Greater Sudbury Korean martial arts school KMAC returned with armfuls of medals for the WKC Canadian National Championships recently.
Held in Ottawa May 19-21, TEAM KMAC shone at the event, bringing home 24 medals, including five gold, 11 silver, and eight bronze in various categories.
“Leading the charge was Hannah Martel, a remarkable talent in the Girls 13-15 category,” Team KMAC said in a news release. “Martel demonstrated her prowess in Korean Forms, earning a well-deserved bronze medal. She further showcased her versatility by claiming the silver medal in Chinese Forms, solidifying her status as one of the rising stars of Team KMAC.”
In the Girls 15-17 division, Stephanie Leduc won the silver medal in Korean Forms, while her skills in Chinese Forms earned her a fourth-place finish.
Siblings Jake, Emma, and Damond Stripay-Gobeil also performed well. Emma, competing in the Girls 11-12 category, claimed bronze in point fighting (-45kg) and a gold in Chinese Forms. She also won a silver medal in Korean Forms. Jake Gobeil, competed in the Boys 11-12 category, won bronze in point fighting (-35kg) and Korean Forms, while Damond, competing in the Boys 13-14 category, claimed bronze in Chinese Forms.
Father and son team of Josh Carriere and Joe Carriere also performed well. Josh “dominated” the event, Team KMAC said, winning bronze in point fighting, gold in Chinese and Korean Forms and gold in continuous sparring.
Joe Carriere showed his expertise in the 42-47 age group (+85kg), earning silvers in point fighting and continuous fighting, as well as a silver in point fighting in the veteran 48+ category (+85kg).
In the Boy 15-17 category, Jacob Richard earned gold in point fighting, bronze in Chinese and Korean Forms and a silver in continuous sparring.
In the Girls 15-17 category, Ocean Avery won silver in point fighting and finished fourth in Korean Forms. In the Girls 13-14 category, Andy Kay won silver in point fighting and Korean Forms.
Jack Charron picked silver in the Korean Forms category while competing in the Boys 11-12 category.
“Karma Messier, a dedicated competitor, showcased her skills in the Women's Chinese and Korean Forms divisions. Although she did not place this year, her commitment and spirit were evident throughout the competition,” said Christian Fortin of Team KMAC.
All athletes at the WKC nationals who placed 4th or higher have earned coveted spots on the Canadian Team. They will represent their country at the upcoming WKC World Championships in Orlando, Florida, in October.
