The first martial arts tournament of the season for Northern Ontario began in Sault Ste. Marie, despite the weather and harsh driving conditions.
Sudbury KMAC entered 19 competitors at the Cornacchio’s Winter Break Martial Arts Championships, and returned home with an overwhelming 38 gold medals.
The tournament is among one of the favourites for KMAC because of the variety of events. A competitor test his or herself not only in the traditional divisions like sparring, forms, weapons and self-defence, but also the added divisions of board-breaking, and long and high falls, which is most popular.
“It is almost like the track and field for the martial arts world,” said one KMAC student.
Sudbury KMAC also brought home four new Grand Champions, which are the accumulated wins per division.
The Grand Champions are as follows:
- Myah Walia - Black Belt Teen Division
- Cameron Potvin - Junior Coloured Belts Division
- Kristin Hammill - Women Coloured Belt Division
- Kevin Sloan - Men Coloured Belt Division.
KMAC is now preparing their athletes for the Nickel Capital Budo Challenge, which they are co-hosting on April 1 at Cambrian College.
