The Campbell River Shito-Ryu Karate club travelled to Burnaby last weekend and competed at Karate BC’s Povincial Championships.
The two day event had nearly 600 competetors from all over B.C. competing for the provincial title.
This event is also a pre qualifier for the B.C. team which
will compete in Kelowna at the Karate Canada National championships in March.
Campbell River Shito Ryu Club managed to secure five positions on the team.
In order to attain a berth on the team you must place in the top four at provincials.
Leading the charge was assistant instructor Chad Edberg with a gold medal in the men’s black belt plus 84 kg sparring. Following his lead were Brody Waterton who placed third in the boys 14-15 sparring, and Kyell Erickson, a medalist at last year’s national championships, moved up to the 16-17 division and managed a hard fought bronze medal at this tournament.
Not to be outdone the girls turned in a stellar performance with Courtenay Brake leading the way with a silver in girls 16-17 sparring. Brake, only 15 had to challenge up as she is aiming for a national championship berth and will turn 16 before nationals so must compete in 16-17.
Valerie Doyon turned in a strong performance as well. She was eliminated in 14-15 girls kata and it turned in to a motivated performance for her in the sparring as she fought to a gold medal. All the divisions are advanced black belt and it was a first try at the elite division for Doyon, Brake and Waterton.
Campbell River Shito-Ryu also sent a group of recreational athletes to the provincials.
They were led to success by Trudy Brake who captured double gold in the womens masters divisions. Casey Brake recieved silver in kata and gold in kumite showing mother Trudy still had the edge while Emma Hunchak received bronze in kata, Olivia Hill silver in Kumite,
Natalia Bellefluer silver in kata and Dave Henderson bronze in kumite, and Lian Paterson bronze in kumite.
Achieving their personal best, but out of the medals, was Antonia Bellefluer competing in the elite 16/17 division.
Athletes who qualified for the provincial team will compete to represent B.C. at nationals Jan.16.
Registration for karate classes for the spring at Campbell River Shito – Ryu can be done through Campbell River Recreation Parks and recreation.
The classes are coached by local sensei Roy Tippenhauer who is also the Vancouver Island Karate (zxone 6) head coach.
