Last weekend several athletes took part in the 2012 Karate BC provincial championships.
Local athletes competed in the recreational divisions under 14 and the elite divisions aged 14 and over brown belt and above.
The Campbell River Shito Ryu Karate Club sent six athletes to the provincial championships held this past weekend at BCIT in Burnaby.
Natalia Bellefleur received a second and a third in girls 10-11 blue brown kata and weapons kata. Not to be outdone, her older sister Antonia Bellefleur advanced in the BC team selection tournament with both a medal in 14-15 kata and 16-17 kumite. Her first provincial selection tournament Bellefleur has been working hard for these results and knows the work has just started.
Kyell Erickson qualified in the 16-17 boys kumite, after several national medals.
Kyell is being challenged by some of the upcoming talent in BC. Courtenay Brake, in her second attempt at a BC team selection, qualified in girls 16-17 kumite.
Jordan Foy in his first attempt failed to advance but lost a close contested match in the boys 14-15 kumite. He is excited with his performance, a personal best and will be back to try next year.
Valerie Doyon qualified in the 14-15 kumite division that she placed third in at the Karate Canada national championships. Doyon also qualified in the 16-17 kumite and the 16-17 kata division.
In order to advance to the Karate BC team final selection tournament, you must place in the top four at provincials.
Other locals who qualified were Jason Higgins of the Campbell River Wado Club in men’s black belt open weight kumite and Alison Guilderson of the Northwest Shior Kai in her first attempt to advance.
Karate BC is the sport governing body for karate in B.C. and is affiliated with Karate Canada, the national sport governing body. To inquire about karate contact www.karatebc.org to join affiliated clubs or contact your local recreation centers.
All Karate BC clubs have NCCP certified instructors.