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Local karate students take part in open championship

It was the first competition for many of the students, with seven people bringing home 10 medals.
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Members of the Ashcroft Karate Club. (left to right) Back row: Romona Baxter, Samantha Collins, Cheyenne Wiens. Front row: Moira Kopanyas, Rachael Sam, Monique Kopanyas. Hideaki Kanamaru

By Hideaki Kanamaru

Fifteen students representing the Ashcroft Karate Club travelled to Richmond to take part in the first Canada Open Karate Championships on June 3 and 4. The team journey to the Open began two months ago, with many hours of dryland, technical, and sport mindset training over and above the regular Dojo practice.

For most team members, this would be their first big competition. Out of more than 600 competitors, seven team members took home a total of 10 medals. The medal winners included:

Rachael Sam (second in Girls 10/11 Novice Kata and third in Girls 10/11 Novice Kumite)

Monique Kopanyas (second in Girls 10 Intermediate Kata)

Samantha Collins (third in Girls 10/11 Novice Kumite)

Moira Kopanyas (third in Girls 10 Intermediate Kumite)

Cheyenne Wiens (second in Girls 14/15 Intermediate Kumite)

Romona Baxter (second in Masters Women’s Kata and third in Masters Women’s Kumite)

Hideaki Kanamaru (third in Men’s Kumite Elite (84kg) and third in Men’s Kumite Elite Open Division)

Many thanks to Ray Philips Law Office, Baxter Mechanical Services, NlHa’7kapmx Child and Family services, Landscope Consulting Corporation, Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council, MK Ballet, Lillooet Dental Clinic, Chanor Towing, Abundance Artisan Bakery, and Kanamaru Performance for their generous donations.

A huge thank you to the families, friends, and communities for the support along the way. Club members are looking forward to competing in the second Canada Open Karate Championships, to be held June 2018.