As students of the Delta Karate School (DKS) gear up for their upcoming performances in the BC Winter Games and Karate BC Provincial Championships, they are learning the skills necessary to overcome life’s many obstacles.
Located in Ladner, the family-run dojo is getting back on its feet as karate competitions are opening up again following the pandemic. The responsibility of teaching and developing the students has been passed down from club founder Dr. Chee K. Ling to his daughter, former five-time national champion Rassamee Ling and now to his grandson Matthew Cheng.
The primary goal for DKS is to impart values on their students, such as perseverance, goal setting and work ethic.
As the students prepare for upcoming competitions, they are bound to face obstacles both physical and mental. But current primary instructor, Sensei Matthew, reminds his students to “go home and think about how good you truly want to be.”
He pushes his students to keep their goal in mind as they face the challenges ahead. The students practice both Kumite (fighting) and Kata (forms) in preparation for competitions with the ambition of being well rounded and balanced athletes.
This method of training is what Sensei Dr. Ling, refers to as a “comprehensive approach.”
“We are unique” explained Ling. “We look at combat more seriously.”
The students’ training involves vigorous conditioning, not only hardening the body but the mind as well, teaching how they can overcome what they set their mind to. The athletes are also given personalized and specific feedback, demonstrating that major improvement only occurs with deliberate focus. They are also highly encouraged to train at home, promoting a healthy lifestyle and a lifelong love for fitness.
DKS athletes Jonathan Chen, Justin Gu and Amreen Kang are currently setting their sights on podium finishes at the B.C. Winter Games, come March in Vernon, while others are aiming for gold at the provincial championships.
Going forward, the DKS instructors hope to provide their students not only with the tools to thrive in competitions, but to flourish in life as well. Sensei Ling summarizes the students’ experience at this long-running local dojo that has a rich tradition.
“It’s not just about winning a medal, we think about winning in life,” he says.
Find more information on Delta Karate School visit www.deltamartialarts.ca.
