Local man competes in World Karate Championship
Jon McFarland
COSHOCTON – Local area resident Jon McFarland recently qualified for the World Karate Championships in Taranto, Italy in October. McFarland started his journey to the world championships by first qualifying for the national tournament by winning the regional competition. McFarland then went on to win the national championship in Detroit, Mich. which qualified him for Team USA and the chance to go to the World Championships in Italy.
“It was my New Year’s resolution to win the world championship,” said McFarland. “I found out what it took to qualify for the world championships and thought I’d give it a try so it might just work out for me.”
McFarland has been practicing Karate since he was 14 and specializes in weapons, forms and fighting.
“I’ve studied Karate for 25 years now,” said McFarland. “I started here in town and then moved to Annarino’s Karate School for 21 years.”
McFarland also has won two international tournaments in Los Angeles, Calif. and has won the state competition six times. In 2001, he traveled to Ireland with Team America to compete where he won silver and team fight.
“I’ve met a lot of great people throughout the years,” said McFarland. “I met Richard Bustillo in 1999 and last year I got to work out with my idol, World Kickboxing Champion Don “The Dragon” Wilson. I also met Daniel Sterling who helped me with my weapons form.”
McFarland’s next competition will be in Florida at the U.S. Open July 5-6. Then it’s on to the World Championships in Italy in October.
“I’ve got a few months to get ready and I’ll have to step it up a notch,” said McFarland. There’s going to be a lot of good competition at the championships. I work out every day because I know there’s always someone out there working harder.”
McFarland looks to one day pass on what he has learned through his years practicing Karate by starting up a school of his own.
“I’d like to eventually start a school possibly in Warsaw and get a few students that I could work with,” said McFarland. “Just walking out on that floor and doing it you’re a winner. That’s what I’ve told my past students.”
McFarland shows no signs of stopping and looks to continue competing for many years to come.
“I really enjoy it and I’ll do it until my body says I can’t anymore,” said McFarland. “I just want to thank my wife Michele and my family and friends for their support as well as Advanced Spinal Care and Rehab for working with me and my Karate schedule and also my grandson Preston for being my little coach.”
Written by Beacon intern Tommy Patterson
Category: People & Places
