Oku Damashi Martial Arts Dojo is starting its summer strong despite recent setbacks due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Despite a lack of healthy competition from other dojos for an entire year and the struggles faced due to restrictions and closures, it didn't stop these local athletes from taking Edmonton by storm in the WKC (The World Karate & Kickboxing Commission) Western Provincial Karate tryouts for team Alberta.
Owner-operator Tammy Thankachen explains why the Dojo decided to join this tournament
“This is a release and it really helps them put energy into something productive and efficient. It was definitely tough on everybody but we're open again. It's just on all their faces, their excitement, their enthusiasm for happiness to be back in. It seems that they are just more willing and more excited to put more into it because it's something that they're thriving in.”
This recent success has earned them a spot in the May 20-22, team Canada Karate tryouts in Ottawa. If successful, the students from this small town dojo will go on to represent the entirety of Canada at the WKC World Championships in Dublin, Ireland.
Thankachen can't help but shower her hard-working students with praise, “The group we took up, we had seven kids and they ranged from 9 to 17 years old. Everyone really brought a high efficient skill set and I was so proud of them. That was our first experience since COVID at a tournament. So for them to really get out of their comfort zone and work hard really shine’s through.”
In addition to the success in Edmonton, Thankachen's students also won bronze and gold medals in the Muay Thai Youth Games.
Time will tell if will see its dojos students propelled onto the world stage but in the meantime, Thankachen's will certainly keep singing the praises of her talented students.
Wed, May 8, 1:15 PM
