(Supplied/Shotokan Karate Club of Red Deer, Sakura Karate-do Club)

By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

six local grand champions

31st ISKF karate tournament a success in Penhold

Nov 13, 2025 | 5:01 PM

The Red Deer Shotokan Karate Club and the Sakura Karate Club held a successful 31st annual ISKF kids karate tournament in Penhold earlier this month.

A total of 76 competitors from Alberta and British Columbia took part in a demonstration of skill, but also discipline, respect and teamwork, which are the true values of karate, the clubs say in a release.

This year, they say, was also a special one for the Red Deer dojos, as they brought home five of the six grand champion trophies.

Individual champions

White to Orange – Thivain Bamunuthilaye

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Green to Purple – Kaleb Matias Garcia

Brown belt – Ayesha Giron

Senior Black Belt – Emma Gutierrez

(Supplied/Shotokan Karate Club of Red Deer, Sakura Karate-do Club)

Team Kata champions

ISKF Red Deer Team 2 – Emma Guierrez, Fiona Nelson, Sofia Reyes

“Events like this are more than just tournaments; they are an important part of building community and giving our youth a chance to set goals, work hard, and celebrate their progress together. We’re especially proud to see how both local dojos, the Shotokan Karate Club of Red Deer and Sakura Karate Club, worked side-by-side to make the day such a success,” organizers said.

“For many of these young athletes, this tournament is also an important step in preparing for the provincial and national championships in Calgary next year, and even for the Shoto Cup in Mexico in October 2026. Watching them train and grow reminds us that karate is not only about competition, but about character, perseverance, and friendship.”

The clubs also thank the volunteers, judges, sponsors and parents who played a part in making it successful.