The Kickoff to 2026 — The Luck of the Draw

The Brampton Cup once again marked the start of my fight season and I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.

Returning to the same stage where I had my first fights just one year ago brought everything full circle. It gave me a moment to reflect on how much growth has taken place over the past 12 months. I came in confident in my progress, while still expecting the unexpected.

This tournament draws talent from across Canada and internationally, and now competing in the Open category, there’s no telling who you’ll face. Like all tournaments, the draw plays a role and this year, it made things interesting.

I was matched in the semi-finals against a familiar opponent; a rematch from the 2025 Provincials. It leveled the playing field and felt like the best possible test. I came out on top once again, earning my spot in the finals, which turned out to be a mismatch but that’s the nature of the draw.

Each fight still offered valuable lessons, with control being the biggest takeaway. Beyond competition, I was especially grateful for the post-tournament sparring session, where I gained experience working with international athletes from India and Japan.

Another gold added to the collection and a strong start to 2026.

I’m proud of my team and grateful for everyone’s continued support.