The Combermere Karate Club: a cautionary tale

Instructor John Artymko coaches Karate Club members  Photo: Mark Smith

Twenty-five students gather every Tuesday in the Combermere Recreation Center to earn their certified Karate belts. They all belong to the Combermere Karate Club, a registered member of the Canadian Jiu Jitsu Council (CJC), a source of inspiration and an outlet for children and youth for over twelve years. Operated by a group of dedicated volunteers who see the value in teaching kids self-confidence, discipline and working to achieve goals, the Karate Club is centered on an individual sport. Still, the kids work in groups which also teaches them patience and respect for others, not to mention having fun!

“I like karate for a lot of reasons. There is not a lot to do around here for kids, I get to meet new friends, I’m learning new skills and I really enjoy it!” says Stephanie Goodyear, age 11.

Recently, the club faced a new challenge that threatened its very existence and though it will survive due to the dedication of member families and the tenacity of Christine Darbyson, it’s a cautionary tale.

For the last two years this club has operated with the help of the Combermere Recreation Committee, a Committee of Council for the Township of Madawaska Valley. Recent events, however, have challenged the club’s ability to continue to operate. In the fall of 2017 members of the Combermere and Area Recreation Committee (as it is now known) called a meeting to gather new volunteers and recruit some more help.

But several individuals who showed up had an agenda of their own, which resulted in the formation of a new committee. And during a meeting in December 2017, this newly-formed committee decided to cancel Karate and Tai Chi classes without the current Karate Club member being present.  

Rather than offer conjecture as to why anyone would want to eliminate such an enjoyable and positive activity, the Karate Club is determined to survive and so it is undergoing a reorganization to allow it to continue. The club decided it will now no longer depend on the Combermere and Area Recreation Committee for their administration.

John Artymko (blue belt), Ken Seafield (black belt) and Maureen Lepinskie (blue belt) will be teaching the students, with occasional valued assistance from Sensei Bob van Balen Walter, one of the founding club members.

“Families love the way the club is run and see the benefits to their children and support the continuation of karate instruction, thanks to the efforts of people like Christine Darbyson. Sensei Bob is able to join us monthly to check on student progress, and help plan and organize curriculum. With Sensei’s presence, belts can be presented to those students who earn them. I must also recognize the phenomenal parent support; without it there would be no club,” says John Artymko.

These instructors volunteer their time to work with the students on a weekly basis so the students can earn their belts. The instructors will also continue to run the classes at the Combermere Community Center where it is set up for them, complete with their wall-to-wall mirrors that allow the students to train properly. In the fall, the club will be looking for new members and will endeavour to create a campaign that will bring awareness of the club and all it has to offer.

“All the students, families and volunteers are very pleased that we will still be offering karate at the Combermere Community Center,” says Christine Darbyson. “There is a huge history that we have to hold onto and ongoing achievements of the students that are so worthwhile in so many ways. Also having the Lions Club and the Friendship Club at the Community Center has added life to the place and we are very grateful that we will share the space with them.”

About the author: Moving from Burlington in January 2011, Yvette Boudreau-Smith and Mark Smith (with their young son Hayden) bought Pinewood Inn. They are beyond thrilled to live where nature is right outside the door and feel fortunate to be members of their community. Both are very proud that their son is growing up here and calls it home.