Ss EDMOND LU photo Participants in the Steveston Kendo Tournament clash fiercely in traditional armour with bamboo swords known as shinai on Feb. 8. Kendo club rises to the top Langara student tops bracket against North American competitors By EDMOND LU Langara student defeated com- petitors from Kendo clubs all around North America last weekend, winning in the 2014 Steveston Tournament’s adult begin- ners bracket. The Steveston Tournament is the largest kendo tournament in North America. This year, the tournament was host to competitors from Quebec and as far away as Hawaii. Wesley “Cannonball” Lee, a general studies student and member of Langa- ra’s kendo club, said he was “overjoyed and humbled” to have claimed the vic- tory in the “0-4 Kyu” division, which is the equivalent to a beginner level. Having only practiced the Japanese martial art for about a year, Lee focused training on “repetition of the basics.” The Steveston tournament was the third tournament that he has partici- pated in, but Lee said he had no expecta- tions of winning or losing. Lee said he believes the concept of ki ken tai ichi which translates to “spirit, sword, and body as one,” was an impor- tant factor in his win. He also credits the support from his friends, peers, instruc- tors and “maybe a bit of luck.” His instructors and the seven other Langara students who participated in the tournament were also proud of his victory. “Lee is an energetic young man eager to show what he has learned in class,” said Ray Murao, tournament coordina- tor. “He works hard in practice but like all beginners, he still has a long way to go ” Murao also assists with teaching at the Langara Kendo Club. Vicky Wang, president of the Langa- ra Kendo Club, which was established in fall 2012, was enthusiastic about Lee’s win and the club’s future. “We are becoming stronger competi- tors,” said Wang. “I believe that after a few years, Langara will have its own kendo crew.” She hopes members of the club will continue to call the Langara club home, even after they graduate. This may give them the chance they need to compete against older, more established clubs. The Steveston tournament was estab- lished 52 years ago as a way to test the skills of Steveston Kendo Club mem- bers. It has steadily grown to encom- pass competitors from all over the conti- nent. 66 We are becoming stronger competi- tors. After a few years, Langara will have its own kendo crew VICKY WANG KEZIA NATHE submitted Jitinder Lohcham earned his second PacWest athlete of the week award recently. Jitinder Lohcham credits teammates and coach for his second athlete of the week nod this season By BEN ZUTTER hcham is a big part of why the team sits atop the PacWest B.C. men’s basketball league, and is the highest- ranked team in the province. Recently, Lohcham was given his sec- ond athlete of the week award for this season, making it six straight for the Langara Falcons. “T always just try to come in and play my best every game,” said the six seven forward. “I ended up playing really well Li Falcons forward Jitinder Lo- both offensively and defensively and I figure that’s why they gave me player of the week.” He was quick to credit his personal success to his teammates setting him up and making him feel confident and com- fortable in his position as offence. According to head coach Paul Eber- hardt, Lohcham is relatively quiet on and off the court, but will seize any op- portunity to speak up and lead the team. Eberhardt recognizes a crucial need for the team to work together to accom- plish their goals. “T think it’s mainly that everyone is playing together. No one is being selfish, everyone works together and just plays hard,” said Eberhardt. Lohcham also believes that the coach has a great deal to do with the team’s rise to prominence. Fit study kicks off at YMCA New UBC study will monitor the exercise routines of seniors at the Langara Family YMCA By GRAHAM MCFIE into the exercise routines of se- nior citizens 65 older at the Lang- ara Family YMCA. The Langara Family YMCA is among three locations in Greater Vancouver participating in the study. Mark Beauchamp is the director of the two-year-long study and an associ- ate professor at UBC. Samantha Hard- en, a postdoctoral fellow, is coordinat- ing the study. “The classes start March 3,” Harden said. Beauchamp received a grant for more than $300,000 from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to carry out the study. Most of the funds will pay for gym memberships for participants “Preliminary data show that people like to work out with people of the same age and gen- der. But these were case studies with anecdotal evi- dence,” Harden told the Vancouver Sun. The goal of the study is to find the Up: is commencing a new study ali SAMANTHA HARDEN optimal conditions — pysaoetoral fel- that encourage old- low, coordinating er adults to stay fit. the study The study’s 2014 recruitment reached capacity Feb. 11. The study is intended to emulate a pre-existing exercise program called Fit Fellas in West Vancouver, according to the study’s website. Fit Fellas has been successfully maintaining adher- ence to consistent physical activity in senior men. By being physically active, individu- als can reduce the risk of cardiovascu- lar disease, types of cancer, osteoporo- sis, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, depression, stress, and anxi- ety, according to Statistics Canada. Yet Statistics Canada found that only 13 per cent of Canadians over 65 en- gage in the 150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous physical activity, accumulated in 10-minute periods. By 2036, it is projected that 25 per cent of Canadians will be 65 or older. Falcon notches 2nd athlete award After a disappointing rookie season, Eberhardt was brought in to turn things around in 2012. And that’s exactly what he did with a third-place finish at na- tionals last year. “He just demands perfection,” said Lohcham. Eberhardt holds his forward in high regard. “Jit is a very talented, big man,” said Eberhardt. “He’s very capable of play- ing at this level and I think at a level be- yond.” Lohcham is hopeful that his skills as a basketball player might land him a spot in one of Europe or China’s professional leagues. For now, he is focused on earning his recreation leadership diploma. He is also considering firefighting as another career option.