Two local martial artists proved they are among the best athletes in the world, placing in the top three in their classes at the WKC World Martial Arts Championships.

From Oct.2 to 7, competitors primarily from the United States, England, Ireland, Italy, Germany and Canada travelled to Saint-Hyacinthe, Que. to compete in the WKC World Martial Arts Championships.

Sudbury KMAC students, Cassyra Walia, 12, and sister Myah Walia, 11, earned their spot on the Canadian team by placing in the top three at the Canadian Nationals, in which Cassyra was crowned the Canadian National Champion in her division. The girls qualified to compete in three divisions: Korean Forms, Chinese Forms and Speed Fighting.

At the World Championships, Cassyra took a strong hold in her position after the first round in Korean Forms and landed the silver medal. Myah was able to move up a spot from fourth and captured a bronze medal.

In Chinese Forms, younger sister Myah was ranked third and Cassyra at fourth. The sister rivalry kicked into full swing and Cassyra managed to move up a spot tying her sister. They each earned a bronze medal.

In the most anticipated division, Speed Fighting, the girls were divided into separate weight categories: Myah at 40kg and Cassyra at 45kg. The girls faced some fierce competition and the Walia sisters were rewarded with well-deserved bronze medals in their respective divisions.

In total, the girls brought back six medals to Sudbury, establishing themselves in the Girls 12 and Under Division as the top three martial arts competitors in the world.