Whitecourt hosts annual Wado Kai Tournament

By Vicki Winger

Whitecourt hosted the 17th annual Wado Kai Tournament over the weekend. The event schedule began with workshops Friday evening at École St. Joseph School followed by an all-day tournament Saturday at the Allan & Jean Millar Centre with another workshop on Sunday.

Wado Kai Karate is Japanese karate which teaches not only the basics of karate but also technique, inner strength, calmness of oneself, self-control, and respect. The true meaning of Wado Kai is not one of violence but to be able to seek and attain one’s inner peace and harmony.

The field house was packed as karate members from all over Alberta and as far away as Yellowknife and Saskatchewan partook in various styles of martial art and were judged on style, technique, and self-control. The tournament is based on individual assessments. Each member goes before five judges and is graded on his or her skills. Medals are awarded based on the highest numbers graded.

Terriann Massey, parent and volunteer for the tournament said, “Not everyone walks away with a medal but it’s something to celebrate when we all get back to class. All students can share where they placed in the tournament. It brings the group together.”

“Wado Kai is great for people of all ages. For children, it helps with their personal growth, confidence, and discipline.  For adults it’s more for personal strength and techniques,” Massey added.

To learn more about Wado Kai, stop in on class days Mondays and Wednesdays any time after 5:30 p.m. at the École St. Mary school gym or check out Whitecourt Wado Kai Karate Club on Facebook. The club is divided into groups aged five to adult.