Karate BC is excited to announce that Mike Ditson will be the Head Coach of the Karate BC Team. Ditson started his karate journey when he was 6 years old at the Taneda Karate Dojo. He has been Karate BC Provincial Champion in both kata and kumite and he has accumulated multiple medals at the Karate Canada National Championships. He was also the 2010 Kata Champion at the Chito-Ryu World Championships in Japan.
His passion for karate has continued every year as he is now a 4th degree black belt in Chito-Ryu and has been teaching full time at the Taneda Karate Dojo since 2000. Ditson has been an Assistant Coach with the Karate BC Team since 2009 and has been an integral part of the team’s successes.
“Over the last 7 years as a BC Team coach I have seen the progression of our younger athletes that started out in the 14/15 year old divisions” reflects Ditson on his experience with the BC Team so far.
“These ‘kids’ are now in U21 and Senior. It has been very rewarding watching these kids grow into young amazing athletes and people. What I am looking forward to the most now is watching the new 12/13 year old athletes. These kids are so amazing for the point in their development. I am looking forward to having a part in their growth.”
A believer in holistic athlete development, Ditson’s philosophy as a coach is that hard work pays off, but it has to be done smartly. “I feel that the ones that work hard in the right directions to improve themselves as athletes and people will be the true winners at the end. That might not always mean you’re the one with the Gold medal. Success should not always measured by the number of medals you have won.”
If you are wondering what Ditson is looking for in his athletes, he loves to see athletes who are both ambitious and humble. “I love working with athletes that have a strong desire to be the best they can be, but also stay humble enough to not let the success get to their head so they stay hungry and focused on the next hurdle in their athletic careers. I also feel that these two traits will help anyone become successful in life after their sporting careers have come to an end.”
Karate BC is looking forward to the future of the Karate BC Team under the excellent leadership of Mike Ditson. Congratulations Mike!
