Since the young age of four-years-old, Elliot Lake resident Rebecca McKay has been involved in martial arts, studying at Cecil’s Korean Martial Arts Center.
The almost 18-year-old black belt is heading to the World Karate Championships in Orlando, Florida next month. She is one of 200 martial artists representing Canada at the event. On Sept. 30, a fundraising dinner at the Mosaic Lodge was held to help cover the costs associated with the travel to Florida.
After finishing in the top four at the national championships in Ottawa in May, McKay was invited to be a part of the Canadian team.
During her very first competition at four, McKay came home with the Grand Champion title in her division and she said that was the moment that made her want to continue.
“Just knowing I did it, I finished it and I was recognized for it gave me that confidence boost to go for it,” she said. “I’ve loved it ever since.
This year, McKay will be competing in continuous fighting, Chinese and Korean form, open musical weapon and team fighting.
“I like the continuous fighting because of the music,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun.”
Family friend Tammy Martin described McKay as a thoughtful and kind young woman.
“Rebecca is an amazing young woman,” she said. “I’ve watched her grow into this beautiful person inside and out. She inspires me every day. Rebecca is awesome. She is very thoughtful and kind. She will help anyone who needs it. Her parents have done a great job raising her.”
One of her biggest supporters, her mother Sharon, said she was very proud of her daughter with all the hard work she has done and is excited to see what she will accomplish in Florida.
“It’s touching to see her in action because she works so hard,” she said, looking at the photos of Rebecca in action. “She’s a rising star.”
Going to competitions can lead to lifelong friendships and even though they will be competing in different categories for their respective countries, McKay expressed her amazing friendship with a martial artist in Germany.
“I met a girl from Germany, her name is Emma,” she said. “We both looked at each other and liked each other’s uniform and we switched. We still talk all the time and will be competing in Florida against each other. We’re in different weight categories now but we’ll still see each other. I’m really excited.”
This isn’t Rebecca’s first time competing internationally. Last year, she travelled to Dublin, Ireland to compete in the World Championships and is excited to do it again.
Linda Pierce, co-owner of Cecil’s Korean Martial Arts Center, expressed her excitement for McKay.
“I’m very proud of her,” she said. “She’s going to do great. Rebecca is such a great young woman. I’m happy for her.”
As for advice for children starting out in martial arts, Mckay said the best thing to do is practice, practice, practice.
“This is a great idea for discipline,” she explained. “It gives you energy. It teaches self-defense to defend yourself. Keep going to classes. If it wasn’t for the support of friends and family, I might not have pushed myself as hard.”
The World Championships are from Nov. 4-13.