Three local martial art enthusiasts have qualified for nationals in Ottawa.
Justin Powell, Director of Justin Powell’s Martial Arts Academy, and his students, Mallory Courtemanche, and Mikael Taillefer, earned the opportunity after a great showing at the Nickel City Championship last month.
The event is an open one and plays host to a variety of martial arts disciplines.
Powell, who has been practising martial arts for four decades, says his students have been performing great as of late.
“Last month, Mallory and Miguel qualified for nationals in Ottawa, which will take place the May 18-21 weekend,” he says.
That success continued last week when the Academy travelled to Sudbury for the Canadian Budoka Championship.
Courtemanche placed first in a variety of events, including Kata (pre-arranged movements that are judged on speed, balance and timing), self-defence, sparring and more. It was enough to earn her the title of Grand Champion.
Other students performed as well, including:
- Alley Cox 2nd place self-defence, 3rd place weapons Kata
- Ethan Cox 4th place weapons Kata, 5th Place sparring
- Shyanne Cadieux 3rd place weapons Kata
- Sebastian Hyman participant medal
- Mikael Taillefer 1st place Kata, 3rd place self-defence
“I am extremely proud of all of my students,” added Powell. “To be able to travel and have the opportunity at nationals to represent Team Canada is an exciting one.”
