It was quite the year of accomplishments for several members of the Bonnyville Karate-Do. Irene Welecki was named the Genbukai Canada competitor of the year, inducted into the Genbukai Canada hall of fame and received her second degree black belt.
Fellow member Corne Muller tested and received her black belt designation alongside Welecki and Bonnyville Karate-Do Sensei Carry Grant in Los Angeles earlier this year. Grant continued to climb the ranks as well, receiving his fourth level black belt designation.
Several members were also honoured with belts and awards at the Bonnyville Karate-Do's year-end windup celebration and friendly competition at the Centennial Centre field house on May 29.
“The club finished the year strong with several accomplishments, over fifty active members and very high hopes for next year,” said Grant.
Muller said testing for her black belt in front of Shihan Demura in Los Angeles was a challenging and memorable experience, especially doing it alongside Grant and Welecki.
“It was really special and something I will remember for a very long time,” said Muller. “It was both a feeling of relief and a sense of accomplishment. With one door closing, another opens and now the real training starts.”
Welecki said she's still looking for words to describe how she feels after the awards and accomplishments of this past year.
“I wasn't expecting it but to be placed alongside the best of the best, it's a very special feeling,” she said. “It's a huge honour.”
Welecki described why the art of karate has become such a large part of her life.
“Karate is about developing yourself into the best person possible,” she said. “Yes you compete, but it's about developing your mind, body and spirit. It's about having respect for yourself and others, being humble, learning and helping others to learn.”
Both Welecki and Muller credit Grant with bringing his passion for the art to the Bonnyville Karate-Do and evoking the passion within his students.
“Sensei Grant is one of the best instructors out there,” said Welecki. “It's his passion for Karate, his passion for his students that makes him the instructor he is.”
Muller said, “Sensei is just an amazing inspiration. Not just with the physical, but with the mind as well. He is always encouraging us and teaching respect and honour and to always do your best in all walks of life.”
At the Bonnyville Karate-Do's windup, members took part in a friendly competition of Kata and Kumite, before receiving belts and annual awards.
50 students received belts this year, from yellow belt up to black.
Student achievement award: Craig Wenzel
Competitor of the year: Irene Welecki (Canada), Anne Newmann (junior) and Corne Muller (adult)
Dedication to karate (junior): Tira McArter (beginner), Colton Bamber (intermediate) and Brandon Carlson (advanced)
Dedication to karate (adult): Roxanne Cabay (beginner), Gerhard Wolf (intermediate) and Pam Luciak (advanced)
Spirit of karate (junior): Madison Charrios (beginner), Derek Fortin (intermediate) and Savannah Martin (advanced)
Spirit of Karate (adult): Sylvia Hedges (beginner), Shelley Martin (intermediate) and Irene Welecki (advanced)
