Fifteen karate students from Toshikan Traditional Karate and Kobudo in Courtenay participated in the International Okinawa Goju-ryu Karate Federation (IOGKF) virtual tournament recently.
Students, aged eight to 17, submitted videos of their kata performance to be judged by karate instructors from clubs in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and B.C. Toshikan students achieved 12 placings in the top three, including six first places.
“I am very proud of all of the students who entered the tournament,” said Mac Newton, instructor and owner of Toshikan Traditional Karate and Kobudo. “It takes courage to put yourself out there to be judged. The practice of karate is about building courage and resiliency - mental and emotional wellness in addition to physical fitness. The quality of karate in the IOGKF is very high, so we did well.”
ALSO: Cumberland bodybuilder featured on cover of fitness magazine