Smithers’ Shogun Dojo shines at world karate championships

Published 8:00 pm Monday, November 3, 2025

A group of athletes from the Shogun Dojo in Smithers have returned with some hardware from the WKU World Karate Championships in Trier Germany.

Smithers led the way for Team Canada, sending the largest group of athletes, alongside teammates from Victoria, Ottawa, and Calgary.

Shogun Sensei, Team Canada Coach and Competitor Sensei Karim Abu Khadra said he was extremely proud of every single one of them.

“Everyone gave their 110 per cent, and I couldn’t ask for anything more,” he said.

“The outcome of their placements didn’t matter — what mattered was that everyone learned, grew, and experienced something new. Overall, I believe everyone had fun, and that’s truly the most important thing.

He noted there were a couple of competitors who really stood out to him over the week of the competition.

“One of them was Talia Choy, who competed in one of the more difficult disciplines — Forms — and showed everyone the result of her dedication and effort she put into her preparation,” he said.

“The other was Zeek Joseph, who, no matter what happened in and outside the ring, always carried a heartwarming smile filled with positivity.”

Team photographer Sam Raven said that capturing the moments for Team Canada and the Shogun Dojo at the worlds was truly something special.

“As I went through the photos, I could see the growth in every athlete — fear turned to fierce, uncertainty to confidence,” she explained.

“Every frame told a story of discipline, heart, and perseverance. Beyond photographing the action, I also provided background support for Team Canada, and in doing so, I got to witness absolute magic. There were wins that brought tears of joy and heartbreaks that tested resilience — a true roller coaster of emotion.”

Nevertheless, she said through it all, the support never wavered.

“Teammates lifted each other up, cheered the loudest, and celebrated every effort. By the end of the week, Team Canada wasn’t just a team, it was family.”

She went on to say that what also stood out was the connections all the athletes made.

“Athletes from around the world — Mexico, Germany, England, Ireland, and so many more — shared smiles, stories, and encouragement. Competition quickly turned into camaraderie, and friendships were formed that will last long after the medals are packed away.”

Final Smithers Results:

Cody Bakker: Junior Team Point Fighting – Gold; Junior Point Fighting, 65kg – Bronze

Talia Choy: Traditional Karate Forms – Silver

Lucas Coles: Light Contact, 80kg – Silver

Karim Abu Khadra & Tareq Abu Khadra: 18+ Team Point Fighting Silver

Niki Tevely: Kick Light, 65kg – Bronze; Light Contact, 65kg – Bronze

Eric Tevely: Kick Light, 85kg – Bronze

Ty Hunter: Kick Light, 90kg – Bronze; Light Contact, 90kg – Bronze; Point Fighting, 90kg – Bronze

Molly Brawdy: Kick Light, 55kg – Bronze; Light Contact, 55kg – Bronze

Zeek Joseph: Light Contact, 90kg – Bronze

Athletes who also attended:

Remington Raven

Leif Fielding