Calvin wins first gold at WKF Karate Youth League

CALVIN McCann, from Terenure made history at the WKF Karate 1 Youth League Venice by winning the first gold medal for Ireland in kata.

The 13-year-old went through three rounds to qualify for the final performing shotokan style katas: Gojushihosho in round 1 with the score of 22.2, Suparinpei in round 2 with the score of 24.5 and Kanku Sho in the 3rd round with the score of 24.7.

Calvin faced Gendes Juraj of Slovakia in the final, winning with Unsu kata and the score of 25.0.

The young athlete started training karate at the age of 6 with Sensei Douglass Doyle of Bally karate club, moving a year later to Kaizen dojo, both members of O.N.A.K.A.I, the National Governing Body for karate in Ireland.

Calvin trains with Sensei Brendan Perry of Kaizen dojo, who is also the National junior kata coach for the NGB.

“Calvin experienced a significant breakthrough during the COVID pandemic when he engaged in global online karate competitions.

“During that period, he started doing private sessions with Sensei Brendan Perry, who directed Calvin’s focus toward the technical aspects of the kata.

“Calvin fearlessly tackles hard work, earning praise for his dedication, meticulous attention to detail, continual learning, and readiness to make sacrifices—all fuelled by his deep passion and love for the sport.”

Anastasia McCann, assistant kata coach at Kaizen and Calvin’s mum, who had the honour of coaching Calvin into the final at the Youth League in Venice.

Calvin travelled with members of O.N.A.K.A.I. Youth kata and kumite squad members.

11 members aged 13 to 19 competed in kata and kumite. Indeed, it is important to highlight that the most successful travelling squad ever with a further three members ranking at the competition in their individual categories.