Open, gold; Isabel Youth Cup 2016 Gallant, USA Open, bronze; Jasmeen Gill, USA Open, bronze. Karate Canada will hold a Youth Cup event (for 12 and 13 year‐ Angelica Gomez‐Lalonde, USA old athletes) again in 2016, Open, silver; Darbyanh Heenan, alongside its National John Sawal and Shalene Lee medalled USA Open, gold; North American Championships on Jan. 29‐31 at the North American Cup in Vegas Cup, gold and silver. in Richmond.

25 Karate BC NEWS Vancouver black belt works hard, rests smart By Deanna Cheng Vancouver Courier April; 9, 2015

Kenneth Lee credits karate with giving him perserverance and discipline:

“It’s given me improved physical fitness and strong mental strength.”

If Kenneth Lee is going to win at a higher level of karate, he needs to rest.

For the first time in his career, the Vancouver black belt qualified for the North American Cup and the USA Open Karate Championships after placing in the top three at the 2015 Dan Toulgoet photo nationals and Team Canada’s selections tournament. Lee, 25, has trained for 19 years and kata divisions, the experience with competes in kata divisions. which led him to write the KFX: To prepare for the high‐calibre Workout and Nutrition Manual. The lineup, which ran in early April in Japanese for “form,” kata is a release date has not yet been Las Vegas, Nevada, Lee trained at choreographed set of techniques, announced. least four times a week, varying his stances and transitions. focus between physical conditioning, A graduate of UBC, he is also a full‐ Each kata has its own rhythm and resistance training, cardio exercise time pharmacy manager for timing. such as running and biking, speed Labpharma Health Solutions Inc. in the Downtown Eastside. work and plyometrics. In the North American Cup, his toughest competitors were Joseph On Friday and Sunday, he rested. He works with an outreach program Martinez from the U.S., Mexican to provide clients with one‐on‐one “Right now, it’s my tapering down Waldo Rameriz, and compatriot consultations with the intent to period,” said Lee, who trains at Toshi Uchiage. optimize their care and treatment. Vancouver’s Odokan Shito‐Ryu Dojo The large U.S. Open large under sensei Kaz Hashimoto and “We’re different in the sense that we tournament drew anyone and sensei Mark Stacey, before the go, physically, into the community everyone, according to Lee, tournament. where our patients live and eat and including Venezuela’s Antonio we provide clinical pharmacy “Just because we’ll have a lot of team Diaz, the 2010 and 2012 world services like consultations, training and a lot of competition in champion. medication reviews, immunizations the next week, we need a lot of rest. and education sessions,” he said. Lee embraces the attitude of Steve Without proper recovery, your Jobs who famously said, “Stay performance suffers.” One of Lee’s training partners, Mai hungry. Stay foolish,” and aspires to Hasegawa, has trained in karate since The strategy worked. Lee won silver open his own dojo and pharmacy, as she was three and was raised by two in the North American Cup. He did well as win a world championship. international competitors, including not place in the USA Open. (Continued on page 28) At 5’7,” Lee typically competes in

26 Karate BC NEWS Karate Club celebrates 40 years on the North Coast

By Kevin Campbell The Northern View March 11, 2015 As the Prince Rupert Renshikan Karate Club members embark on 2015’s first full session – a three‐ month training block from March to May – they’ll be training as a part of Prince Rupert history.

The club celebrates its 40th year of operation here on the North Coast, getting its start back in 1975 when Corp. Bill Pitcher of the Prince Rupert RCMP initiated the club as a civic centre program. Prince Rupert Renshikan Karate Club head instructor and fifth‐degree black belt In the years since, the Prince Rupert Wade Wilkins has been involved with the organization since day one when he was Karate Club has made the ideals and just 14‐years‐old. The club has welcomed the late Chitose Tsuyoshi, one of the values of self‐preservation come to martial art’s founders and ambassadors to Japan, to its dojo in the past and continues the forefront of growing bodies and to teach kids and adults the mental, behavioural and physical benefits of karate minds in the coastal city. today.— Kevin Campbell photo

Now humbly located at the upper Wilkins was actually one of the kids ninth‐degree master in the art, floor of Fisherman’s Hall on Fraser encouraging Pitcher to start the club currently operates the Ken Low’s Street and operating on an almost up in 1975 when he was just 14. Shaolin Kung Fu Institute in nightly basis during the week, save Vancouver and serves as the “One of my friend’s brother, Ken for the summer time, head instructor promoter of the annual Can‐Am Low ... he knew Kung Fu, so he was and Go Dan (fifth‐level black belt) International Martial Arts in town for the holidays and he was Wade Wilkins provides his students Tournament in Burnaby. teaching Kung Fu classes and I was with the proper training, discipline taking it with all our friends,” said and mental attitude needed to have When Pitcher started up the Wilkins. success in the highly‐individualistic organization, he kept the student cap but team‐reliant sport. at 25 and didn’t accept children. That “So we got training with him and changed within the next 10 years and then he went back to school and [we Wilkins is a fair instructor and a self‐ now kids as young as eight can take were left hanging], like ‘Now described tough one at that. part. what?’ ... finally Bill Pitcher moved “I’m amazed I have any [eager and [to town], but he didn’t start it right “We’ve gone through a few changes bright‐eyed youngsters eager who away. We finally convinced him to and had different Senseis over the keep on coming back],” he laughed. start it up.” years,” said Wilkins.

“I’m pretty strict. We do play games – The Prince Rupert club’s roots even “At [the beginning] we were under we do the mats with them and we do reach the Lower Mainland as Low, a the Tsuruoka style of karate (Masami a little bit of weapons [training] with Tsuruoka is widely recognized as the them, not much but we try to give “Father of Canadian Karate”) and our them a good variety.” head Sensei, David Akutagawa ... was trying to find someone who

While the club has had a variety of (Continued on page 28) dojo instructors over the years, 27 Karate BC NEWS

training and instructing partner, frequent flights down to the Lower Prince Rupert Wilkins has always found that self‐ Mainland – something that’s pretty confidence and composure can rare based on where Prince Rupert is (Continued from page 27) derive straight from the teachings situated geographically in Wilkins’ they continues to pass on today. experience. taught karate and Tsuruoka Sensei was pretty well it at that time. “The way I want to teach it is for the The head instructor is still in the early mind, body and spirit ... where stages of planning something to He found him in Toronto and aligned you’re training for self‐preservation celebrate the 40th birthday of the club himself with him,” said the rather than self‐defence. Self‐ if he decides to, but he always keeps instructor. defence is a part of self‐preservation a momentous keepsake of the dojo’s history close to him ‐ something he From Shotokan (bigger motions, but we’ve got to think of the other started long ago. bigger stance) to Chito‐ryu things like our health and our state (additional strength and stability in of mind. It’s learning how to use “I’ve got a binder at home with every stances from lower body muscle your body and control your mind,” newspaper clipping from since we training and frequent rapid, said the mentor. started,” he said. rotational movements) to Shito‐ryu Countless students over the years (very fast, but still artistic and have won regional awards from “I went to the library and went powerful), the club’s style has never area competitions in Kitimat and through the microfiche (a sheet of remained static. Prince George and if a student microfilm preserving a considerable number of pages of printed text) and The martial art’s big guns have even wants to make Team B.C., they found all the articles. I’ve got ‘em visited Prince Rupert when, back in would have to take more than a few all.” 1982, Chitose Tsuyoshi, the founder of the Japanese style Chito‐ryu karate again and again.” visited the dojo. Kenneth Lee Hasegawa said Lee’s strengths are his “I wasn’t there at the time but our (Continued from page 26) speed and power. His weakness is his instructor said he could grab you and stances, she said. [from the grab alone] it would leave her father and six‐time world bruises. She said you couldn’t touch “He needs a stronger lower body. He champion Shinichi Hasegawa. Her him because he knew before you uses his upper body a lot,” she said. mother Yumi Hasegawa also won were going to attack exactly where silver in kumite, or sparring, at the you were going,” said Wilkins. Of the four general styles of Japanese world championships. karate, shotokan, goju‐ryu, wado‐ryu “And this guy’s the best in Okinawa and shito‐ryu, Lee practices the latter, When elite Japanese competitors (the birthplace of modern karate). He which combines both linear and arrived for the Annual Steveston had been at it for 70 or 80 years [prior circular techniques. He earned his Invitational, Lee took the to passing away in 1984], since he black belt in 2007. opportunity to learn all he could was a young kid and he helped about training for kumite. introduce karate to Japan back in “Karate has given me the ability to persevere and discipline in all aspects 1921 or 1922 so he was quite the “He’s always asking questions. He of my life. It’s given me improved fella ... that was one of the most doesn’t stop. Always learning,” said physical fitness and strong mental exciting things to happen to the club Hasegawa, who is also his strength,” he said. itself.” girlfriend. “If there’s one technique he can’t do, he’ll train a lot, doing it “Everything I do, I don’t do it unless I Wilkins has maintained his emphasis can stick with it consistently,” he on the holistic side of the martial art said. “If you’re not going to do it versus the competitive side since he every day, why waste your time took over the club in 1990. doing it at all?” Along with Kevin Forssell, his That attitude also applies to rest days.

28 Karate BC NEWS students, last yearʹs junior WKF kumite champion Joane Orbon and many national champions participated.

Akira Uchida (Deputy Consul General of Japan) brought the General Consul of Japan trophy (donated by Seiji Okada) to the Steveston Karate Club. Joane Orbon The Men’s Kata division is the toughest division at this tournament.

The top four from the 2015 Canadian National Championship along with athletes from Japan and USA entered.

nd Toshihide Uchiage won his Div. and The 42 Steveston Invitational Seiya Takeuchi was 2nd, Andrew Moore from Denver, CO and Khyber Barnett were 3rd place. The 42nd Steveston Japan’s University of Kokusai International Invitational Karate‐Do Club with Tournament was held at the Steveston Indoor Tennis Court on Mar. 7, 2015.

Guest referees Chuck Sweigart (WKF Referee), Zvonko Celibija (WKF Referee and PKF Referee Committee) explained the new WKF Kata and Kumite rules at the morning referees meeting prior to competition.

We had special guests, Instructor Takamasa Arakawa from Chiba

Event Kata 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Women’s Black HIDEMI UCHIAGE RITA NGO SHALENE LEE GWYNDOLINE TINGEY Men’s Black Belt TOSHIHIDE UCHIAGE SEIYA TAKEUCHI ANDREW MOORE KHYBER BARNETT

Event Kumite 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place 3rd Place Women -60Kg VIENNA KRUMWIEDE JOANE ORBON CLAUDIA LAOS-LOO RITA NGO Women Open JOANE ORBON VIENNA KRUMWIEDE DANIELLE FOOKES CLAUDIA LAOS-LOO Men -70Kg KENICHIROU YAMAURA JUNYA TERASAWA TY NGUYEN HAYATO TAKASE Men Open YUJI MATSUDA KOSUKE OKUYAMA NAOKI OHKUBO KENICHIROU YAMAURA

29 Karate BC NEWS Medals in Vegas for Taneda Karate Dojo

Captial News April 9, 2015 The Taneda Karate Dojo returned home from Las Vegas this week with some hardware and plenty of international experience.

Eleven members of the local dojo competed over the Easter long weekend at the 2015 Junior International Cup and the USA Open, the largest tournament of its kind in the world.

Timur McNern, 9, turned in a memorable effort in one of the largest The mother‐son duo of Roza (left) and Timur McNern won medals for the Taneda divisions at the USA Open. Karate Dojo at the Junior International Cup and the USA Open. his team placing fifth. ʺOverall it was a fantastic experience for all the athletes that went. Caitlyn Riddle won bronze in both of the girls 10‐year‐old kata and “We learned many things and got to kumite divisions. be around some of the best karate athletes in the world. That experience Rita Becker won silver in the is priceless.ʺ women’s masters kumite. Timur won all four of his matches to take home the gold medal.

Not to be outdone, Timur’s mother, Roza Tynybayeva, won gold in her kumite division and a silver in kata.

Adam Doucette won his first three matches in the 13‐year‐old division at the Junior International Cup, getting him to the semifinals, before he eventually settled for fifth place.

In the team kumite competition Adam and his two teammates from Quebec fought teams from Germany, USA and Mexico.

There were 17 teams from around the world in this event, with Adam and

30 Karate BC NEWS Nine karate students qualify for provincials

Members of Seiwa Kai Squamish Association pose with their ribbons before Best showing ever practice on Sunday (May 10). Back row Lana OʹBrien, Caelyx James, Isabelle Vit Front row Emily Vit, Emily Sergent, Cody Howells, Hanna Morrow, Samantha for local karate club Morrow participated in both the kata – club has ever qualified for the at Zone 5 regionals patterns or movements and the provincials. kumite – fighting or sparring styles By Ben Lypka “Some of the kids train two or three Squamish Chief times a week,” he said. “It’s all done May 14, 2015 through Brennan Park. We’re usually at the Brennan Park community hall The Seiwa Kai Squamish Karate on Sundays and Wednesdays we Association had a bunch of thrilled train at the Squamish Seniors Centre. young members on May 3. Having nine members qualify is great – it’s the first time we’ve ever made it For the first time in the history of the past regionals.” association, nine of its members are of karate. The regionals followed a tournament format, with athletes heading to the provincials after a The students will battle for provincial advancing based on a points scoring stellar showing at the Zone 5 supremacy on May 30 and 31 in system. regionals in Vancouver on May 3. Richmond. For more information on the club, visit Cody Howells, Shuaib Mehri, Emily He said the kids train hard and this Sergent, Hanna Morrow, Caelyx is the first time anyone from the www.seiwakaisquamish.ca James, Samantha Morrow, Lana O’Brien, Emily Vit and Isabelle Vit will all make the trip to the Richmond Oval for provincials on May 30 and 31.

Chief instructor Shane Morrow said he was pleased with the efforts of his students.

“They did really good,” he said, noting that the club sent 10 athletes to the event.

“The kids got a lot of experience, and for some of them it was their very first tournament.”

Morrow explained that athletes An old‐fashioned kitchen party was held at the Karate Canada Nationals in Richmond led by Karate Nova Scotia president Gary Walsh (upper guitar)

31 Karate BC NEWS First place winners get 60 points and second place winners get 40 points. KARATE KID AIMS TO Sawal earned 40 points in January with his individual second place REPRESENT CANADA finish.

By Tony Su participated in. Sawal captured a STRIVING TO BE THE BEST TSU Journal. Worldpress.com silver medal in both the individual MARCH 3, 2015 male Seniors and Under 21 Sawal has been practicing karate categories at Karate Canada 2015 since the age of eight. His coach LANGARA STUDENT National Championships in Nicole Poirier will be training him in Richmond last month. His team took preparation for the U.S.A. Open. AIM FOR THE TOP AT home gold in both categories. He has an “attitude of a champion,” LAS VEGAS Following a strong display at the said Poirier, adding Sawal has a good Langara criminal justice student, nationals in January, Sawal is chance to representing Canada at the John Sawal will be training hard for looking to carry the momentum World Juniors if he continue his the month of March to prepare forward int future tournaments. strong performance.

JUST ANOTHER “He’s definitely in the top,” Poirier OBSTACLES IN THE WAY said. “Every year he’s shown improvements.” Karate is not popular and lacks funding in Canada. In order to participate in tournaments, Sawal will have to personally raise the funds.

Fortunately for Sawal, the most recent tournament was held in Richmond and he was able to avoid travelling fees. However, he will have to pay his own way to Las Vegas in April.

“I have to support myself for all these events,” Sawal said. He currently works at Canadian Tire.

John Sawal training at his dojo It will be important for Sawal to capture gold or silver in Las Vegas, himself for the Karate U.S.A. Open & as his goal is to represent Canada in Junior International Cup this coming November at the World Junior & April in Las Vegas, NV. Cadet and U21 Karate Championships in Indonesia. Only The 18‐year‐old karate practitioner, one person from Canada will be or karateka, has placed in the top two selected to go. in every competition he has “Karate BC has developed a point system, the athlete with the most [points] at the end of October gets to go to Jakarta,” Sawal said.

Points are distributed and won throughout national tournaments. John Sawal showing off Kata 32 Heart of our City Karate BC NEWS

Wade Wilkins shaping Rupert’s karate kids

By Kevin Campbell The Northern View Jan 21. 2015

It wasn’t the allure of the black belt that led Wade Wilkins into the world of karate.

In fact, the old Okinawan discipline didn’t even originally use the coloured belts to designate skill level. Prince Rupert’s Karate Club’s operator Wade Wilkins has travelled to Japan and trained under the founder of Chito‐ryu karate (a form of the martial art), “Back in the day there was no such Kenei Mabuni Soke. — Kevin Campbell photo0 thing as the belt system. They just worked out and trained and that’s “He was a tough instructor, but it “You transfer the [skills] from the how it was and you get the skills, was good.” dojo to everyday life,” said Wade, especially when they moved it to the who said after he took karate his Just 14 at the time, Wade got his feet west and they moved karate from public speaking skills and self‐ wet in the martial art here in Prince Okinawa to Japan – they started confidence shot right up. Rupert and over time, was never adopting the Judo way of things with attracted to the competitive side of Born in Prince George and raised in the belt ranking system,” said Wade karate, but more for its potential to Rupert, and an alumnus of the British last week. help the youngster come out of his Columbia Institute of Technology Rather, it was the fanaticism around shell a little bit. (BCIT) in Burnaby, Wilkins also Bruce Lee and his presence as a played some puck in minor hockey “There are three types of karate martial artist around 1974 that while in town and in intramurals at [people are interested in],” he attracted the Prince Rupert Karate BCIT. explained. Club’s head instructor to the art. “I played three games in the super‐ “Sport karate, karate for fitness and “Everybody was loving that stuff,” league where all the best played and I karate for self defence and self‐ said Wade. got third‐star in a game, so it was growth and I lean more towards self kind of fun,” he said. The Prince Rupert Karate Club is a ‐growth ... So you want to teach self‐ member of Renshikan Karate‐do discipline and humility and respect “I like to head out to the pond here to International and a club that studies and perseverance, to become good play when it freezes up.” Shito‐ryo karate. people. After taking a break from the katas Wade has taken it over after a long and bunkais from 1976 until 1984, line of predecessors, including its Wade got back into it full‐force. founder, Corp. Bill Pitcher of the He went through the coloured‐belt RCMP, who started it in 1974. ranks without issue, but when the “It was tough,” recalled Wade. (Continued on page 34)

33 Karate BC NEWS Wade Wilkens the fun stuff was the social stuff drummers, Japanese dance and afterwards. weaponry and suits of samurai armour. (Continued from page 33) “You get to see people from all over Canada and train with them and “One of the senseis cleared his time came for Wade to achieve his socialize. [Akutagawa] considers us backyard out and pulled plants and black belt status (also known as first‐ family,” said Wade. put mats down [so we could dan or Shodan), he wasn’t able to perform],” said Wade. acquire it his first time testing in The Prince Rupert dojo head even Kitimat, but finally obtained the travelled to Japan for 10 days in Nowadays, Wade runs the Prince iconic band during the 1989 Northern 2009 to visit Akutagawa sensei and Rupert Karate Club out of Winter Games. Kenei Mabuni Soke, a 10th‐dan and Fisherman’s Hall with the help of founder of Chito‐ryu karate. Kevin Forssell (2nd dan) and wife “During the competition I won gold Dale Campbell (3rd dan) who he met for the kata (various offensive and Wade and company spent six days through karate. Their son, Aidan, is defensive techniques) and then for in Tokyo and three days in Osaka attending UNBC. the kumite (pre‐arranged free‐ and even presented a fighting) I won my fight but I demonstration, complete with Wade teaches a children’s class and couldn’t continue anymore because an adult class, with and without the guy had smashed my nose. New Research Study weapons, though the weapons teachings are more individualized “During my exam I had my nose all for Masters Athletes due to the customizable nature of the plugged up trying to do every kata. I weapon (different‐sized handles, was supposed to do throwing Dr. Jack Taunton, co‐founder of etc...) and is dependent on who buys techniques and break falls but I SportMedBC, Chief Medical Officer them. couldn’t because of my nose, so [the for the 2010 Winter Olympics and tester] said don’t bother,” Wade Paralympics, has co‐founded a new Most of all, Wade just likes to see his explained. organization called ʺSport students succeed in karate and Cardiology BCʺ with cardiologist outside of it. “So I passed, but it was tough.” Dr. Saul Isserow. “Parents have come back to us and The instructor’s greatest influence Their mandate is to prevent sudden told us that their kids’ schooling’s was David Akutagawa sensei, an death in young and Masters athlete. really improved since they started eighth‐dan karate master. taking karate ... some kids work their They have recently received ʺUBC “He’s passed away but he was head way up to adult class and become a Ethics Approval for Screening 2000 instructor for our organization in black belt but one’s a lawyer, one’s a Masters ‐ a first in Canada to reduce Canada (Renshikan Karate‐do doctor, one’s a dentist, two are and prevent sudden death and International). He was a short guy, becoming optometrists, one’s an cardiac arrests in Canadaʺ. sort of stocky and he kept on going engineer, one’s a pharmacist,” he said. into his 60s,” said Wade. They are now recruiting ʺMastersʺ “That’s where I feel my greatest Akutagawa sensei travelled to the athletes aged 35 years and over for pleasure is – when I see these kids Kitimat‐Terrace area two or three this important study. This is for succeeding, that’s what it’s all about times per year and even resided there both recreational and performance as far as I’m concerned. for awhile where Wilkins would train athletes over 35 years. “Karate, generally speaking, is about at various camps under his tutelage. The Sport Cardiology group will be self‐defence but I’ve never really been Akutagawa sensei later moved to the travelling around the province to attacked or anything. It does happen Lower Mainland as a chief referee for conduct testing, but hope for a and you have it there for that Canada and international judge. critical mass of about 75 candidates purpose, but my sensai told me karate in each test area. The groups of is not just about self‐defence, it’s “He had a really good attitude. A lot athletes being tested will come from about self‐preservation [in all aspects of knowledge ... the training was a variety of sports. of life].” really intense, like all day, but a lot of 34 Karate BC NEWS managed to go ahead several times,ʺ Doyon snares pair of silver said Sensei Roy Tippenhauer, her longtime coach with Campbell River medals at karate nationals Shito Ryu Karate Club. “With the fight less than 10 seconds Campbell River Mirror left and overtime looming, Valerie Feb. 5, 2015 tried a risky attack and, with similar

results to the Super Bowl, had a final Campbell Riverʹs Valerie Doyon ‐second play which cost her the battled back through elimination match.ʺ rounds to earn a pair of silver medals in the Karate Canada With her showing, Doyon, 17, National Championships last qualified for the Pan‐American weekend at the Richmond Oval in Championships and will compete Richmond. for Team Canada in the international tournament in Bolivia Doyon, competing in her fourth in August. national competition, was one of two Campbell River competitors on the She also qualified for the junior Pan‐ 75‐member Team BC. Am meet but will turn 18 before the competition and will not be eligible. Teammate Casey Brake, making her nationals debut, won her first fight Tippenhauer said Brake will likely but was unable to reach the medal attend the U.S. Open in April and podium. will attend the zone six primary selection tournament in April in Doyon challenged up to the 18‐20‐ Duncan with the goal of returning to year‐olds division Friday and lost Team BC next year. Valerie Doyon of Campbell River, her first fight, but with the shown here with her silver medal from ʺIʹm real proud of the girls and their tournamentʹs double round last yearʹs North American Karate Cup, efforts in their competitions,ʺ he elimination format had another earned two more silvers in the chance. Canadian National Championships last said. week in Richmond She fought an additional five fights ʺCasey is starting to realize how and ended up facing defending more fights and won them all to much work is involved to compete champion Hana Furomoto‐Deshaies earn a bout with Team BC at this level and did very well. of Quebec, losing the match to end teammate Alexandra Zaborniak — “Valerie has been training about 22 up with a hard‐fought silver. a rematch of last yearʹs final. hours a week since last spring to get Zaborniak was well‐rested against ready and executed her plan. After bowing out of Saturdayʹs Kata Doyon, who was coming off those event following an opening loss, five back‐to‐back fights. “She did want to get gold but is very Doyon returned Sunday for the happy with her results.ʺ 16/17 kumite event. ʺValerie fought an incredible technical and strategic fight and Sempai Chad Edberg assisted Much like in Fridayʹs opening event, Tippenhauer with preparing the Doyon lost her first fight in this athletes for the championships. division and again had to rely on the double‐round elimination format The Shito Ryu Karate Club is which gave her a second fight. currently accepting new members She kept winning and managed five for the spring session.

35 Karate BC NEWS Chito‐Ryu Friendship Tournament Welcomes Participants from Across Western Canada

The 2015 Chito‐Ryu Friendship Tournament was an amazing success.

A total of 146 participants from 10 different Dojos came from all over BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan to participate in this annual event that began back in 2002.

Keeping in mind that the theme is friendship, the competition was very intense.

Everyone from the little six‐year‐olds in their first tournament ever, to national team members competed with a lot of spirit and sportsmanship.

The male and female Grand Champions were from the Taneda Karate Dojo.

Both Nicole Amaral and Axl Reuvers won gold in their individual kata, kumite and team kata divisions.

The male sportsmanship award was split between Jaron and Jaden Demas Local karate club rakes in medals from the Satewin Dojo in Edmonton. Kamloops This Week in Sports Gabriel Wilkinson, each of whom The two brothers both caught the April 23, 2015 won three gold medals; Jocelyn eyes of all the referees and spectators Fennell, who claimed two gold with their performances. Kamloops Renshikan Karate Club medals; Cheyanne Fennell, who members brought home lots of earned one gold medal and two silver The female sportsmanship award hardware from the Zone 2 regional medals. was received by Sarah Stuij of the karate championships in Kelowna Taneda Karate Dojo. on Saturday. Nickolas McLean, who won one gold Sarah, maybe didn’t have her best medal and one bronze medal; Phil tournament but she was unfazed and Winning medals in their respective Dufault, who earned one gold medal; determined to keep going. divisions were Jayme Fennell and Charles Fennell and Emily Fontaine, each of whom claimed one silver The 2016 Chito‐Ryu Friendship medal; and Michael Wilkinson, who Tournament is already scheduled to won two bronze medals. be in Penticton in mid April. The club’s members will compete at We hope to see you all back again! the Karate B.C. Championships in Richmond on May 30 and May 31.

36 Karate BC NEWS Burnaby martial artists show the way title, taking the under‐50 kilogram Quan, Joel Tai, Aarjun Gill, Jacob Burnaby Karate Academy title over Quebec’s Roxanne Coté. Mand and Brendan Wise also earned win five of eight sparring individual kumite medals. gold by Team B.C. at Quan won bronze at u‐52kg, Tai a nationals in Richmond silver and Gill a bronze at u‐57kg, Mand a silver at u‐63kg and Wise TOM BERRIDGE BURNABY NOW with a bronze at u‐70kg. FEBRUARY 10, 2015 Alexandra Zaborniak won a gold The Burnaby Karate Academy medal in the junior women’s u‐59kg showed itself to be the kumite capital weight division. of B.C., winning five of the provincial team’s eight gold medals in sparring Pawan Sidhu won a runner‐up medal at the Karate Canada national at plus‐59kg and Izzy Chan also came championships in Richmond last home with silver at u‐48kg in the week. 16/17 girls’ category.

B.C. martial artists also picked up an BKA cadet girls Zoe Fong, Stephi additional 10 gold in the kata, or Zaborniak and Melissa Chan swept forms, with Claudia Laos‐Loo the top‐three positions, respectively, earning a bronze medal for Nikkei at u‐47kg in the 14/15 age class. Cindy Jacob, bronze medalist at u‐ 68kg, shared a team gold with u‐21 Burnaby also did well in the individual silver medal winners inaugural Youth Cup for 12/13 Gurkamal Gill and Harpreet Sidhu, martial artists. who were individual runners‐up at u‐55 and plus‐68kg, respectively.

Both Gill and Sidhu also placed fifth in the senior weight class.

U‐21 gold medalists Derek Chan and Brendan Ly also picked up a bronze medal each at the senior level at u‐60 and plus‐84kg.

Junior Isaac Mand won a bronze at u‐55kg in the 16/17 boys’ category.

Mand also placed fourth at u‐21 and fifth at the senior level. Gordon Chan photos Cadet‐aged martial artists Kieran Julia Maclean won gold in the girls’ Karate in the individual under‐21 plus‐43kg kumite, while Gurneet female category. Sidhu, Caitlyn Lam, Michael Plunkett and Mark Wong were bronze Jusleen Virk won her fourth medalists at their respective weights. consecutive senior women’s national Gurpatap Hothi placed fourth.

37 Karate BC NEWS 30 Under 30: Sumi Uchiage, martial artist By Don Fennell Richmond Review Feb 27, 2015 Age: 27. High school: R.A. McMath. When your brother is the 13‐time Canadian men’s kata champion, it’s easy to get overlooked.

But Sumi Uchiage has no such dilemma. She stands tall on her own feet.

A certified kinesiologist and rehabilitation assistant, Uchiage is a member of Karate Canada’s national team—the youngest of three siblings on the squad, a gold medallist at the Sumi Uchiage is a member of Karate Canada’s national team 2013 Commonwealth championships, and a teacher of the martial art. She is my go‐to person for I look up to her as a female athlete, everything; in both karate and non‐ karate sensei and a loving mother. Hailing from what many consider to karate related advice. be the first family of karate in Canada My older brother also inspires me (both her parents practiced and through example; his ongoing athletic taught the martial art through the 2016 Nationals achievements that has been renowned Steveston Karate Club), succeeded through great dedication karate was a natural outlet for the In Richmond and sacrifice. energetic Uchiage children. We have a good relationship, The 2016 National constantly challenging each other at But it grew to be much more, and Championships will take place training to become better today Sumi can’t imagine her life in Richmond from Jan. 29 to athletes (although we do get on each without it. 31, 2016. other’s nerves sometimes). While training at a high level is Karate Canada reports it is physically and mentally difficult, she paying close attention to Most proud of? “Being able to continues because of the many people feedback from its various represent Canada. And to be able to who believe in her. members and stakeholders relay my experience and knowledge regarding optimal timing of to assist in the development of the All the support and continuous push this event, and is currently younger athletes.” from her coaches keeps fueling her exploring options for a later competitive fire. date and different venue as of Advice? “Never hold back on your the 2017 edition. passions. Not everyone will Inspiration? “My mother and understand your passion, your brother. My mother was one of the commitment and sacrifices. original female athletes on the “But the people who truly care about Japanese National Karate Team, until you will always give you full she decided to get married and move support. I truly believe that it is better to Canada. to have tried and failed than to live a life of what‐if’s.” 38 Karate BC NEWS Local karate athletes step onto world stage

By J.R. Rardon Campbell River Mirror April 23, 2015 Going up against some of the best the world had to offer, in one of its largest competitions, Campbell Campbell Riverʹs Keeli Stewart, second from right, bites on her silver medal while joining other winners on the podium following the Individual Kata event at last River’s young karate practitioners not weekʹs USA Open Karate Championships in Las Vegas only proved they belonged. and Darcy and Stewart each won junior championship in the 16‐17 They proved they belonged on the silver in individual kata in their age division in the invitation‐only North podium. groups. America Cup, one of three separate From ages six through 17, a total of competitions held as part of the Clark went on to earn silver in six local athletes amassed a total of 13 USA Open. individual kumite (sparring) to go medals earlier this month at the USA with a bronze in kata, and Stewart It was Doyon’s second trip to the Open Karate Championships in Las got her third medal with a bronze in USA Open, and she had a year to Vegas. individual kumite. chew over her second‐place finish to “I was somewhat in awe of it when I Mexico’s Veronica Dominguez in Jenna Scott, 10, gave the NWSK got there,” said Sensei Nigel the 2014 North America Cup, which Karate school another gold by Nikolaisen of Northwest Shito Kai pits the top two qualifiers from winning individual kata and added Karate, a former Canadian champion Canada, Mexico and the U.S. a bronze in individual kumite. who took 10 of his young athletes to “I was so bitter about last year, the competition. “The kids, instead of the magnitude losing by two points,” said Doyon. of the competition intimidating “I’ve been to a couple of world “It’s hard; it definitely motivated me them, they rose to the occasion,” championships as a younger for this year.” said Nikolaisen. competitor, between 14 and 18 years In her 2015 return, Doyon drew old. “I was hoping to medal, maybe Dominguez in the opening round once. It was way beyond what I “But this one, with athletes from five and posted a win before going on to hoped.” to 50, with 2,500 competitors in the defeat Cara MacDonald of the U.S. room, from recreational adults to Carihi student Valerie Doyon of in the gold‐medal match. aspiring kids to the world’s best, was Campbell River Shito Ryu Karate “It was crazy, it was so amazing,” the epitome.” got exactly what she hoped when said Doyon. “The medal is she claimed the North American If his students shared his awe, they absolutely gorgeous, so intricate. It’s got over it quickly. something I’m very proud of, Six‐year‐olds Piper Darcy and Wynn because it says I’m number one on Clark teamed with seven‐year‐old the continent.” Keeli Stewart to win gold in the 7‐ under team kata (forms) competition, (Continued on page 40)

39 Karate BC NEWS

Please support our sponsors in Ontario before returning 12 years Ross, his former teammate on the World Stage ago to open his own dojo in Canadian National Team, and Campbell River. Victoria’s Kraig Devlin both on the (Continued from page 39) current national coaching staff. “You owe it all to Roy,” Nikolaisen For one weekend, at least, she was said of Campbell River’s mark on They would be familiar with Doyon, a number three in the world as well, the international karate stage. two‐time silver medalist at the Canadian nationals. along with Shito Ryu Karate “He cultivated quite a few national teammate Casey Brake. champions, including myself, And Nikolaisen hopes the national Both earned bronze medals in the starting in the 1990s. Honestly, he program will one day mark the Junior International Cup on the was the pioneer for karate in this names of the younger students he opening day, Doyon in the 17‐year‐ town.” introduced to international competition earlier this month. old, 57+kg class and Brake in 14‐15 Overall, Canada shone at the USA girls sparring. Open, with Karate Canada noting “We have kids who learned they can Both athletes train with longtime the country led all participating put their heads down and go for the Campbell River Sensei Roy nations in medals in the Senior Elite provincial team in the next couple of Tippenhauer, who previously trained kumite division and earning several years, if they can go down and mix it Nikolaisen to a Canadian junior team golds. up with the best in the world,” he said. championship. Nikolaisen noted Vancouver Island Nikolaisen went on to work and train overall is well‐represented at the top “We’re going back for sure. We’re of the sport, with Courtenay’s Pam already making our plans.”

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