Report by Mr. Robin Finley
The WKA and IAKSA brought its annual World Championship Martial Arts Tournament to Niagara Falls on November 5th to 12th, 2005. The tournament had not been on North American soil since 1987 (Las Vegas) and during the years since, has become one of the largest World Championship Martial Arts tournaments in Europe with over 2000 competitors annually. The intent of the North American event was to demonstrate to members of GAISF and the IOC the support the WKA/IAKSA has from around the world and that the Martial Arts (both traditional and ring sports) deserve possible inclusion into the future Olympic Games (London, England 2012 might serve as a chance for the WKA/IAKSA to host international competition as 'Demonstration Sports').
Unfortunately due to politics in Ontario, the amateur ring sports (Full Contact, Kickboxing / Low Kick, and Thai Boxing) are still viewed as being illegal in that province. As a result, US WKA Representative Brian Crenshaw stepped up and set up the ring sports aspect of the event in Niagara Falls, USA. This was done on short notice and the WKA/IAKSA and Mr. Crenshaw did a very commendable job.
Unfortunately since 911, it has become increasingly difficult for many countries to gain access to the USA and the event in Niagara Falls was to prove to be no exception. Many Muslim countries were turned away at the American border and not allowed access to the USA and the ring sports competition.
The largest teams in the ring sports came from Canada, the USA, Germany and Russia.
Seven athletes from Alberta competed in the ring sports competition. Six of these athletes were to win Gold Medals.
Congratulations to these athletes on their wins and also by continuing to prove how Alberta is at the forefront of amateur ring sports on the world circuit.
Thai Boxing Men 81 KG. - Scott Clark (Calgary) - Gold Medal
Thai Boxing Men 75 KG. - Brad Wall (Lethbridge) - Gold Medal
Thai Boxing Men 71 KG. - Darren Snell (Calgary) - Gold Medal
Thai Boxing Men 67 KG. - Levi Kump (Edmonton) - Gold Medal
Thai Boxing Men 57 KG. - Darren Robson (Calgary) - Gold Medal
Thai Boxing Women 57 KG. (Calgary) - Misty Sutherland (Calgary) - Gold Medal
Kickboxing 64 KG. - Sushil Nand (Calgary) - Bronze Medal
TEAM CANADA - (From left to right): Coach Mike Miles, Darren Robson, Scott Clark, Brad Wall, Misty Sutherland, Darren Snell, Assistant Coach Nate Smandych, Levi Kump and Sushil Nand.