Two athletes from Campbell River Shito-Ryu attended the Karate Canada Nationals Feb. 24-26 in Quebec City.
Past national champion Casey Brake competed in the girls 16-17 plus 59 kg division. Brake had a great tournament and
fought well but didn’t repeat her performance from last year winning one fight and losing two.
Although disappointed, she is well aware sometimes your best isn’t good enough and must continue to improve. Brake will continue to improve and begin the process all over again to become a member of the B.C. team again for the chance to compete at the 2018 Nationals.
“Casey continues to improve and is beginning to understand what is involved in maintaining a high level of training,” club instructor Roy Tippenhauer said. ” I’ve seen Casey blossom into a fine young lady and medals or lack of won’t change that, I continue to help her improve in her competitive journey.”
Cody Chamberlin also of Campbell River Shito-Ryu came back with an unexpected third place medal. Chamberlin went to nationals already a success in his mind.
“At the beginning of this year, I had a goal of making nationals so when I qualified I had achieved my goal and everything afterwards was gravy,” Chamberlin said.
“Cody showed incredible growth this past season and continues to amaze me with his positive attitude and coach-ability,” Tippenhauer said.
Chamberlin won three of his four fights in his division of 11 ending up with a bronze. Had he made it to silver or better he would have been able to attend the Canadian team training which readies people for the Pan American Championships. Chamberlin will begin the journey again soon with provincials coming up.
