04/12/2026
Cancer isn't winning today, 6 months ago I wasn't sure I'd even be able to stand on the mats this year. North American Open is an amazing event with top level competition from all over the world and one of the 2 AAU Karate qualifiers for WUKF World Karate Worlds, so competing here is critical in order to be considered to be on the team to make it to that world stage.
I woke up Saturday with emotions flooding, tears that I couldn't contain even on the mat while doing kata, and nerves like I'd never felt before. Most of the feelings were just being grateful to be here, an overwhelming sense of love from our karate family, the AAU community especially Axsom Martial Arts, Triangle's Best Karate, and KeikoShin Wesley Chapel, pride in the kiddos we have brought to the event because regardless of the medal count, they have grown and improved so much these last 6 months, but yes their was ANGER from feeling behind the eight ball as a result of thing I didn't get to choose.
A Gold, a Silver, and Bronze medal later, I'm walking away filled with emotions, but proud of what I have been able to do and ready to keep working to be even better than before 💪. Not because I have anything to prove, but because I have more to give, and more to leave on the mats before my journey as a competitor is over, if it does ever end 😉
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Ren Lok
