Martial Arts students make big impact at Championships

GUELPH – Students from Guelph Family Martial Arts, coached by local residents and world champs Nathan and Sophie Skoufis, returned from the Ontario Provincial Martial Arts Championships; an event drawing top athletes from across the continent, and one of the most competitive and longest-running events in Canada.The final results were: Tanya Ortwein, gold in sparring; Chris Hordatt, silver in kata; Deepali Rajpal, bronze in sparring; Wesley Ayroso, bronze in sparring; Daniel Monteith, silver in sparring. Local athletes will next be in action at the Canadian Martial Arts Championships in June.     

Submitted Photo

Nathan Skoufis wins Gold. Submitted Photo

Local Martial Artist Nathan Skoufis, 29, claimed Gold in the Canadian Open Martial Arts Championships May 6-7 in Kitchener. Competitors were from throughout North America and martial arts stylist included Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Boxing, Kickboxing, Kung Fu and many more. Skoufis claimed 1st place in men’s adult fighting. The fighting winners are all brought together to compete for the Overall Grand Champion title, and Skoufis was crowned the overall champion. He has now won the title for the 10th straight year at the Canadian Open Championships.