From left to right: Sensei Martin Shenher, Shihan Sean Kelly and Quinn Kelly. (Image Credit: Submitted photo/ Hanshi Wolfgang)

By Nigel Maxwell

Martial Arts

Prince Albert black belt named Grand Champion

Apr 21, 2026 | 2:26 PM

Awarded the prestigious title of grand champion, Prince Albert’s Sean Kelly has proven age is just a number.

The 58-year-old competed last weekend at an open martial arts tournament in White Fox and finished first in Kata (Open Hand Form), Point Sparring and Weapon Sparring. He also placed second in Weapons Form.

Speaking with paNOW, he acknowledged the award typically goes to one of the younger black belts.

“I’ve been doing it a long time and I’ve never come through as a grand champion,” he confessed. “It’s pretty difficult.”

Kelly has been practicing Karate for 20 years and currently holds a fifth degree black belt (Shihan). He trains out of the Kuro Tora dojo in Prince Albert.

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“We showed the trophy last night at the dojo and the kids were all pretty wide-eyed. They were like ‘that’s really good,'” he said, adding he told the students when you work really hard and persevere, this award is what can come out of it.

In addition to competing, Kelly has also been teaching for a long time. He explained martial arts is a lifestyle.

“It’s a choice where you are dedicating your time to improving yourself, but also helping other people improve their self confidences and that’s far more valuable than kicking and punching.”

Looking ahead, Kelly noted he hopes to compete in the coming months at two more tournaments.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

Prince Albert black belt named Grand Champion

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