Quebec Open – C’est magnifique!

--Andrew Cabilan

Unarguably Canada’s largest and perhaps most elite tournament, the Quebec Open Internationals took place on the weekend of April 24 and 25 at its perennial location – the PEPS de Laval. Tournament promoter Clermont Poulin hosted the NMAC Elite AAA rated tournament which boasted nearly 1000 competitors and nearly 6000 spectators. This year also marks the first year that the event was awarded the prestigious NASKA 5A designation – ranking itself amongst the top tournaments in the world with the likes of the Diamond Nationals, US Open and Battle of Atlanta (just to name a few). Heralded as the “tournament to go to” by Sport Karate’s competitive conglomerate, the event itself has an aura surrounding it which goes beyond the competition itself. Not only do competitors have a chance to compete against the sport’s finest athletes, but they also get a chance to immerse itself into the culture that IS Quebec City. Unlike Quebec’s eastern neighbours in Ontario (and no disrespect to those from Ontario!), being in Quebec is like being in another country. With the European influenced architecture of its venues and the fact that the province is the only section of Canada where French is the first language, one can see why everyone always seizes the opportunity to attend this tournament. And all of you must have heard it by now... By far, the Quebec Open After Party at Le Mondial Night Club is the most anticipated victory celebration on the NASKA circuit (and we will leave it to your imagination to realize how fun that is!)

Unlike most National tournaments, the event did not have an evening show – it had an Evening Spectacle. Even though the competitor attendance has been higher in previous years, the Quebec Open’s spectator base always seems to increase in numbers year by year. This year was no different. With all of the VIP tables sold out weeks before the tournament and with general admission being at capacity, those present felt the electricity and energy which radiated from the audience. The Spectacle kicked off with an unforgettable ceremony which served as a defining moment in Clermont Poulin’s martial arts career. In front of his family, friends and martial arts peers, Mr. Poulin was promoted to his art’s highest rank – 10th Dan. For those who follow martial arts history, Mr. Poulin was the highest ranking Black Belt in Grand Master Nick Cerio’s Kenpo organization. Grand Master Cerio’s untimely death several years ago left the system without a successor and Mr. Poulin turned down the offer of being promoted to 10th Dan on several occasions. Not until recently did Mr. Poulin accept the distinction of being the inheritor of the 10th Dan privilege and on this evening, he was awarded the degree and bestowed upon him was the title of Grand Master 10th Dan. Mr. Poulin accepted the honour with dignity, humility and respect.

The Grand Championship divisions fielded many NASKA regulars. No stranger to the Grand Championship stage, Cory Lutkus of Amerikick captured the 14 – 17 Overall Weapons title with a jaw dropping Extreme Weapons performance. Team Paul Mitchell’s Caitlin Dechelle handily captured the Women’s Black Belt Forms Grand Championship – her first 5A Grand Championship for 2009. Quebec Open regular and Team Paul Mitchell member Marc Canonizado took top honours in the Men’s Forms Grand Championship, edging NASKA’s finest - namely Scott Wu, Jarrett Leiker and Stephen Renney. Dechelle, along with Canonizado, also captured the Team Sync division with their innovative open form. With a dramatic and awe inspiring double sword form, Team Paul Mitchell’s Kalman Csoka left the audience holding their breath during much of the performance and captured the Weapons Grand Championship in a virtuous fashion. The biggest win of the evening was 2008 NMAC Top Male Competitor and Team Pro Rank member Lawrence Collymore. In his final year as a Junior, Collymore left his mark on the Quebec Open stage by capturing the 14 – 17 Overall Forms Grand Championship with his strong traditional performance, ousting the Extreme stylings of Tyrei Brown and the intense traditional form of Mickey Fachinello. This was Collymore’s first NASKA Overall Grand and what made it more special was the fact that his instructor and NMAC President, Mike Palitti was at ringside witnessing the glorious accomplishment of his prized student.

In typical Clermont Poulin fashion, he always adds a little more spice to the evening Spectacle – making him distinct from the other National or World-level events. In addition to the regular NASKA evening show Grand Championships, Poulin always takes time to recognize the talents of those who seldomly make an appearance on an evening show stage, giving them their own time to shine in the spotlight. One of the most touted and highly anticipated divisions of the evening show, the “Challenge Defi” displayed the various talents of the handicapable individuals of the Sport Karate community. No stranger to this division was Quebec Open’s fan favourite Florent Fortin. Fortin graced the stage with an intense nunchaku form. Not only did he garner himself the division win, but he also captured the hearts of the audience. The crowd acknowledge his efforts with a genuine standing ovation which marked another emotional moment of the evening.

Poulin also wanted to take time to pay homage to the veterans of the sport – the competitors in the 30+ divisions. Usually tucked away in the corner of a tournament floor with very little or no spectator support, these competitors were highlighted on stage – Poulin’s gesture of respect and gratitude for these timeless warriors. For the first time on the Quebec Open stage, both the 30+ Forms and Weapons Overall Grands were run off on stage. First up was the 30+ Weapons Grands. The division fielded Team Full Circle’s Drew Derrick-Bisbee, Team Pro Rank’s Stefanie Woolfolk and Canadian native Jeff Liotta (who now resides in Florida). Woolfolk, who recently underwent kidney surgery, returned to competition with a powerful traditional bo form. Despite Liotta garnering the higher scores in the daytime, it was the classical eku (oar) form of Drew Derrick-Bisbee which took top honours this evening. Derrick-Bisbee returned to the stage and faced Team Pro Rank’s Andrew Cabilan for the Forms Grand Championship. Bisbee’s winning momentum was halted by Cabilan as Cabilan’s intense performance received the judges nod this time around. This was Cabilan’s fourth consecutive Forms Grand Championship at the Open.

The evening Spectacle ended off in grandiose style with the Team Demo competition where Connecticut’s 100 Percent Performance claimed top honours, ousting local favourites Studio Unis. Continuing on with Quebec Open traditional, several Team fights highlighting Junior competitors from Canada and the U.S. were also staged as well as Team fights pitting current Adult champions versus Past Legends.

Without a doubt, those who have never gone to the Quebec Open need to mark this one on their calendar for next year. Clermont Poulin holds a very professionally run tournament complete with an on time start, pre-selected judges and ring assignments which make it very convenient for spectators. Poulin is dedicated to serving the needs of the competitor and is consistently delivering top notch promoter hospitality. We bid adieu until next time.