On the second floor of the Fisherman’s Hall in downtown Prince Rupert, the dull thud of fists and feet hitting pads pop through the air as Andy and Ansh Chugh practice strikes with their karate sensei, Wade Wilkins.
On May 6 and 7 the brothers competed in the Northern Open Karate Tournament where 15-year-old Andy won gold in the under-16 division for kata karate and placed fifth in kumite karate. 10-year-old Ansh was awarded bronze in the under-12s kata division. The tournament featured over 60 competitors from the region, including larger cities with more karate clubs.
Andy Chugh said getting to compete against experienced opponents from from clubs in areas like Prince George was a great experience for both him and his brother.
“They’re really competitive there because they have four karate clubs,” he said. “So it was nice to fight against them because it gives you a chance to improve and get better.”
Wilkins, who has been both boys’ sensei for over three years, said their abilities have improved from the time he first started giving them instruction.
Karate is equal parts sport, art and discipline, and Wilkins said training for the different competitions requires dedication if the student is to place well.
The kata category where Andy placed first is a choreographed series of movements where an individual moves through a series of prescribed steps. The goal is to visualize oneself in the moment against an opponent, moving with precision in any outcome.
Kumite means grappling hands and it involves partners practicing against one another, putting into practice the moves and techniques learned during other aspects of training. In Kumite competition, two students take the mat together and try to score points by using the moves they’ve practiced to land strikes. Each strike results in points being awarded.
Wilkins said both boys have showed the characteristics necessary to excel at the sport.
“They’ve definitely improved,” he said. “Their skills have increased and they both have great attitudes which is great for learning.”
What has become a passion for both boys began as a curious interest. Deepak Chugh, Andy and Ansh’s father, said he took Andy to a class in 2012 when their family first moved to Prince Rupert, and his eldest son immediately became enamoured with the sport. Chugh said in addition to karate, Andy plays flute, but it became clear which pursuit he enjoyed most when he chose to go to tournaments instead of trips with his school band.
“It’s very exciting,” he said. “From the day we had him in karate, he showed interest in it.”
When asked what he enjoys most about the sport, Andy said he likes the fact that it’s both “a sport and a martial art” and that it gives practitioners both fitness and skills applicable to other areas of life.
“Karate sharpens your minds, it sharpens your body, it makes you an overall better person,” he said. “You also learn some really good life skills. You just have to persevere and get better.
Andy’s younger brother Ansh says he joined the karate club two years after seeing his sibling practicing.
“It looked like it would be fun,” he said.
Wilkins said Ansh was much quieter when he first started karate, but he has since gotten louder as his confidence increased. Deepak agreed, saying both he and his wife have noticed a change in their younger son since he began to take lessons.
“The little one is following in his older brother’s footsteps,” he said. “We had to convince him a little bit in the beginning, but he’s picked it up.”
The karate season is now over, but both brothers said they are looking forward to picking things up again in the fall. Deepak Chugh said as long as their enthusiasm he will continue to encourage his sons.
“If the kids are passionate, its not hard for parents to help them,” he said.