by Ashley Mussbacher
The karate competitions of the BC Winter Games kicked off this morning at Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre.
Competitors are warming up on the mats, stretching, sparing, and receiving pep talks.
The gym is packed from wall to wall with athletes, spectators, and judges as everyone eagerly anticipates the athlete and dojo introductions.
Competitors of the Kitimat Karate Club say they are nervous, but excited for the upcoming events.
“It’s normal to be nervous,” one says, “A little bit of nerves is good to keep you on your toes!”
Zone 6 competitors from Vancouver Island-Central Coast amped up their spirits by cheering “we will rock you,” which finished to loud applause from the audience.
Each of the zones have been introduced, with the addition of a formal shotokan karate-do bow-in, in which the athletes and judges bow to the audience and then to each other.
Preliminary girls and boys, and advanced girls and boys kata competitions are now starting.