Team members of the Vernon Shotokan Karate Club sizzled during back-to-back tournaments held recently.
Athletes from the United States and Canada gathered at the Richmond Olympic Oval to compete in the ISKF Junior International Championship and the National Canadian Championship.
Five members of the Vernon club led the way to the junior championship.
Owen Pawulski placed first in kumite (sparring) in the boy’s 9 to 10 coloured belt division and third in kata (traditional forms).
Trenton Voung won silver in kata. Rheiley Laduna took first in mixed 9 to 10 brown and black belt division in kata.
Laduna placed second in kumite after losing a match when his opponent caught him with a spinning back kick.
Kata team captain Laduna, along with Voung and Pawulski, claimed gold in the junior team kata event.
Neave Allen won silver in the girl’s 14 to 16 brown belt kumite and bronze in the kata event.
“I thought it was interesting when my opponent was issued a warning after excessive contact to the face,” said Allen.
Nathan Allen faced tough competition in the boy’s 16 to 17 brown belt division. He claimed bronze in the kata event.
Allen was also awarded his black belt.
At the Canadian nationals, David Donovan captured bronze in the men’s 18 to 21 brown belt kata event.
Danny Loo placed fourth and sensei Mike Ciurka claimed silver in the senior men’s kata event.
Loo and Paul Garneau also passed their black belt examination.
Loo was promoted to second degree black belt and Garnuea received his first degree.
