September 3, 2008
For these Full-Contact Fighters, the 'Games' are just Beginning
Winnipeg - Four members of Guardian Dojo, accompanied by Canadian Coach Diego Beltrán, will be representing Canada this weekend in Santa Cruz, Bolivia at the Kyokushin-kan Pan American Championship on September 6th, 2008.
Kyokushin is a stand-up, full-contact and bare-knuckle style of karate born out of Japan. Characterized by its hard training and emphasis in realistic combat, Kyokushin has gained international appeal through practitioners such as Montreal’s own UFC World Welterweight Champion, Georges St. Pierre.
Canada’s team, consisting of Barry Knudsen, Sean Devlin, Chris Stienke and Avery Keats will each compete in their respective weight class; fighting some of the strongest South America has to offer.
“We have trained very hard for this event. It is my hope to see Canada perform well and place in the top 10,” says Sensei Diego Beltrán, owner and operator of Winnipeg-based Guardian Dojo. “It’s not going to be easy,” he adds, “But that’s what Kyokushin is all about, pushing yourself beyond your physical and mental limits”. Pressure will be added with Japan’s Kyokushin-kan International President – Hatsuo Royama, attending this prestigious event.
Guardian Dojo will hold its own international tournament –The 2nd Annual Guardian Challenge – on Saturday, November 15th 2008 at EMC St. Vital.
For more information on the Guardian Challenge, visit the Guardian Dojo’s website: www.GuardianDojo.com under the events section.