Stonetown Karate Centre competitors thrive at STK Master of the Ring tournament

The tournament was the first hosted by the SKC, which Sensei Jeremy Lorentz called “an undeniable success.” Pictured in the front row, from left, are Preston Charfield, Lincoln Bordman, Theodora Cyr, Brendan King, Evelyn Taylor, Beckett Bordman, Parker Charfield and Callum Houston. In the second row, from left, are Platon Ianchuk, Emma Dungo, Sophia Bordman, Samantha Wilson, Emily Gerritts, Chloe Dillon, Adalyn Russell, Santiago Tierra and Fox Houston. In the third row, from left, are Morgan Houston, Rowan Meekes, Elijah Whitson, Olivia Bordman and Isla Houston. In the back row, from left, are Joshua Lariviere, Lisa Sheldon, Geoff Holdsworth, Kaela Hymus and Shannon Campbell.

By Spencer Seymour

Members of the Stonetown Karate Centre (SKC) earned impressive results at the STK Master of the Ring tournament in St. Marys on March 22.

Sensei Jeremy Lorentz discussed the tournament, which was the first the SKC hosted.

“From start to finish, the energy in the venue was electric with competitors, coaches and spectators all bringing their best to the day,” said Lorentz. “The level of skill and sportsmanship from the competitors was truly inspiring, and we couldn’t have asked for a better turnout and support from clubs across Ontario. Each ring had world event-qualified judges and amazing volunteers who made the entire event run smoothly. It was everything we could have hoped for and more.”

Lorentz called the event “an undeniable success” for the local dojo.

“Our athletes performed exceptionally well, demonstrating the discipline, dedication and technique that we strive to instill in all our students. Beyond the medals and trophies, the real victory was seeing our competitors push their limits, support their teammates and represent our dojo with pride. It was a fantastic day for karate in St. Marys, and we are already looking forward to making next year’s event even bigger and better.

“The energy and passion that filled the venue were incredible,” Lorentz continued. “The competition was fierce, with athletes giving their absolute best in every match, but what truly made the event special was the sense of sportsmanship and respect among competitors. It was a true celebration of martial arts, and it left a lasting impact on everyone involved.”

With the event being the first tournament of its kind for the SKC, Lorentz discussed how St. Marys has the potential to grow as a tournament host.

“From a hosting perspective, the tournament was a great learning experience. Organizing an event of this scale takes an incredible amount of effort and coordination, and it was a great success. To be the promoter of another amazing event on the WKC world circuit is amazing for our dojo.”

Marieke Van Lierop and Sensei Jalyne Lorentz each topped the SKC’s medal haul with four golds apiece. Van Lierop, competing in the 16-17 girls black belt division, won the top prize in hardstyle forms, classical forms, traditional weapons and creative weapons. Jalyne Lorentz, meanwhile, in the 18+ women’s black belt group, took first in traditional forms, traditional weapons, creative weapons and the traditional forms challenge.

Kaela Hymus picked up a first-place finish in 13-14 girls black belt classical forms, and took second place in traditional forms.

In the 35+ men’s novice division, Geoff Holdsworth came in first place in both traditional forms and traditional weapons.

Joshua Lariviere, competing in the 15-17 advanced division, finished first in traditional weapons and second in the traditional forms challenge.

Lisa Sheldon earned the top spot in the 42+ women’s black belt point-sparring event, as well as a silver medal finish in 35+ women’s black belt point sparring.

Shannon Campbell and Morgan Houston both competed in the 35+ women’s advanced category, with Houston striking gold in both traditional forms and traditional weapons, while Campbell captured gold in point sparring and silver in traditional forms.

In the 14-15 boys black belt bracket, Fox Houston added four medals to the SKC’s cache, including a silver in open/musical forms, along with three bronze medals in classical forms, hardstyle forms and creative weapons.

Elijah Whitson topped the field in two events in the 11-12 novice division, including traditional forms and traditional weapons.

Emma Dungo also nabbed a pair of first-place finishes. Dungo, who competed in the seven-to-eight intermediate category, finished in the gold medal position in traditional forms and traditional weapons.

Also in the seven-to-eight intermediate division, Parker Charfield finished first in the point-sparring competition.

Santiago Tierra captured the top spot in 11-12 intermediate traditional forms. In the six-and-under Little Ninja division, Beckett Bordman finished first in forms.

Also in the six-and-under Little Ninja category, Preston Charfield took second in forms, while Evelyn Taylor came in third in forms.

Several of the SKC’s youngest competitors were competing in their first-ever tournament, including Clair Horenburg, Colton Horenburg, Platon Ianchuk and Adalyn Russell. Claire and Colton Horenburg each finished fourth in their respective six-and-under forms competitions. Ianchuk finished fourth in nine-to-10 traditional forms and traditional weapons. Russell, in the seven-to-eight novice group, also picked up a solid fourth-place finish in traditional weapons.

Landon Horenburg came in fourth in the nine-to-10 intermediate forms bracket.