Vernon Shotokan Karate Club sent 10 members who came back with 10 medals from the International Shotokan Karate Federation’s provincial championships last weekend in North Vancouver.
Vernon black belt Danny Loo claimed bronze in the master’s kata (traditional forms). Loo, who is in his 60s, said that “age is no barrier” as he prepares to test for his second degree black in the near future.
Bob Frederickson stepped it up by bringing home two bronze medals in the men’s green belt kata and kumite (sparring). Ruy Romano and Paul Garneau gave it their best, but did not medal in a competitive men’s purple belt division.
Neave Allen’s impressive performance earned her gold in kata and silver in kumite in the 11-12-year-old girls blue belt division.
Nathan Allen captured double-silver in the boy’s 12-14 brown and black belt class. He won four straight fights only to lose to a much larger opponent in the kumite final, adding to his silver in kata.
Erik L’ecluse struck silver in the 11-14 boys kata division,while karate newcomer Emily L’ecluse gained some insight as she competed in the 11-13 girls white-to-orange belt group.
Said Vernon club coach Mike Ciurka: “She didn’t bring a medal back, but she gained some great experience and had fun at the same time.”
The team of Sidney Bos, Nathan and Neave Allen collected bronze in the Junior team kata.
