Sixteen-year-old Ron Piklas of Aurora, Ontario is preparing to represent Canada in Wushu Sanda at the 10th World Junior Wushu Championships in Tianjin, China this March. The Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School student has trained at Shaolin Martial Arts since age eight and has become the club's most decorated athlete.

"He's got a good head on his shoulders. Ron thinks under pressure really well. His ability to pivot under pressure is his best attribute as an athlete," said his instructor Rocco Colarossi, Sport Aurora's 2025 Coach of the Year.

Following the World Championships, Piklas is targeting the Pan-Am Games in Argentina in October and the Bermuda Open in November.

Piklas's achievements include multiple Canadian Championship titles, Pan-Am gold medals, and two U12 gold medals in Sanda at the 2023 Ontario Winter Games. He will compete in the 15-17 age group in the 60kg-and-under category in China, an event regulated by the International Wushu Federation and recognized by the IOC.

Grand Master Tim Wakefield, a 9th degree Black Belt, emphasized that Piklas's development reflects Shaolin's three pillars: the unity of Zen philosophy and martial arts, the martial virtue of Wude emphasizing protection over aggression, and self-perfection through rigorous practice.

"This will be my first out-of-country competition. For it to be an international championship is amazing," Piklas said.

When asked about his goals, he was direct: "Win." GoFundMe campaigns have been set up to help cover travel expenses for both Piklas and Coach Colarossi.

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