Kelowna Karate dominated the dojo at the Canadian Karate National Championships in Montreal over the Victoria Day long weekend.
The team results were led by Sensei Paul Atkin, who won gold in the men’s elite kumite, beating out 28 other fighters.
In total, 11 athletes competed in the championships and collected three first place awards and 15 total podium finishes:
- Sensei Paul Atkin - first place - men’s elite kumite;
- Merlyn Guilderson - first place kumite, third place kata;
- Sofia Runzer - first place kata, third place kumite;
- Oliver Renz - second place kumite, second place team kata;
- Geordie Adlem - second place kumite, third place kata;
- Max Guilderson - second place team kata, third place kata;
- Mervin Guilderson - second place team kata, third place kata;
- Bodo Papke - third place kumite, fourth place kata;
- Cayden Adlem - third place kata, fourth kumite;
- Kaela Linsdell - fourth kata, fourth kumite;
- Yuma Nakamura - top eight kata.
“All our athletes fought hard and showed incredible resilience and spirit in their matches,” said Atkin. “I couldn’t be more proud of all of their performances.
Because of their result, 10 athletes are on their way to the World Championships in Japan in the fall.
“Now we re-focus and work to prepare for the World Championships as this will be a completely different animal to defeat,” said Atkin, who added this year will be his last competitively. “For a long 24-year competition career and this being my last World Championships, I’m very pleased I will be Canada’s top fighter representing our country proudly. Technique defeats strength but spirit dominates everything.”
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