Experience an advantage for East York club members

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East York Martial Arts students brought home some medals from a recent Karate Ontario competition.

Eleven students from the school competed in the provincial meet on Sept. 28 at Humber College.

Zachary Prinsloo and Elliot Ritter won gold. Myles Wheeler, Jake Small and Eric Forte won silver, and James William won bronze.

"I thought we could have done better on a couple of things," said Don Ritter, owner of the school and coach of about 60 students.

"Their training helped them and they have a natural fighter instinct that helps them to read and anticipate moves. It's also the ring experience they have. That helps them to do well."

Ritter retired from karate three years ago after winning 13 national titles in his career. After competing in 1,200 fights, he knows the importance of ring experience and having a coach who is experienced.

"You need practise and experience," Ritter said. "It's more than just being able to throw a punch or a kick. That's what my students do very well."

Karate Ontario holds competitions throughout the year and competitors get points for their results. Top scorers then qualify for a national competition in May.

Upcoming provincial competitions to qualify for the national competition will be held in November, January and March. Ritter explained first place gets 50 points, second place gets 40 and third place gets 35 points.

"As they accumulate points over the provincial tournaments, whoever has the top points (in their division) will then advance to the nationals," he said.

Ritter hopes to have three of his students competing in the nationals being held July 24 to 26 2009 in Calgary. In the meantime his students will keep up their training, he said.

"I'm very proud of them," he said. "We'll keeping working away because we want better results."

For more information on the club, visit their website at www.eastyorkmartialarts.com.