Shogun Martial Arts athletes faced some stiff competition at a number of martial arts events this fall.
One group from Shogun attended the Western Canadian Martial Arts Championships and two Shogun athletes also went to the World Kickboxing and Karate Union (WKU) World Championships.
A group of five members went to compete in the Western Canadian Martial Arts Championships at Simon Fraser University Oct. 14.
“They fought and performed brilliantly, even when faced with very challenging opponents,” said Lee-Ann Lainchbury, who went down with the group.
“I am impressed with how they handled themselves and the pressure of competing all day.”
Eric Bowman placed fifth in kata and fifth in point fighting; Tareq Abu Khadra won gold in point fighting;
Emmy Shortreed was fourth in point fighting, fourth in continuous fighting and fifth in kata; Sonny Altrows won a gold in point fighting, a silver in continuous fighting, and a bronze in kata; and Oren Goodrich won silver in continuous fighting, bronze in point fighting, and bronze in kata.
Later in the same month, two athletes from Shogun Martial Arts and their Renshi (teacher) Sheldon Lainchbury, joined the Shogun Dojo in Smithers as a part of the Canadian National Team.
The event took place Oct. 16 to 21 and Niko Grondines and Lincoln Hoelzler were the two lakecity athletes who competed at the event in Calgary, Alta.
Twenty-two countries were represented. Lincoln competed in three divisions: continuous light contact, kick low light contact and point fighting, and Niko competed in point fighting.
Lincoln had to face off twice in day one against the 2022 world champion in his first fights in both continuous light contact and kick low light.
Despite losing both matches, Lincoln reportedly learned a lot.
“Our proudest moment as parents was to see him come back and fight again that afternoon, knowing he would likely lose,” said Crystal Hoelzler, Lincoln’s mom.
“I think this highlights the mental game of martial arts which translates to life - showing up and doing your best no matter what. Showing up is what Lincoln did, he hit harder - really put in his best. He did lose but he felt awesome afterward anyway.”
On day two, Lincoln competed in point fighting, but lost by a couple of points, and he said it was incredible to watch the top competitors.
Niko also had a positive experience at the event, calling it “nothing short of an amazing experience.”
“Just being there and being able to watch other competitors’ fighting styles made for a great opportunity to learn.”
Niko said despite losing his first international fight against a German competitor, he now knows what he needs to improve on.
He also said the event showed him some great displays of sportsmanship, with some competitors being taken under the wing of different coaches from other countries, as they needed a coach present in order to compete.
Niko said he was very grateful for the support of Renshi Lainchbury in helping the two athletes prepare for the championships and attending the Calgary tournament with them.
“We are very proud of how they conducted themselves, competing against some very seasoned fighters,” said Lee-Ann Lainchbury. She said both competitors cheered on other athletes and grew from attending the Worlds, which will help prepare them for the Canadian Nationals in 2024.
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