The Kenpo competition team returned to Port Alberni Sept. 24 for the eighth annual Coastal Martial Arts Open.
Sensei Don Roe (4th degree black belt) and Julia Bennett (2nd degree black belt) as well as Corey Nickerson (1st degree black belt) were acting officials and were accompanied with some experienced competitors in addition to some making their Kenpo debut.
The seasoned competitors included Corey Nickerson (black belt) who won silver in the adult forms division. Gabe Roe (brown belt) won a bronze medal in the 11-17 weapons division, executing an escrima stick set, as well as winning a silver medal in the 17-and-under open/creative division, also a silver medal in the 14-17 traditional forms division. Brandon Nickerson (blue belt) took the gold medal in the 11-17 weapons division demonstrating a Bo set and silver in the 11-12 traditional forms.
Returning to the tournament after a three-year break from the tournament circuit were Jamil Rahim (brown belt) who won silver in the 18-and-over male traditional forms plus silver in the 18-and-over open/creative division. As well, Benjamin Rahim (green belt) won a bronze medal in the 8-10 traditional forms.
Making their tournament debut were Brandon Hatch (orange belt) who won gold in the 18-and-over traditional forms and Chris Friesen (blue belt) who won bronze in the adult weapons division, demonstrating a Bo set, in addition to a bronze medal in the adult traditional form division while his son James Friesen (blue belt) won bronze in the 11-13 traditional forms division.
The Kenpo karate dojo in Comox has been competing at the Coastal Martial Arts Open since 2005 and has earned a total of 18 gold medals as well as 25 silver medals, plus 10 bronze medals and the Grand Championship trophy in 2009.
For further information regarding personal instruction in Kenpo karate and kickboxing or submission arts wrestling classes contact Roe at 250-339-5992 or visit www.houseofkenpokarate.com.
– Kenpo Karate