In a week’s time, 15 of Salmon Arm and Sicamous’ finest martial artists from Provincial Martial Arts will head to Richmond to participate in the World Martial Arts Games at the Richmond Oval.
“It’s an open martial arts tournament. So every discipline will be represented from karate, taekwondo, kickboxing to traditional shotokan kata,” explains Holly Raczynski from Salmon Arm, who will coach and participate in the event which runs Sept. 3 to 7.
With more than 500 competitors from more than 30 countries across the globe, the games will certainly be competitive.
“The ages will range from seven and up to maybe 70, who knows, there might be some oldies there.”
Qualifiers to compete at the games for Team Canada were held in each province, with athletes allowed to travel outside of their own province to qualify.
In order to qualify, each athlete had to finish in the top two of their division, based on age and belt.
The athletes from Provincial Martial Arts will compete in kickboxing, which is scored on a points system.
Three points are awarded for a jumping kick to the head, two points for a hit to the head, one point for a shot to the body or a hit made with the hand.
At the end of the tournament the athlete in each discipline with the highest accumulated points from all of their matches will be the winner by age and belt.
Raczynski says that for many of the athletes, this will be their first chance to showcase their skills on the world stage and she is very hopeful they will come home with some medals.
“This is the chance of a lifetime,” exclaims Will Phillips from Sicamous. “This year it is so accessible for all of us, and it will be my last big tournament. I can’t wait to get out there.”
Phillips explained that he has played many sports through his 45 years, but martial arts will always be his favourite.
Sixteen-year-old Lindsey Christian-Hack from Salmon Arm is equally enthusiastic.
“It’s a huge experience, I’ve only ever done local events, and this one is on the world stage. It’s amazing, I can’t wait to test my abilities.”
Christian-Hack explained that she would love to take home a medal, but she ultimately wants to go for the experience and to just try her best.
Aside from the chance to compete at a world event, many of the athletes are most excited about seeing the other competitors from around the globe, and seeing their different styles and techniques.
“I’m excited to see my auntie, uncle and baby cousin watch me,” said eight-year-old Elyssa Eddy. “I don’t know if my mom was joking, but she said she would make a sign to cheer for me.”
For more information about the World Martial Art Games, visit www.http://richmondoval.ca/world-martial-arts-games/default.html.
