‘When he won, I almost lost it’: Young Cambridge, Ont. martial artist to represent Canada at Pan Am Games

A rising star in the world of martial arts is making waves. CTV's Hannah Schmidt has the story of a local young athlete who's heading to the Pan Am Games.

A rising star in the world of martial arts is making waves—at just 13 years old.

In a sport that demands discipline, precision and power, Erik Schmidt is delivering all three in spades.

“Just joyful and proud of seeing someone so young [and has] accomplished so much in such a short amount of time,” James Wyatt, sensei and owner of Kazoku Martial Arts Centre told CTV News.

Schmidt, who trains at the Cambridge-based centre, recently earned silver at Nationals in Richmond, British Columbia.

“It was exciting because my first Nationals I got a silver medal, good outcome,” Schmidt said.

That “good outcome” punched his ticket onto Team Canada.

“I thought it was a possibility. I didn’t think it would happen,” Schmidt said.

“When he won...I almost lost it,” Erik’s father, Craig Schmidt, said.

Now Schmidt is training for the Pan Am Games in Paraguay this August where he’ll face off against the best young fighters in the western hemisphere.

“I knew he was going to be top three,” Wyatt said. “I’m very proud of his accomplishment. I’m very proud of what he was able to do.”

It all started seven years ago when Schmidt was a small kid with a white belt and a big spark.

“I started when I was six and then quit because of COVID-19 and then rejoined after watching Cobra Kai,” Schmidt said, laughing.

He is now one of the top competitors in his division, representing not just his dojo—but his country.

“It involves all of the Americas from Canada down to Chile,” Wyatt explained. “It’s very intense, it’s very quick. The rules slightly differ so it’s going to be [about] understanding how that game is played.”

Wyatt said from now until August, he’ll be on the mat with Schmidt, getting him prepped for Paraguay.

“We know that South America is very competitive,” Wyatt said. “They’re very fast, very strong. So now we’re switching gears into more strength training and building the plyometric abilities for his speed and his power.”

Whether it’s early morning drills or late night sparring, the young martial artist is proving that greatness starts with discipline and a whole lot of drive.

“I’m excited to see him fight, I’m excited to see how all of this comes about,” Wyatt said. “And then thinking about the younger people that follow in his footsteps.”

“Right now I’m excited. I’m hyped for it,” a beaming Schmidt said.