Olympic Bronze Medalists at NOX

On November 16, 2024, athletes from all over Ontario gathered in Markham, Ontario, Canada to “Grace/Ariel Kata Experience.” This is Ariel Torres Gutierrez fourth visit to Markham. Gutierrez is the only athletes in the Americas to earn a medal at the Tokyo Olympics. His training partner, Grace Lau also won bronze in the same Tokyo event for females contributing the countries best results at the time. As this was Lao’s first visit to Canada, she was well received by Markham’s cultural diverse community. Greeted in her own tongue by the many Cantonese speaking expats, she seemed well at ease.

The duo covered the finer points of Kururunfa and Papuren. Their infectious positivity and energy created a driven atmosphere for athletes young and not so young. Paired with intense training routines and detailed advice, they prepared the athletes for competition. All forty athletes ended the evening exhausted and smiling knowing they gave it their all.

Thanks to the parents of NOX Dojo, who organized the after training pizza party and was always on call for the needs of the athletes, parents, and guests. Parents often don’t get the praise they deserve.