2011 WKC CANADA TEAM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP VIDEO by ARIANA MIHAN

Special thanks to ARIANA MIHAN for creating and uploading this wonderful video!!!

"WHERE ARE THEY NOW?" - MEGAN MACKENZIE

Since its inception, Canada Sport Karate Media has showcased and highlighted competitors who are currently contributing to the growth, development and exposure of our Sport.  This segment, CSKM will mark the debut of “Where Are They Now?” – a periodic feature which will highlight the achievements and talents of individuals who are no longer competing but whose contribution to our Sport cannot be left unnoticed.  At various tournaments, a common question asked is, “Where is ________________________?” and too often, such question is left unanswered or in the worst case scenario, details of a person’s whereabouts are based on false information, heresay and conjecture.  The purpose of such a segment is not only to showcase a past competitor’s accomplishments but also give insight in terms what the person is currently doing, whether it involves Karate or not.

Our first “Where Are They Now?” spotlight is on a young lady who graced the Sport Karate stages at an early age yet captured the hearts and admiration of onlookers from all ages.  Currently 19 years old, Megan Mackenzie was a phenom by the time she was the age of 7 – garnering the attention of spectators and competitors with her showstopping performance.  Megan’s charisma combined with her showmanship and theatrical presentations were a product of her solid foundation and endless creativity.  Although she has many Grand Championship and World Title victories, Megan has the distinction of being the only Canadian Junior to win the coveted AKA Warrior Cup.  Coincidentally (but not surprisingly), the only other Warrior Cup going to a Canadian is none other than Michael Bernardo – her instructor and mentor since she was only 5 years old.

Megan departed from the Sport only a short time ago to pursue interests outside of Sport Karate.  Her impact, however, still lingers in the hearts and imagination of many young ladies who compete today – many of them aspiring to be like her as they grow as a competitor.  Because of this, CSKM presents to you Megan Mackenzie.

Photo credit: http://www.meganmackenzie.com

Where are you from? Where do you currently reside?

I am from London, Ontario and I am currently living in Waterloo while I complete my undergraduate degree.

What dojos/clubs did you belong to when you were active in Sport Karate? Who were your instructors?

I have been a student of Bernardo Karate since I started martial arts when I was five. I have had many instructors over the years, most notably Michael Bernardo, Dennis McFadden, John Sharkey and Mike Chatarantabut.

What teams did you represent during your sport Karate career (include coaches)?

I proudly represented Team Revolution/XMA Performance Team under the guidance of Mike Chatarantabut while competing on the NASKA circuit. I also had the privilege of representing Team Canada at 5 WKA world championships, coached by Michael Bernardo.

What was the highest Martial Arts rank you achieved?

I have achieved the rank of third degree black belt (sandan).

List your major accomplishments in Sport Karate (ie. memorable 1st Place wins, Grand Championships, etc.)/What titles (and if possible what years) did you win during your Sport Karate career?

• 2005 Warrior Cup Junior Weapons Grand Champion

• Three Time WSKF World Weapons Champion

• Ten Time WKA World Weapons and Forms Champion

• Multi-Time Canadian Weapons and Forms Champion

• London Sports Celebrity Athletic Excellence Award 2002 and 2005

• 2005 Sportmartialarts.com young female weapons competitor of the year

• 2006 ISKA World Weapons Champion

• 2006 NASKA World Weapons Champion

• 2006 Sportmartialarts.com #1 ranked overall youth weapons competitor

• Two time gold medalist and overall weapons grand champion at the World Martial Arts Games in Victoria, BC

What is your current occupation/profession?

I am currently a second year student at Wilfrid Laurier University. I am pursuing a double degree in business and psychology.

Do you still follow Sport Karate tournaments (ie. Do you still visit Karate tournaments, follow online news, etc.)?

I follow the sport selectively. I have visited a few local tournaments and I occasionally follow online news. I mostly follow some of my friends who are still competing as well as students I have taught.

Based on your experience as a Sport Karate competitor, what words of advice would you give current competitors who aspire to be champions such as yourself?

There are so many things I could say here! First and foremost, I encourage competitors to focus on basics. I feel like as time goes on there is less and less focus on basics which is unfortunate because they are the foundation of martial arts and are, in my opinion, one of the key factors that make a competitor a champion. I also encourage competitors to focus on their energy, confidence and presence in a performance. I believe a kata should be dynamic. I’ve always been told it’s not just the moves themselves but also the space in between them. A competitor must have a certain energy. They have to draw the audience in and command attention. Think of it this way: the two minutes or so you have in the ring are all yours; make the most of them. Perhaps the most important piece of advice I can offer is this: a competitor should stay humble at all times, no matter what they achieve and should strive to be a well-rounded person.

Any additional information/comments you would like people to know?

After retiring from active competition, I realized the full impact of the lessons I learned through martial arts. I'm not talking about the techniques themselves, but the life skills I learned along the way. The discipline, confidence and work ethic I have gained over the years continue to assist me in all of my pursuits--horseback riding, my education, work, figure skating, etc. Now that I have had the opportunity to step back from martial arts and grow as a person, I truly appreciate everything my career has given me.