Summit Martial Arts – Our Year in Review

Summit Martial Arts had an amazing year! It was a year of growth, progress and success, both at tournaments and in the dojang. We started the 2014 tournament season with a bang! In September, Summit Martial Arts students Marcuz, Mikko and Aidan represented Team Canada at the 2014 TAFISA World Martial Arts Games in Richmond, British Columbia. Our instructor Mr. Chernichen served as Team Canada coach. Before heading off to the Olympic Oval in Richmond, the boys were featured on Global News talking about their preparation for the Games. The boys did an amazing job bringing home 4 golds, 2 silver and 1 bronze for Team Canada in Bo Staff, Korean Forms and Sparring. We all watched the live feed sitting on the edges of our seats. It was a very proud moment watching the boys step on to the podium representing Team Canada and our school. All their hard work and dedication paid off!

Next up was the Kicks Tournament on November 29, 2014. Summit Martial Arts had students in every age category from 6 to 14! And the GRAND total for the day was – 15 Medal Winners!!! 7 – Gold medal wins (Team Forms, Forms (various belt levels) Ages 8-9, 10-11, 12-13 and 14-16 and Sparring Age 14-16) 4 – Silver medal wins (Sparring -various belt levels – Ages 10-11, Ages 12-13) 4 – Bronze medal wins (Weapons Forms, Forms – various belts – ages 6-7, 8-9, Sparring Ages 10-11). Congratulations Angelo, Aidan, Marcuz, Mikko, Brody, Arianna, Kassidy and Max. We were so proud of the way everyone represented our school – both during competition and on the side lines. While winning medals is a wonderful thing, the level of sportsmanlike conduct is what was really impressive!

The 2014/2015 season saw a number of belt promotions. At Summit Martial Arts, we take our belt promotions seriously. It is not enough to simply do a set amount of classes before you can test. Each student is evaluated to ensure they are properly prepared to test for their next belt. A student is then invited to grade when THEY are ready. Each student’s martial arts journey is unique and so is their progress. We do not believe in cookie cutter belt tests. We adhere to a generation’s old, rigorous standard for our belt promotions. Our tests are NOT easy. Students are tested both physically and mentally. This truly brings out the best in each student and shows a strength of character and will. Our students showed their tenacity and dedication to the sport – practising at home on their forms and push up/sit up requirements. All the sweat and sore muscles were worth it – knowing each and every student has EARNED the belt around their waist. Student’s regularly comment on the deep satisfaction they feel when receiving one of our belts!

Our SMA Christmas Party was a celebration for all!  Master Morris presented students with the “Most Improved Awards” in various categories and the “Best Sportsmanship Award”.  The youngest members of our Summit family had fun at the craft table, personalizing their own white belts to take home.  There was glitter everywhere!  Everyone enjoyed the parade of dishes that lined the wall at the Shepard Community Centre.  The night ended with good music and a LOT of dancing.  A great time was had by all – we can’t wait until next year!!

On April 1, 2015, we moved in to our new location. All the Summit Martial Arts family pulled together to help get our mats down, paint and clean our new home. We were up and running in no time. Thank you to all the parents and students who came out to help. We couldn’t have done it without you!

At the end of April, Summit Martial Arts attended the PMA Spring Challenge in Calgary. We had 10 students compete in age categories 6 through 13 for forms and sparring as well as team and weapons forms. Summit students came home with 11 Gold Medal Wins, 10 Silver Medals, and 3 Bronze Medals. Congratulations to Angelo, Aidan, Marcuz, Mikko, Brody, Coban, Jonas, Arianna, Kassidy and Chaney! We are proud of each and every one of you.

Our last tournament of the season was the Shuswap Open Tournament on June 6, 2015. SMA students travelled the 6 hour drive to BC with their families to compete. We had 8 students compete from ages 6 through 14 in forms and sparring. Summit competed in Weapons forms and had 2 Teams compete in the Team Form division – Summit Junior and Senior. We are proud to say we came home with Grand Champion, 11 Gold Medal Wins, 8 Silver and 2 Bronze. The Summit Team celebrated with some much needed rest and relaxation at the Lake! What a great day for everyone!

In the months to come, we are looking forward to our 2nd Annual Beach BBQ and our upcoming Black Belt Test in September. The past year has been more than we could ask for. Our Summit family has made us proud in so many ways – both inside and outside the dojang. We could not ask for anything more. You have all been a pleasure to train with.

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