Shogun Martial Arts Academy in Williams Lake had strong representation earlier this summer at the World Karate and Kickboxing Council (WKC) National Championships in Ottawa.
Representing the lakecity were Micah Vogt, Raiden Lainchbury, Kai Richardson, Isaac Lauren and Josh Rutherford. Additionally, their teammates from the Shogun Dojo in Smithers were Benjamin Glanz and Thomas Glanz. Also part of Team BC was Matteo Rawling of Kamloops.
Williams Lake SMA Sensei Sheldon Lainchbury also travelled as the Team BC coach at the event, as Renshi Marwan Abu Khadra, the regular head coach, was unable to attend and appointed Sheldon in his place.
Vogt, competing at his first nationals in point fighting, finished fourth in the boys 15-17 year old 75-kilogram division and landed a spot as a Team Canada alternate for the WKC World Championships. He also won gold in boys 15-17 75-kilogram light contact continuous sparring and earned a spot on the national team as the Canadian national champion.
Rutherford, competing in the 15-17 75-kilograms light continuous sparring event, fought to a silver medal. He also picked up a bronze in point fighting in the same weight class.
Raiden also medalled, winning bronze in the boys 11-12 year old 50-kilogram point fighting event, qualifying him for the national team to fight at worlds in Ireland this fall.
Lauren was fourth in boys 11-12 50-kilogram point fighting and named an alternate for Team Canada.
Richardson, meanwhile, was competing at his first nationals in traditional weapons, hard style kata, classical kata and point fighting.
“He performed amazingly well in all categories but, unfortunately, the decisions didn’t go our way,” said SMA Sensei Lee-Ann Lainchbury.
“Although disappointed, he handled it like the champ he is and continues to focus on his training, recently attending some classes in Japan.”
Other team member results are as follows:
Benjamin Glanz: gold in boys 10 and under 40-kilogram light continuous
Matteo Rawlings: silver in boys 10 and under 40-kilogram light continuous
Thomas Glanz: gold in boys 11-12 year old 50-kilogram light continuous
“Unfortunately, none of the Williams Lake team members will be able to attend worlds, mostly due to timing and personal commitments,” Lee-Ann said.
Benjamin and Thomas, along with Rawlings, will represent Canada at the worlds in Dublin, Ireland from Oct. 30 to Nov. 4.