When Patricia Wright heads to Vancouver this week for the National Karate Championships, she will have already defeated her toughest opponent.
The 39-year-old Chatham resident has fought a lifelong battle against epilepsy and the effects of a severe car accident six years ago, to compete at the national level.
“I want to bring home the gold,” she said last week as she completed training at the Zanshin Dojo Karate Club.
“I’ve worked very hard and I think I can do it.”
Patricia qualified as a member of Team Ontario through the Athletes With a Disability (AWAD) program.
Daniel Whittal, the chief instructor at the club is Patricia’s sensei (karate instructor) and coach. He said her story has inspired others.
“This is a great opportunity not only for Patricia, but for our whole karate club. We are all thrilled. We see Patricia’s dedication and training, and she is an inspiration for all of our young students. We know she will do us proud at the national level.”
Whittal, a fourth degree black belt in Legacy Shorin Ryu karate and certified karate coach under the National Coaching Certification Program, will be accompanying Patricia to the Championship in B.C. which takes place January 29-31.
Patricia has suffered from seizures since before she was two years old, but wasn’t officially diagnosed as epileptic until she was in an accident in 2010.
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“I was riding my bicycle on the sidewalk on St. Clair Street when I was hit by a car,” she said. “My doctor had cleared me for riding on the sidewalk since it was safer than being on the road if I had a seizure.”
The accident caused a traumatic brain injury, a stroke, and other injuries that have resulted in limited mobility on her right side.
She now uses a walker or cane to get around. During karate training she wears a brace on her arm and ankle, which assist in steadying her while she executes her techniques.
She also has a seizure response dog, Georgia, who is her constant companion. “I live alone so if I were to fall due to a seizure, Georgia would bark like heck for as long as it took for help to arrive.”
Since she isn’t officially cleared for sparring, Patricia will be judged on how well she executes her Kata, a series of detailed patterns of movements she uses to demonstrate her techniques and knowledge.
“I was in karate training for a long time when I lived in Hamilton,” she said. “I quit for a while but I’m so glad to be able to get back into training. Karate isn’t a sport to me, it’s a way of life.”
She said the physical demands of executing her moves have helped her balance and strength.
“I feel very lucky because I’m doing something I love and it’s helping me.”
She said being part of the Dojo helps her set goals and interact with others.
“I’m expected to train hard, just like everyone else. I’m not treated any differently because I have epilepsy.”
Since qualifying for Team Ontario, Patricia has intensified her training in her home club and also at the official Team Ontario practices in Mississauga, which take place weekly.
Patricia is currently a brown belt but is unsure if she will pursue the goal of becoming a black belt.
“The last time I tried to become a black belt, I couldn’t complete it because the stress was too much and triggered seizures,” she said. “As long as I’m learning and having a good time I’m not sure I need to have a black belt.”
Whittal said the club members have been involved in fundraising for Patricia who has to pay for her own airfare to Vancouver, her accommodations while there, and her Team Ontario uniform.
Whittal expects that Patricia’s total cost will be in the range of $3,675.
Fundraising efforts have accounted for a portion of that amount but anyone interested in contributing can contact Whittal at info@zanshindojo.ca.
way to go Patricia !