BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW
Ryan Labranche thinks about karate day and night, even while he's sleeping.
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Ryan Labranche, 20, is honoured to represent Canada at the World Karate Championships in Killarney, Ireland in October. |
With this intense frame of mind and a total dedication to body and spirit, Labranche has made himself one of the top karate fighters in Canada and the world.
The confident 20-year-old will represent Canada at the World Karate Championships in Killarney, Ireland in October.
"I don't just live karate," said Labranche. "I have become karate."
His road to the world championships began last year when he made the Canadian team and fought over in Italy. Despite a strong showing, Labranche finished out of medal contention.
"Last year I learned a lot about what happens at these tournaments," said Labranche. "I soaked up the experience and for it I am a better fighter this year."
This year, Labranche is out for vengeance and to prove he's one of the best in the world.
"People have asked me before if I've ever wanted to be the best at something in the world," said Labranche. "I tell them yes, and it's karate because I believe we all have it in us to be something extraordinary and we just have to find it. I did."
To earn the honour of representing Canada, Labranche first had to compete in the Ontario championships earlier this year. He took top spot in the 75 to 90 kilograms class. He followed the victory with another first place finish in May of this year at the Canadian National Karate Championships in Quebec.
"Those tournaments are tough because they're single elimination," said Labranche. "You lose once at any time and you're done."
Labranche is ecstatic about representing Canada in front of the world.
"This fulfils a dream," said Labranche. "Knowing I'm not just representing myself, but a whole country gives the extra motivation to train hard and do great."
Labranche knows he has to be in top shape when he goes to the world championships to handle the rugged competition.
"It's full blown contact over there," said Labranche. "Guys hit as hard as they can and bleeding noses or missing teeth don't stop a fight."
A man loses a bout when he is either knocked out, gives up, loses on point accumulation or is disqualified.
Although the brutality of the competition is severe and gruesome, there's a certain amount of respect amongst the fighters hug and congratulate one another," said Labranche. "After a fight we're all friends because in the end we're all there to learn."
Labranche will be looking to endure extreme physical training over the next month and a half to prepare.
"I will do a lot of conditioning," said Labranche. "I will have fighters hitting me in the stomach, arms and legs so they're used to it."
The intense training is key to survival.
"In these tournaments, it becomes mind over matter as you win and progress because the matches get harder and harder."
Labranche is always at the Sudbury School of Martial Arts five to six hours a day training and teaching karate to students. He wouldn't have it any other way.
"Karate is how I was raised," said Labranche. "I can't escape my destiny which is to learn and teach karate."
The first degree black belt has finished high school and is currently working for his dad's renovation business and teaching the art he admires and holds in the highest regard.
"Karate is always a challenge and there's always something to learn," said Labranche. "Karate combines mind, body and spirit."
With karate running through his veins all the time, it's safe to say Labranche will be in the sport for many years to come.
"One day, I would like to have my own institution where I can teach kids what I have learned."
