Lacombe martial artists have had a strong finish to the year.
Last month, 45 students from Lacombe Karate and Kickboxing competed in the 35th Annual Western Canadian Karate Championships, hosted by Cheney’s Zen Karate & Kickboxing in Red Deer.
It was a strong wrap to the season - which is mostly dormant for the summer months - as the students brought home 37 medals.
Sensei Clint Robison, head instructor of Lacombe Karate and Kickboxing, said that his students earned their successes through hard work and dedication. He said that he had been training with students for upwards of a month to prepare for the tournament.
“Because of the time you have invested in them, you are going to have a better result in the long run,” said Robison.
Robison said that martial arts is fun, but it takes a great deal of dedication and discipline to succeed. He said that he is proud to share in the achievements of his students knowing how much effort they have put into them.
Two students in particular placed well in the tournament. Both Tymen Green and Peter Narapakone came home from the tournament with two gold medals each, both of them placing first for their division in the kata and sparring events.
The Western Canadian Karate Championships is the best-attended tournament Lacombe Karate and Kickboxing participates in all year.
Robison said about a third of his 160 students compete in the tournament and he has about 20 students that compete in other tournaments year round.
He added that students at Lacombe Karate and Kickboxing are highly encouraged to compete, but it is not mandatory.
“I emphasize that I want them to compete so they can get experience and grow as martial artists.”
He added that the more ambitious of his competitors compete in tournaments in Calgary, Edmonton, sometimes even Saskatchewan in addition to the Red Deer tournament.