SPOTLIGHT COMPETITOR – SEBASTIAN COUTURE
Photo credit: Jeff Lidstone
In any athletic endeavour, especially one that is competitive in nature, there are only two results which really matter – winning and losing. However, for any of those two outcomes, it’s how an individual competitor carries oneself from that result that outlines the person’s character, level of sportsmanship and desire to improve. Too often do we see a competitor’s ego prevail and blame any negative outcomes on external factors such as poor judgement calls, cheating by the other player and other mitigating factors which reflect one’s own inability to learn from their mistakes or weaknesses. We commonly refer to this phenomenon as the “poor loser”. Similarly, the notion of the “poor winner” also exists where the ego emerges from beneath the surface and the instant gratification nature of the ego makes the individual involve themselves in pompous displays of self-proclaimed greatness and closes their eyes and mind to self-evaluation. Once in this state, what one fails to internalize is that victory is not a constant – at any time, one can lose. Question is... what must one do to be a gracious loser? And of equal importance, what must one do to be a gracious winner?
Even at a tender age of 12 years, Ottawa’s Sebastian Couture answered this relatively complex question with such simplistic terms. “Don't quit when times get hard! You can’t always win, so when you lose, keep standing tall and come harder next time.” If one reads into this, there is one word which describes Sebastian – tenacious. His “never give up” attitude and his ability to use his victories, losses, strengths and weaknesses to improve his skill is a testament to his hard work ethic - finding ways to rise above his competition. When faced with challenges, especially when things look relatively bleak, Sebastian is one to have the eye of the tiger and face his opponent with ferocity. His semi-final match against an American competitor at the 2010 WKC Worlds in Portugal is an example of the fury he can unleash when winning seems out of reach. Towards the end of the match, Sebastian was at a 6 point deficit and obtaining a victory was seemingly impossible. However, in the final 30 seconds, Sebastian came out with a vengeance and made a triumphant comeback to gain himself the win. Not only did he win the match but he also won the respect of his opponent and his peers.
Sebastian’s in-ring savvy should be no surprise to any Sport Karate fanatic. Following in the footsteps of such World Champions as the Aversa Brothers and his mentor, Robbie Lavoie, Sebastian is a product of Douvris Martial Arts – a dojo which boasts Canada’s largest stable of heavy hitters. Initially, his parents Martina and Jean wanted Sebastian to play soccer but the young Sebastian wanted to use his kicks elsewhere. Sebastian got his start in the Martial Arts in 2004 at the Douvris Martial Arts studio in Kemptville under the direction of Sensei Earl Horvath. Sebastian now trains at the Bank St. studio under Masters John and Peter Douvris and works out alongside World Champion Robbie Lavoie – a person who he has a great deal of admiration for. Enamoured by Lavoie’s skill, Sebastian sought out Lavoie’s coaching expertise during his fights at the most recent WKC Worlds in Spain – earning himself a Gold Medal in Point Sparring and Silver Medal in Continuous. However, Sebastian’s excellence does not stop in the fighting ring as he is also an accomplished Forms and Weapons competitor. At the 2011 WKC Worlds, Sebastian garnered himself a Gold Medal in Creative Weapons and Silver Medals in Traditional Weapons and Forms.
Sebastian’s path to victory isn’t without its obstacles as he is grouped in a 12 and Under age bracket full of the finest talent Canada has to offer. Thunder Bay’s Raven Wheesk, one of Sebastian’s WKC Canada teammates, is listed as one of Sebastian toughest Forms opponents – narrowly edging Sebastian in Traditional Forms at the 2011 Worlds and most recently at the Toronto Tournament of Champions Forms Grands. Justin Liu, another pupil from the Douvris stable, is another peer competitor who Sebastian has the highest regard for and one who Sebastian also lists as a formidable Forms and Weapons competitor. It’s a see-saw battle between the two when it comes to claiming victories – when one wins Forms, the other wins Weapons and vice-versa. It is this type of comraderie and friendly feuding which keeps the competitive spirits amongst these young gentlemen alive. For fighting, Sebastian’s field of competitors in the 12 and Under group is like facing a Douvris army which includes Liu and another talented competitor, Kayvon Mihan. However, Sebastian lists Belgium’s Robin Bruynseels as his toughest adversary in the ring.
When Sebastian conquers his obstacles, he always finds different ways to challenge himself to keep his guard up (both literally and figuratively). With Sebastian’s 13th birthday soon approaching in the New Year, Sebastian most recently decided to “step up” and fight in the next age category up. At Mike Palitti’s Toronto Tournament of Champions, Sebastian elevated his competitive game by entering the 13 – 14 division - where most of the competitors had a size advantage over him. But leave it to Sebastian to jump that hurdle as he managed to place a respectable 2nd, being narrowly edged by already 13 year old Blake Fewster of London, Ontario.
The release of this Spotlight Profile couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time for this youngster. Just one day prior to this article being written, it was announced that Sebastian, along with friend Justin Liu, were recently recruited onto Jason Chen’s USA Allstars World Team. Sebastian is definitely in good company as the stable has a list of the World’s best point fighters including Sebastian’s mentor and idol Robbie Lavoie, Raymond Daniels (another fighter Sebastian admires), Jason Bourrelly, Jack Felton and Chris Walker.
Pictured: Sebastian with his idol, Robbie Lavoie
Photo credit: Sebastian Couture (via Facebook)
So what is in store for Sebastian’s future in the sport? With Sebastian now on the Allstars, this will provide the youngster with many opportunities to compete on circuits such as the NASKA World Tour and top notch International events such as the Irish Open – something that Sebastian and his family are definitely excited about. The exposure and experience Sebastian will entail in the upcoming year will definitely be insurmountable, providing him with the necessary challenges and competition to make him grow as a mature competitor. In addition, by moving into the 13 – 17 category, Sebastian will be facing a new set of competitors which include fellow Douvris alumni, Jack Oliviero – another fighter that Sebastian has alot of respect for. Currently, Sebastian is a mentor himself and is part of the Gold Leadership Program at Douvris Martial Arts. It is here where Sebastian demonstrates his guidance by teaching the fundamentals of Karate and displaying the arduous work ethic it requires to be a Champion competitor. His commanding leadership definitely has rubbed off on many youngsters – especially his younger brother, Niko. Although Niko doesn’t compete as much as Sebastian, he definitely displays similar technical attributes as his older brother. In fact, Niko made the trek down to the Toronto Tournament and blitzed his way to a 1st Place win in Sparring. Their parents Jean and Martina are very jubilant when expressing their pride in their sons and notes that they are following in the footsteps of their idol – Robbie Lavoie. Outside of Karate, Sebastian extends his disciplined nature as he plans to maintain an “A” average. Being skilled with the bo, Sebastian transfers his ambidexterity to music and it’s no surprise to anyone when they find out that he is a virtuoso with the drums! Although Sebastian has not mentioned anything about a career, his diversified portfolio of skills will definitely land him a successful career – whatever path he decides to choose. And with a supportive family structure, everything is possible for this young man.
Speaking of family, one definitely has to mention Sebastian’s parents, Jean and Martina, as they are permanent fixtures when it comes to parental figures in Canadian Sport Karate. In fact, it’s commonplace for either one to be actively involved in their kids’ ring – whether as a scorekeeper or simply a cheerleader. “Kids don’t quit Karate – Parents do” is a moniker that is heard way too often. However, for the Coutures, this is simply not the case. It is such enthusiasm and parental involvement which keeps Sebastian at the peak of his interest in the sport and for this, Sebastian expresses his sincerest admiration.
The Couture Family would like to extend their warmest gratitude to the entire Douvris Martial Arts community. With master instructors such as Senseis John and Peter, Sensei Kelsey Friedlander and Sensei Jeremie Harris in addition to expert coaching by Sensei Robbie Lavoie, Sebastian’s accolades could not have been reached without their unduly support, time and effort. It is this type of dedication from an interconnected group of people that Sebastian and his family are forever appreciative of. Although some say the sky’s the limit, Sebastian is shooting past the stars and the future is shining bright for him.
From this author’s personal level, Sebastian is always one to seek improvement, even when he is victorious – something that this author rarely sees in this sport amongst Youth competitors. Although I know he appreciates praise, he is always open to constructive feedback and internalizes the advice which is passed down to him. Always open to suggestion, his ability to absorb, reflect and ameliorate his skill is a testament that he is not one to rest on his laurels but he is an active learner who is constantly seeking to grow. Not only is he humble with his wins, he’s also gracious with his losses and is one to learn from shortcomings – a trait which all Champions should encompass. Although only 12 years old with a long career in Sport Karate ahead of him, he demonstrates the sportsmanlike conduct of a mature adult. This is why he is CSKM’s Spotlight Competitor.
No comments:
Post a Comment