The Nickel City Championships drew more than 200 competitors from 30 schools for what the organizers say is the largest martial arts tournament in Northern Ontario for more than a decade.
Held March 28 at Cambrian College, the event feature a “diverse range of martial arts disciplines from traditional to modern styles, the tournament showcased the talent and dedication of practitioners from across the region.”
“The recent Nickel City Championships, held at Cambrian College in Sudbury, proved to be a remarkable event, reinvigorating the martial arts scene in Northern Ontario,” the organizers said in a news release. “Drawing over 200 competitors from 30 schools, this tournament was not just a competition but a celebration of martial arts and its community.”
Notable competitors included Sebastien Maillet of Valley KMAC and Myah Walia of Sudbury KMAC claimed the prestigious titles of Men's and Women's Black Belt Grand Champions, respectively.
Other grand championship results include:
- Ginzo Grand Champion: Wendy Rowe from KJMS of Sault Ste. Marie
- Youth Black Belt Grand Champion: Ocean Avery from Sudbury KMAC
- Adult Women Color Belt Grand Champion: Krystel Houle from Sudbury KMAC
- Adult Male Color Belt Grand Champion: Zephan Dong from Pinder's Martial Arts in Sault Ste. Marie
- Teen Color Belt Grand Champion: Dominic Simpson of Kitchener, representing Volpe Martial Arts
- Youth Color Belt Grand Champion: Brooke Irwin, representing Legion Hapkido of Sault Ste. Marie
Organizers said some participants travelled more than 500 kilometres for the event, and characterized the size of the event as a “resurgence” of martial arts events in the North.
“This resurgence in participation signifies a renewed enthusiasm for martial arts in the region, especially considering the challenges posed by the pandemic,” organizers said.
The tournament served as the Northern Ontario qualifier for the WKC Canadian Nationals, “adding an extra layer of excitement and significance to the event.”
Despite the level of competition, organizers said respect between competitors was high.
“Despite the competitive nature of the event, the atmosphere at the tournament was one of camaraderie and mutual respect,” a news release about the event states. “Participants may not have been friends, but they shared a common goal — to provide memorable experiences for their students and promote the spirit of martial arts. This sense of unity and purpose resonated throughout the tournament, fostering a supportive environment for all involved.”
The organizers of the Nickel City Championships thanked competitors, coaches, judges, volunteers and spectators for making the event a success.
