Team KMAC fares well at nationals

Team KMAC returned from the World Karate and Kickboxing Council Nationals in Ottawa with smiles, cheers and satisfaction.

The team members, composed of martial artists ranging in age from seven to 17, started training for this event the day after last year’s Nationals, Korean Martial Arts said in a news release. The first hurdle was the Ontario qualifier, held in Sault Ste. Marie in April, where 20 members qualified.

In only a few short weeks, it would be time to bring their A game.

Coach Chris Fortin said it was the best showing KMAC has had in the last five years of this competition, bringing home three gold medals, one silver, five bronzes, and four fourth-place finishes.

Top honours were handed to Amanda Lawson, Myah Walia and Cassyra Walia for obtaining the title of Canadian Champion in their respective divisions.

Eight of the 11 athletes that participated at the May long weekend event earned themselves a spot on the Canadian Team that will compete in October at the WKC Worlds in Taranto, Italy.

“We are all so proud of the entire team,” said Fortin. “The fact that the divisions are open to all skill levels and they compete with only the best from around the country says a lot about their commitment and indomitable spirit toward the sport.”

Results from the World Karate and Kickboxing Council Nationals:

Amanda Lawson: girls 12 and under – first, Chinese forms; third, Korean forms; sixth, traditional weapons.

Myah Walia: girls 12 and under – first, Korean Forms; fifth, Chinese forms; fifth, speed fighting (-45kg).

Cassyra Walia: girls 13-15 – first, Chinese forms; second, Korean forms; sixth, speed fighting (- 50kg).

Tyler Boucher: boys 12 and under – third, Chinese forms; fourth, Korean forms; fourth, speed fighting (-35kg).

Aiden Lavoie: boys 13-15 – third, Chinese forms; fourth, Korean forms.

Cedric Lessard: boys 12 and under – third, Korean forms; fifth, Chinese forms.

Brad Ferguson: boys 16-17 – third, speed fighting (-70kg).

Mikaio Walia: boys 12 and under – fourth, speed fighting (-25kg).

Jayden Rivers: girls 12 and under – fifth, Korean forms; seventh, Chinese forms.

Luciano Gianfrancescio: boys 12 and under – sixth, Chinese forms; seventh, Korean forms.

Taylor Prudhomme: girls 12 and under – seventh, Korean forms.