Shuswap martial artists took to the ring in Burnaby, fighting their way up the rankings and returning with medals to show for it.
On Saturday, Oct. 20 Provincial Martial Arts (PMA) group took students from Salmon Arm and Sicamous to the Western Canadian Championships in Burnaby.
Samatha Koll from Sicamous competed for her first time as a black belt, having just attained her black belt ranking back in June of this year. She came in third place in her category in both katas and sparring.
Related: Shuswap woman fights for silver at international jiu-jitsu competition
Houston Rampton, who is now a second degree black belt, won a silver medal in katas and a gold medal in sparring. During his sparring matches, Houston showed flawless form and didn’t have a single point scored against him.
He has been training with Sensei Holly Raczynski for more than eight years and his dedication to training and experience through competition is really starting to show. Houston, along with other PMA members, will be going to Las Vegas in 2019 to compete at the World Martial Arts Championships.
Second Degree Black Belt and instructor in Salmon Arm, Danette Rampton, won the Grand Championship Award in katas for the men’s/women’s 35-plus group. Altogether she won three gold medals and a silver medal in four different kata divisions to put her in the rankings for the grand championship.
Related: Salmon Arm senior wins bronze at Las Vegas karate tournament
Iain Rushworth, PMA black belt from Calgary, competed in jiu jitsu, point sparring, and katas during the provincial championship. He brought home a Grand Championship Award for the 18 to 34 age group kata divisions and a silver medal in point sparring.
If you are interested in becoming a part of the PMA team, you can try a class for free in Salmon Arm, Sicamous, or Malakwa. Email Sensei Holly Raczynski at pmakarate@gmail.com or phone 250-253-2406.
