The Kimura Shukokai Karate team from the Saanich Peninsula made its mark in Finland, returning home with five medals – including two golds – from the 21st Kimura Shukokai International Karate World Championships.
The week-long event in Jarvenpaa drew top karate talent from 16 countries, with the local athletes ranging in age from 13 to 53 testing their skills on the world stage.
A total of 23 people from across Greater Victoria made the trip, including nine competitors, three coaches, two international referees, and a crew of family and friends.
Heading into the championship, team manager Kristina Bentley said the goal wasn’t just about hardware.
“We wanted every competitor to reach their personal best. If they medalled, it would just be an added bonus,” Bentley said before the competition.
That bonus came in a big way.
Kalli Chase struck gold twice. The Stelly's Secondary student dominated both girls kumite and kata in the 16-17 age group.
Bronze medals went to Gigi Mitchell-Carias in girls kata (14-15), Halcyon Miers in veterans kumite, and the girls team kata squad of Chase, Mitchell-Carias and Fenna Plouffe.
Outside the dojo, the team soaked up the sights and culture of nearby Helsinki.
“We enjoyed sightseeing, team dinners, and a party on Saturday night where all 16 countries came together to celebrate,” Bentley said. “It was always going to be more than just a tournament.”
A special moment came before competition began, when all countries gathered on the mat for a joint training session led by Kimura Shukokai’s three world chief instructors – Shihan Lionel Marinus (9th Dan, South Africa North), Shihan Chris Thompson (9th Dan, South Africa South), and Shihan Bill Bressaw (9th Dan, U.S.A.).
“It was a chance to train alongside some of the best and really feel the community before competing against each other,” Bentley said. “For this group to travel and learn from some of the most influential people in karate – that’s huge.”
But the moment that stuck with her most was hearing O Canada echo through the arena as the Canadian flag rose behind gold medallist Kalli Chase.
“What an amazing group of athletes and supporters we travelled with,” Bentley added. “This weekend will be a tough one to forget.”
