World class chance for young black belt

Page 10

Chico Peepeetch can kick vertically over his head.

The 14-year-old Native youth from Saskatoon is a world class competitor in Sikaran, a martial art of the Philippines.

Peepeetch, who is in Grade 9 at E.D. Feehan School in Saskatoon has been invited to show off his talents on March 14 at a black belt-only invitational tournament in Rizal, located just outside the Philippine capital of Manila.

The tournament, which will feature competitors from Germany, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia and the United States, will highlight the very best the sport has to offer.

Peepeetch has been taking Sikaran classes for three years and is a junior black belt. By the time the tournament rolls around, he will be a full black belt.

Sikaran is a foot-fighting sport where competitors also use sticks called Arnis to attack and defend.

Peepeetch's invitation to the tournament is as unique as the sport itself. The youth is the only Canadian Aboriginal person going to the exclusive tournament.

"I feel honored to represent the Native people here," said Peepeetch.

He hopes he can act as a role model for other Aboriginal youth who are looking for a fun and productive hobby.

There are many benefits to Sikaran, he said.

"It gets me in good shape. It keeps me going and it keeps me out of trouble," he said. "It teaches self-confidence in yourself and it makes you more respectful."

But does it hurt, you might want to ask the athletic youngster.

"You don't think about that when you are fighting," said the confident young man.

Peepeetch will likely be one of the youngest competitors at the Philippine tournament, but that doesn't phase him either.

"I just want to do my best. I am honored to be invited," he said.

Other competitors may be more fearful of the 5'3", 105 lb youth than he is of them. Peepeetch can dish out a full force kick at a target almost a metre directly above his head. He is a whirling dynamo when it comes to jumping, spinning kicks.

"I can do a 540," he said with pride, indicating a spinning kick following a full spin-and-a-half.

"It's mostly balance," he said, trying to explain how he can do it.

Peepeetch's credentials are as impressive as his moves. He is ranked second in sparring for his age in Canada and third in the country in the forms category. 'Forms' is judged on the combined movements of his body as it goes through the series of motions involved in a match.

His form will have to be near-perfect for the Philippines tournament in particular. It is a full contact tournament with competitors wearing no protective gear. But that doesn't bother the teenager. He is confident with his feet and with the Arnis sticks, which he said he uses "like another set of hands."

The youth is looking forward to his trip and is also looking for any sponsorship to help pay for some of the costs. He said he has been saving up, but could do with some help.

His mother, Dianne, said Chico lives and breathes the sport.

"That's all he does. When he comes home from school, besides his homework, he practices," she said.

The chance to go to the tournament and get some international focus is great for her son, she said.

"We are very supportive of him and, of course, very proud."

If Peepeetch can get to the tournament and win some matches, people may begin to see his name in lights.

Along with wanting to teach in his own Sikaran school when he gets older, Peepeetch wants to be a movie star.

"I would like a karate career in the movies, not like that Tom Cruise stuff, like Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee," he said.

Sponsorship questions for Peepeetch, can be directed to Diane Peepeetch at (306) 683-0842 or Joyce Sasbrink-Harkema at (306) 384 6612.

The trip to the Philippines would be the first time Peepeetch has been out of Canada. The furthest he's ventured away from Saskatoon has been to a Sikaran tournament in Winnipeg.