By Spencer Seymour
Kenzie Shackleton will represent St. Marys and Thompson’s Martial Arts as a member of Team Canada at the upcoming World Karate Championships in Portugal.
Shackleton told the Independent she is eager to make the trip and take on the best competitors from around the globe.
“I am really excited to explore a part of the world I’ve never been to, but I am also really excited that I have reached this level in karate,” said Shackleton. “Competing at the world championships is an achievement in my life that I never thought I would accomplish, so it’s amazing for me that I’ve done it.”
Shackleton’s journey to the world championship goes back a year when she declared her intentions to her mother, Amie Shackleton.
“Last year, when Sensei (Eric) Thompson got back from the worlds in Orlando, he told Kenzie that the 2024 competition was in Portugal,” Amie Shackleton explained. “Kenzie came home and told me, ‘Mom, I am going to try to get to worlds next year because it is in Portugal and I know how much you have always wanted to go there.’ She set her mind to it and she accomplished her goal, and both Derek and I are very proud of how hard she has worked to do so.”
The 10-year-old St. Marys native is a green belt at Thompson’s Martial Arts and is trained by Thompson, who Shackleton credited for the positive environment cultivated at the downtown dojo for her and her fellow students.
“I like going to Thompson's dojo because Sensei Thompson treats us how we are supposed to be treated. He truly cares for all of us a lot and makes us all feel respected and valued. No one is allowed to disrespect anyone else,” Kenzie Shackleton
Kenzie Shackleton is competing in the U10 girls’ under 45-kilogram sparring division at the worlds along with a pairs event. Kenzie Shackleton described how her passion for the sport has evolved during her four years of training.
“Karate is really special to me because I think it's important that everyone can stand up for themselves. That is why I started doing karate and, soon, I was doing it for fun. I still have a lot of fun doing karate, but now I'm serious about being competitive in karate,” she said.
The World Karate Championships run from Oct. 26 to Nov. 1 in Albufeira, Portugal.
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