Best in the world

After spending the past 10 weeks sparring with each it was time for St. Barbe's Camille Lavallee and Blanc Sablon's Darron Letemplier to test their mettle against the best in the world.

The two cousins recently competed in the World Karate Championship (WKC) in Dublin, Ireland, proving that there must be something in the Strait of Belle Isle.

Mr. Lavallee, who competed in the 42-year old and over category (75-85 kg), won top spot in the world in fighting, while Mr. Letemplier won silver in Khata.

Mr. Lavallee is 56-years old.

"We thought no one trained any more than us: a lot of point sparring, kicks, mostly fighting. It does take its toll at my age, working seven days a week, six weeks on, two off," Mr. Lavallee said, adding that to keep fit he cross-country skis in marathons and plays senior hockey.

The two earned spots on the world stage after qualifying at provincials in Quebec City last March.

From there, the top eight in each province advanced to the Canadian Championships in Ottawa in May. And finally, the top three from nationals earned the shot to represent Canada at the WKC, one of 11 countries represented there.

"We basically trained on our own over the past few months," Mr. Letemplier said. "This was the highest level you can reach in Karate."

That meant sparring nearly every free minute in Mr. Letemplier's converted shed and at the school in Blanc Sablon. The full contact sparring took a toll and for the two men, the world championships were more of a relief.

Mr. Lavallee won both his fights (single elimination) to qualify for the finals, which was decided by another two two-minute rounds against a fighter from Northern Ireland.

"It was worth it," he said. "Canada's martial arts is pretty well as good as any country."