Her kids call her mom.
Her students at Vedder middle school know her as Mrs. Sharp and the karate kids at Valley Shidokan Karate call her Sensei Sal.
Salvina Sharp’s hopes to add a new title soon — world champion. Sharp has qualified to represent Canada at the 2014 JKA World Championships, which will be held Oct. 17-19 in Tokyo, Japan.
This is the fourth time Sharp has qualified for the event, but family and work commitments have always prevented her from going.
The 39 year old is not letting anything hold her back this time, and she’ll be joined by three other Valley Shidokan athletes.
Junior team members Amanda Keriliuk, Zach Charlton and Damon McArthur are also making the trip. Keriliuk and Charleton are doing this for a second time, having competed at the World Cup in Thailand two years ago.
The Chilliwack four qualified with strong performances at nationals, held Nov. 10 in Montreal.
Salvina’s husband, Valley Shidokan sensei Don Sharp, has represented Canada many times internationally. He will be helping his students prepare.
“Training for the rigors of international competition has been a long road for these students,” he said. “These individuals are some of the finest examples of students at the Dojo. I am very proud of each of them and they are carrying the torch now.”
Trips to Japan aren’t cheap.
Valley Shidokan will be hosting a fundraiser open house Nov. 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
There will be demonstrations, mini-lessons and free sushi.