This was Ellen Waterfield's year, the year of the tiger. At 59 years old, the Halifax woman traveled to Japan to compete in the SOKE Cup world karate competition last month and came home with a bronze medal.
"When I made my decision to go, it had nothing to do with medals, but with the challenge ... but when I was finished I felt I did my best. I felt proud of myself."
Waterfield's son Marc started his karate training in 1988, and one day Waterfield thought she'd try on a gi that her son had outgrown, just for fun. She was in her 40s at the time. "I tried it on, and it fit ... and as they say, 'the rest is history'."
She took up training and was also manager for the Nova Scotia karate team for 14 years.
But Waterfield said at this time in her life, with 60 just around the corner, she found herself re-evaluating things. When this opportunity presented itself, she decided to go for it.
"I had always been a mentor, but I'd never gone into a competition, ever, so this was all new to me."
She said she began her extra training in February; so it was about six months of concentrated preparation.
She said watching the Olympics was inspirational.
"I believe all this motivated and inspired me to make the big decision and commitment to compete. It touched me deeply how goal setting is so very important and with it seeing those who would 'dedicate' their efforts to someone special."
She decided to dedicate her act of courage to her one-year-old Japanese granddaughter, who she got to meet for the first time while in Japan.
"I do feel humbled and appreciative to be able to give my bronze medal to her some day."
Waterfield's son, Marc, is a fifth degree Shihan who teaches at a private school in Kumamoto, Japan. He's also a karate coach and a teacher in the Sohonbu Dojo Yoshiekan.
The Canadian team was made up of members from both east and west. She said their counterparts in Vancouver made the Olympic 'Believe' shirts and hats accessible to them.
"This also was something I found very empowering."
This was the tenth anniversary of SOKE Cup, which is held only every three years and hosted in various countries.
"I was fortunate to compete at this very special time and in the country of its origin."
Waterfield trains with Mitchell German and the Halifax Ryuseikan Karate Club. German, fifth degree black belt and owner of the Ryuseikan Club, began competing at SOKE Cup in 1989 and took on the role of team Nova Scotia coach in 2004. He came home with gold in Men's Kumite (fighting) this year.
Canadian team results: (*This denotes those members of the Halifax Ryuseikan Karate Club)
GOLD: *Mitchell German +75 Men's Kumite (fighting)
Alexis Saulnier (12-13 yrs Girls) Individual Kata
SILVER *Greg DaRos +75 Men's Kumite
*Laura Carpenter (12-13 yrs Girls) Individual Kata
Alexis Saulnier " " Individual Kumite
*Ashley McIntyre (16-17 yrs Girls) Jr. B Kumite
BRONZE *Ellen Waterfield Master's 'A' Individual Kata (50-60 yrs)
Dianne Doucet Masters 'B' " " (40-50 yrs)
* Steve Kelly -75 Individual Kumite
Individual Kumite
Trysten Deveau (12-13 yrs Girls) Individual Kumite
Team Kata
Alexis Saulnier " " " "
*Laura Carpenter " " " "
*Ashley McIntyer (16-17 yrs Girls) Team Kumite
Women's " "
Michel Maillet (18-19 yrs Boys) Individual Kumite
Team Kumite
*Matthew McKenney (16-17 yrs Boys) Individual Kumite
*Christopher McKenney (20-39 yrs) " "
Non-Medialist: *Chris Richards (20-39)
Tyler Deveau (16-17)
Vincent Doucet "
