JESOLO-VENICE, Ita—A new generation of Canadian karatekas took home valuable lessons and a lifetime of memories while achieving personal goals representing Canada at the World Junior Championships in Venice, Italy.

Canada suited up 35 athletes who squared off with the world’s best in U21, Junior and Cadet kumite and kata competitions where they combined for seven, top-10 finishes.

Two Canadian athletes – Quebec’s Yassin Miri and Ontario’s Matthew Gruitia  – earned their way into the bronze medal matches in kumite and kata respectively. Both came up short in their quest for the podium, settling for fifth-place results.

“I extend a heartfelt congratulations to all of Canada’s athletes and express my gratitude to their families and club coaches for the unwavering support they’ve provided to this incredible team,” said Rodney Hobson, Sport Technical Director, Karate Canada, who also appreciative to the five-member coaching staff. “Canadian athletes represented our country with honour and determination on the tatami. With seven, top-10 finishes and many athletes advancing through multiple rounds, Canada continues to make impressive strides on the global stage.”

Three Canadian athletes – Quebec’s Younesse Talhi, Ontario’s Aryan Kohi and Quebec’s Lily-Rose Nolet – placed seventh, while British Columbia’s Jinichi Cronje and Quebec’s Louis-Felix Deschamps chalked up a pair of ninth-place finishes.

Canada has seven athletes now in the top-10 of the World Rankings at the U21, Junior and Cadet level.

Pan Am Games team member, Lily-Rose Nolet, sits third overall in the +68kg U21 kumite division. Ethan Small is ninth in the U21 +84kg category.

Matthew Gruitia jumped into sixth spot in the male kata junior rankings for 16–17-year-olds, thanks to his strong performance in Italy. Younesse Talhi (-68kg) and Aryan Kohi (-76kg) both sit 10th overall.

Mariana Guerrero is serving notice she is one to watch, sitting near the top of the international cadet rankings in second place of the +61kg weight class. Quinton Damian sits 10th in male kata for 14-15-year-olds.

“There is a palpable mental shift happening in Canada’s karate community. We no longer simply participate—we believe we can win, we know we can win, and we are fighting for the podium in all kumite and kata competitions,” added Hobson. “Every competition brings its highs and lows, but we remain immensely proud of the continued progress toward each athlete’s personal goals. The journey is ongoing, and the future is bright for Canadian karate.”

For more information on Karate Canada, please visit us at www.karatecanada.org.