Rhane Daly Stevens of North Bay competed at the World Karate and Kickboxing Commission (WKC) World Karate Championships held Oct 4th - 9th in Dublin, Ireland. Submitted photos.
Daly Stevens fought in the boys 12 and under category in the -40kg weight class winning bronze in the continuous sparring division.
The annual world championship attracts athletes from around the world, including more than 100 who represented Canada.
Each member country of the WKC holds its own national open tournament and from this, a team is selected to represent that country at the world championships.
This is Daly Stevens fourth time qualifying for the World Karate Championships, but his first time on the podium having won his round robin matches to reach the final four, where he was edged in the semifinal with a split-decision that went to Deuce Jacobs of the United States.
The continuous-fighting competition includes competitors squaring off in full head protection for two-minute continuous rounds, earning points for successful blows and kickboxing combinations above the waist.
Daly Stevens qualified earlier this year at the Ontario provincials in London and again at nationals in Ottawa to earn a spot on the Canadian team.
Rhane a student at École Publique Odyssée got his start in martial arts at Marceau's Martial Arts, he earned his black belt (shodan) in Shotokan Karate last year under Sensei Carmel Rouhani, with whom he had trained as a student for over 6 years. Rhane was pleased to have the opportunity to compete along side his former mentor Carmel Rouhani at the event in Ireland. Rouhani who is currently residing in Ottawa also attended the competition and earned a bronze medal at the event.
Rhane currently studies and practices karate and martial arts at 3 Fires Martial Arts Academy in North Bay under Shihan Darrell Couchie, and Sensei Don Boulay, Rhane also recently started training at Action's School of Fitness & Arts in North Bay to further advance his fighting skills, supported by Corey Jackson, Justin Condie, and Steve Connor. Furthermore Rhane trains and fights with the Douvris Martial Arts competitive team from Ottawa, led by Master John Douvris.
Daly Stevens was pleased with his results, third-best in the world is nothing to be ashamed of, but having stood on the podium Rhane is already thinking about next year's competition and winning a gold medal. He will have to advance through regional and national tournaments again next year, It's a challenge he seems willing to take on.
