Patrick P.
Joined VKK 2001. He fought in the Canadians this year for the first time and placed 2nd. He currently holds 5th Kyu (Yellow stripe).

Kyokushin Karate Kids Part 1 ~ Interview with
Patrick and Keegan
at Vancouver Killarney Dojo on June 21 2005

Patrick and Keegan are very dedicated students of the Killarney Dojo. They both joined us a few years ago and train avidly at the dojo. This year, the 12 year old boys experienced tournament fighting for the first time at the 22nd Canadian Championships. Their natural talent in karate techniques and daily rigorous training allowed them to keep winning a decision on each match they had, and eventually had them compete against each other at the final match. Their fighting skills, particularly kicks, are so well-developed that I, as their instructor, sometimes have a feeling of inspiration from just watching them spar at the dojo. Patrick and Keegan are the two promising Kyokushin kids who have a lot of potential in Karate and their future.

 

Q1: When and how did you join the Kyokushin Karate club at first?
Keegan: I joined in the summer of 2002 at the age 10. I found out about Kyokushin karate when my mom told me about it. I asked if I could train in martial arts and she suggested this one. I went to one of the classes and joined in to try it out. I enjoyed very much, so I stayed with this club.
Patrick: I joined the Kyokushin dojo in 2001 when I was 9 years old. I enjoyed the kids class a lot, so I decided to keep training at this dojo.

　

Patrick and Keegan in kata training at the advance class

　

Q2: Why do you like Kyokushin Karate?
Keegan: I like Kyokushin Karate because it is lots of fun and it is really good exercise.
Patrick: I like Kyokushin Karate because it's a good way to defend yourself.

　

Q3: What is your favorite technique?

Keegan: I don't really have a favorite technique, but I like to do kicking the most.
Patrick: I like to throw a spin kick very much.

　

4 foot Keegan's jumping kick can reach up to 6.5 feet high

　

Q4: You competed in the Canadian Championships. How did you enjoy the event?
Keegan: I had a very good experience. It was great. I met a lot of competitors that I had become friends with. This was my first tournament and I was glad that I made it to the finals.
Patrick: I enjoyed the event very much. I found it was a very good way to practice my techniques and make them better.

　

Q5: You guys had to compete against each other at the finals. How did you feel about it?
Keegan: I felt weird to fight in a tournament against my friend. Out of all matches I fought, I thought that this was the hardest match of all. I had a feeling that I would fight him in the end. It was worth it to be in the finals from training really hard.
Patrick: I felt very excited that we made it to the finals together and got to fight because I knew that both of us trained very hard for this event.

　

Q6: What is your goal in Karate?
Keegan: My goal is to go enter a Kyokushin Karate tournament in Tokyo, to earn my black belt, to be able to do a handstand, and to be good at all my techniques.
Patrick: I just want to keep training hard, to try my best at the class, and to someday earn my black belt.

Keegan and Patrick practice Pinan 5

Keegan W.
Joined VKK in 2002. He placed 1st in the Canadians this year. Keegan currently holds 7th Kyu (Blue Stripe).