Canadian Martial Arts Academy Powell River (CMAA) will host the Western Canadian Goju-Ryu Karate Championships Friday, October 11, and Saturday, October 12, and all Powell River residents are invited to attend.
“This is a style-specific tournament for Goju-ryu karate, one of the four major styles of karate,” said CMAA sensei Frank Clayton. “We’ll have competitors from across British Columbia, as well as Alberta, Ontario and the United States attending. The caliber of the competition will be spectacular, and we hope everyone will come out to watch.”
There are currently more than 120 competitors registered for the tournament, 60 of whom come from the CMAA in Powell River.
“It’s not often that we are able to host this kind of event in Powell River, simply because of the travel requirements for competitors coming here,” said Clayton. “This is an opportunity for the community to come out, support our athletes, and see what our kids do. The members of our competition team have travelled across Canada and the United States, and even to Japan and Europe to compete, and have always done very well. We hope anyone who is interested will come check us out and see what our Powell River athletes are capable of.”
Spectators can purchase a $5 wristband for access to the competition both Friday night and Saturday. All proceeds from spectator wristbands will go to support Kendra McLeod, a young Powell River woman who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2017 and is currently hospitalized in Vancouver awaiting a lung transplant.
“Kendra is a member of our dojo, and that makes her a part of our family,” said Clayton. “We’re doing what we can to help her and her family during this time, and that’s why we’re hosting this fundraiser for her during the tournament.”
In addition to the proceeds from the spectator wristbands, each competitor in the tournament is donating $5 from their entry fees to support McLeod. Donations from the community are also welcomed.
“Whatever we raise during this fundraiser, and we’re hoping it will be at least $2,500, [tournament sponsor] City Transfer will match it,” said Clayton. “They are also donating the awards for the event. We have a great relationship with City Transfer, and we’re so pleased they are cosponsoring this tournament with the Canadian Martial Arts Academy so we can bring competitive Goju-ryu karate to Powell River.”
The tournament takes place at Brooks Secondary School, 5400 Marine Avenue. Opening ceremonies will take place Friday, October 11, at 6 pm, and will include representatives from Tla’amin Nation and a parade of athletes. The team and weapons events will take place Friday evening as well.
The tournament continues with additional events Saturday, October 12, starting at 10 am.
Spectator wristbands can be purchased in advance at the Canadian Martial Arts Academy, 4300 Joyce Avenue, or at the door. Contact the CMAA with any questions at 604.485.8255.
