One karate kick will not do today; a flurry of feet is fitting for the occasion.
Banff Kyokushin Karate students are throwing their best kicks forward today (Nov. 13) for the 11th annual Les Nielsen Memorial Kick-a-thon.
Students of all ages from 39 Western Canada clubs under the Kyokushin Canada banner have been seeking pledges for weeks in order to lower costs of competitive tournaments and clinics, and contribute to new equipment for local dojos.
The students have been polishing their skills and stamina in order to kick continuously for five minutes straight.
“We try to make this a really fun, exciting and exhilarating event for all students,” said Julie Pecsi Miller, an instructor at the Banff Kyokushin Karate and first-degree black belt.
Thirty per cent of raised funds will go directly back to the local students and the dojo. This year the Banff dojo is aiming for the funds to go towards regional tournament travel and equipment, said Pecsi Miller.
“In the past we’ve been able to use that for fighter development, which is arranging buses and travel for tournaments for people and students who otherwise wouldn’t get to go, as well as purchasing extra equipment to help us with training,” she said, adding they were proud of the blue training mats they were able to purchase last year from the fundraiser.
Pecsi Miller said all 57 active members of the dojo have been campaigning this year to reach its goal. Over the past three years Banff has placed second for raising the most funds out of the other Western Canada clubs. For that, Pecsi Miller is grateful for the supportive community in the Bow Valley.
“We want to show the community what (the students) have to offer, and their donations go to getting them equipment to keep the success going,” she said.
Kyokushin Karate is approaching its 50th anniversary of existence.
The style gained popularity after its conception for its training emphasis to mimic realistic movement and fighting. The style sets itself apart from the more traditional Karate where there is usually no, or light contact in sparring.
