To all Renbu Dojo,
The 2023 Canadian National Championships are now over and the enormity of our collective achievement is finally beginning to sink in. I am so proud of our athletes — the work they put it, the teamwork, the perseverance.
I am so thankful for our supporters, our parents, our non-competing members, our senior instructors.
I am so thankful of our travelling parents, who drove us around, who cooked for us, who clapped so hard and cheered for us.
Our athletes even in their victories were eternally gracious, respectful and warm to all their fellow competitors across the country, now many of whom they call “friends”. I am very proud first and foremost of their manners, etiquette and humbleness.
There are so many wonderful and amazing memories.
Day 1
(21st Senior Championship)
Men’s Individual Top 8
Eiji Kita
Women’s Individual
A clean sweep of this category.
Senior Club Team
Champions Kita, Yano, Liao, Yoshimura, Homma, Park, Espiritu, Kurahashi
Women’s Club Team
Champions Paik, Park, Tominaga, Lee, Kawabe
Senior Women’s Provincials Team
Champions Team BC – Tominaga, Lee
Day 1 ended with Eiji Kita as taisho, securing a 2-0 victory that earned Renbu Dojo our first ever National Championship club win. The teamwork was the glue.
Day 2
(2nd Annual Junior Championships)
U12
Champion Regina Liao
Soshi Ara
U14
Harumi Ara
U16
Champion Nathaniel Son
U19 Boys
Champion Clark Liao
Kenta Yoshimura
Hugo Homma
U19 Girls
Champion Yuka Lee
Juah Paik
Junior Youth Teams
Champions R Liao, S Ara, H Ara
Senior Girls Team
Paik, Lee
Senior Boys Team
Champions Team B – Hwang, N Son, Liao
Team A – Yoshimura, I Son, Kazma, Homma
Senior Boy’s Provincials Team
Champions Team BC – N Son, Ke Yoshimura, I Son, H Homma, Kazma
Day 2 and the entire tournament ended with Team BC vs Team Ontario in a sudden death one point match. Nate Son was called out for Team BC in a winner take-all situation. What can only be described as “glorious”, Nate struck one of the most beautiful men strikes I have ever seen in that situation, flying from one end of the court to the other, with the entire crowd holding their breath during this last main event, helping Team BC win the Provincial Championship.
In all, in the categories in which we competed, Renbu Dojo earned Championships in 11 of the 14 events. A truly remarkable achievement which is a reflection of the collective efforts our students, parents, and supporters.
Onwards we shall keep training!
