Atlantis Taekwondo, Terrace’s martial arts club, showed exceptional prowess and sportsmanship at the 2023 Canadian National Taekwondo Championships held at Kal Tire Place in Vernon, B.C., on May 6 and 7. In a field of more than 560 competitors representing 48 clubs across the nation, the Terrace club placed eighth, marking its best performance to date.
Atlantis Taekwondo, under the stewardship of fifth-degree black belt Cody Skog, continues to thrive and make a name for itself on the national stage. Skog, a veteran in the sport with 26 years of experience, expressed his delight at the club’s performance.
“Terrace has been participating in these championships for what feels like forever. And it’s always a good experience — win or lose — to meet new friends and to push ourselves to the limit,” Skog said.
Skog, who has been operating Atlantis Taekwondo in Terrace for 23 years, added that taekwondo and martial arts, in general, are about more than just physical strength.
READ MORE: Atlantis Taekwondo competes at nationals in Regina, brings home 18 medals
“They boost confidence,” he explained.
“Tournaments are about mental growth and overcoming challenges. And, at the end, everybody feels stronger.”
This year was a banner one for the club.
Of the 33 Terrace athletes who participated in the championship, each returned home with a medal — a gold, two silvers, and three bronzes among them. Standout competitor Syntoya clinched a gold medal in the sparring category, further validating Terrace’s reputed strength in sparring.
The Atlantis Taekwondo team, according to Skog, is a constant force at the championships. “We always do well and this year was no exception,” he asserted.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Terrace hosted the provincial tournaments. Now, Skog has set his sights on bringing the national championships to Terrace, despite the logistical hurdles.
“I’m applying for us to host the nationals, but we will likely not be picked for a long time because we’re just so far away,” Skog acknowledged.
Viktor Elias joined the Terrace Standard in April 2023.
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