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Shuswap martial artists bring trophies home from Las Vegas

Holly Raczynski recognized as international coach of the year
17547604_web1_190705-SAA-Chris-and-Natalia-Karate-t-
Chris Evans and Natalia Suk from Malakwa competed in Stan Witz’s USA World Championships Karate tournament, held in Las Vegas on June 28-30. (Photo contributed)

Shuswap martial artists fared well far from home at an international tournament in Las Vegas, and so did an area martial arts coach.

Chris Evans and Natalia Suk from Malakwa each placed well in their respective events, with Evans taking silver in men’s 40-plus continuous sparring and bronze in Kata forms. Competing in the 12 to 14-year-old category, Suk finished fourth in both point sparring and Katas. Evans and Suk train with the Malakwa Provincial Martial Arts Club.

They were competing at the Stan Witz’s USA World Championships Karate tournament in Las Vegas June 28-30.

At the tournament, Holly Raczynski, who coaches Salmon Arm’s PMA classes, was recognized as international coach of the year.

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Carter Spink from the Salmon Arm Provincial Martial Arts Club also finished strong at the Las Vegas tournament, bringing home four trophies. Spink finished second in point sparring, traditional Katas and open forms, and picked up third-place honours in continuous sparring.

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Along with Evans, Suk and Spink, six other PMA athletes made the trip to Las Vegas. Danette and Houston Rampton, Katherine and Victoria Watson, Jorja Mitchell and Rieley Kalke all competed in the tournament.

Dannette won gold medals in Japanese forms and American open forms. Houston took second place in both point and continuous sparring .

Katherine brought home gold medals in point sparring and continuous sparring while Victoria earned a bronze medal in Japanese forms.

Kalke and Mitchell each won a silver medal in continuous sparring and Mitchell also won a bronze medal is point sparring.


@SalmonArm
jim.elliot@saobserver.net

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17547604_web1_190705-SAA-Chris-and-Natalia-Karate
Chris Evans and Natalia Suk from Malakwa competed in Stan Witz’s USA World Championships Karate tournament, held in Las Vegas on June 28-30. (Photo contributed)
17547604_web1_190705-SAA-Carter-Spinks-Karate
Carter Spink of Salmon Arm competed in Stan Witz’s USA World Championships Karate tournament, held in Las Vegas on June 28-30. (Photo contributed)


Jim Elliot

About the Author: Jim Elliot

I’m a B.C. transplant here in Whitehorse at The News telling stories about the Yukon's people, environment, and culture.
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