Fifteen athletes from Yukon's Kiichi Sai Judo Club recently returned from the Tiger Balm International martial arts tournament in Vancouver, 12 medals in tow.

After a 44-hour trip in a 15-passenger van, three of the Whitehorse residents won gold in their divisions, while eight others claimed either a bronze or silver medal.

'I think something is in the water up here,' joked Kiichi Sai president and heavyweight fighter Buck Smarch. 'I was so proud of the team that we had. They showed a lot of integrity and a lot of guts to go out there and fight.

'Thank you to everyone who did help us get out to this tournament.'

Although there was no previously advertised children's division, the tournament director, John Funk, accommodated the Yukon squad by creating a kids' division. Isiaih Gilson walked away with gold while Jeanine George and Dustin Shorty each grabbed a silver.

Bronze medalists went to Brandon Webb, Deana Dawson, Darrin Dawson, Nathan Dawson, Sheilah Sutherland and Darcey Carlick.

'A lot of these kids don't have that many opportunities,' said Smarch. 'We took them to Vancouver and they did great. For a lot of them, it was the first time they've ever been out of the Yukon. It was definitely a handful at times but we got them home safe.'

In the adult divisions, Smarch said he was especially proud of Eduardo Aragon, who showed 'a lot of guts and no fear to fight one of the toughest fighters in the tournament,' and Jesse Warren, who ended up winning gold in the men's light-middle weight jiujitsu.

'He (Warren) actually hitchhiked down there, because there wasn't enough room in the van,' said Smarch. 'He showed a lot of heart to get to this tournament. He wanted to be there and he made it.'

Smarch himself won gold in both men's heavyweight jiujitsu and men's heavyweight sport jiujitsu, a full-contact version of the martial art.

'I didn't think I was going to do as well as I did, but I did pretty well,' said Smarch, who in an earlier interview mentioned he may not even win more than one fight.

He did so well he's been invited to compete for team Canada at the world martial arts championships in Barcelona, Spain, this June. The club president said he will start training six days a week, four to five hours per day, in preparation for the championships, though he still needs to find the funding for the trip.

'These guys are like the highest calibre in martial arts you can go to,' said Smarch. 'My chances are slim of even winning a fight there. I'd be lucky to even win one really lucky.'

That response sounds similar to the one last month, before the Tiger Blam International, and he ended up with gold. So does that mean there could be a repeat?

While gold is not likely, Kiichi Sai sensai Dan Gribben said he's confident in Smarch's abilities.

'If he fought in sport jiujitsu, I would expect a lot from him,' said Gribben. 'He's higher calibre in striking.

'It's actually a will of steel that makes you the best in the world. And he's got that will.'

Smarch said he will probably fight in both jiujitsu and sport jiujitsu, though he agrees he would have the best shot in the latter.

'It seems like I'm a long way from where I want to be, but getting closer and closer to my dream,' he said. 'I never thought I'd be going to anything like a world competition. It's still a dream to chase to get there. I'm not there yet.'

The club is considering a trip to Prince George at the end of this month for a judo tournament. Smarch said the next competitor he will probably fight is the current Canadian champion, Benito Edzerza.

Both Smarch and Gribben are hoping the trips down south and the recent exposure will help recruit more students for Kiichi Sai. Smarch said there are a couple of reasons Whitehorse residents should consider joining their club.

'To become a better person and a better fighter,' he said. 'Maybe a person is unhealthy and needs to get in shape. I see about a 30- to 40-per-cent increase in strength, agility and speed after a month of training with us.'

He also pointed out Gribben is by far the best instructor in the Yukon. Gribben moved North from Whitby, Ontario, where he used to run a club of about 300 members.

'He'd kick anybody's ass,' smiled Smarch. 'He's a national level competitor. He lays a whooping on me. He's the best teacher in the Yukon and we're really lucky to have him.'

Smarch said there is the potential for a great club in Kiichi Sai, and Gribben pointed out the price is right. People pay $175 a month down south for Brazilian jiujitsu, he said, and Kiichi Sai fights on par. The local club charges $60 a month but even that can be worked out if someone really wants to fight and can't afford it.

'We're doing something good for the community, giving something back,' said Smarch of the club, which currently operates out of the Kwanlin Dun potlatch house. 'I'm sure I've done my fair share of getting in trouble. It's time to show the kids they have more choices.

'We will take as many students as we can. We would never want to turn anybody away. Hopefully a couple of years from now, we'll have a big facility.'

Smarch said the most important thing is for the kids to stay with anything that keeps them active.

'I wouldn't be in the same place I am now if it wasn't for the sports I'm involved in,' he said. 'It's been taking me a long way and it's been a journey. It becomes a part of your life and that can be a really good thing for most people.'