Sudbury’s Korean Martial Arts Centre (KMAC) is sending seven of its athletes to the WKC World Championships in Niagara Falls, NY, next month.
The worlds will be held Oct. 25-31.
To get there, team members had to earn their spots at the grueling WKC Canadian National Championships, held in Gatineau this past May.
“With podium finishes and strong performances across multiple divisions, KMAC athletes proved they are ready to test themselves against the best in the world,” the team told Sudbury.com in a recent email.
KMAC President and Head Instructor Chris Fortin praised the students in the email.
“This is a huge moment for our team,” he wrote. “Representing Canada at the World Championships is the ultimate honour, and every one of these athletes earned it through hard work and determination. We are proud to see them carry both Sudbury and Canada onto the world stage.”
A standout at nationals was Logan Richard, who captured the title of Canadian Champion in Korean Forms (Boys 14–15, -65kg). Richard also earned fourth place in Chinese/Softstyle Forms, “showcasing his versatility and composure on the national stage,” the club said.
Competing in the Boys 9 & Under division, Eric Fortin battled through a tough field.
“After an early setback in sparring, he stormed back on Day 2 with three straight victories to secure fourth place in Point Sparring, along with second place in Korean Forms and fifth in Chinese Forms,” KMAC said. “His resilience earned him a spot on Team Canada.”
Meanwhile, Ocean Avery was strong in the Girls 16–17, -60kg division. She won second place in Korean Forms and second place in Point Sparring.
“Her strong finishes sealed her place on Team Canada, where she’ll once again compete on the world stage,” the club said.
In the Girls 12–13, -60kg division, Emma Stripay-Gobeil finished second in Korean Forms and fourth in both Chinese Forms and Point Sparring.
“Her brother Daymond Stripay-Gobeil also stepped onto the podium, claiming third place in Korean Forms in the Boys 16–17 division, while younger brother Jake Stripay-Gobeil earned fourth in Point Sparring in the Boys 12–13, -45kg division, qualifying both for Team Canada,” KMAC said.
Rounding the haul of medals were sisters Breanna and Alexis Dufresne. Breanna earned second in Korean Forms, along with fourth in Chinese Forms and fifth in Point Sparring in the Girls 14–15, +65kg division. Alexis earned third in Korean Forms in the same age group, “continuing the family’s strong martial arts tradition.”
The KMAC team is coached by Josh Carrière, a former WKC World Champion, “who brings international experience and proven leadership to their training. Under his direction, the athletes have dedicated much of their summer to an intensive training schedule, sharpening their skills and preparing for the challenges of international competition,” the team said.