Meet the National Champion, Wren Rafael Marcelo

On May 19, 2024, Wren had the privilege of participating in the 9th Japan Karate Association (JKA) Canadian National Championships in Montreal, Quebec. Competing alongside the best karate students in Canada, he aimed to place in the top 4 of his division in both kata (form) and kumite (practice fighting) to qualify for the Canadian National Team.

With focus and determination, Wren secured a silver medal in kata and ranked 4th in kumite. After waiting for the official results, he is thrilled to announce that he is now part of Team Canada. His dreams and focus are now set on the JKA Funakoshi Gichin 16th World Karate Championship to be held in Japan in October 2024, where the best of the best from around the world will compete.

His family, friends, sensei, trainers, and teammates couldn't be happier for him. It is such an honor and a big responsibility to be on the national team. This competition is like the “Olympics of JKA” or the “World Cup of Karate.”

However, to realize this dream coming true also means facing the reality that participating in a global competition like this comes with significant financial costs. Apart from the travel costs, accommodation expenses, and tournament fees for Japan, which are already overwhelming, he is also training with some of our country’s top mentors.

We are humbly reaching out to you all for your generous support, which will motivate and encourage him more to give his very best for Canada.