NEWS RELEASE
BLACK LOTUS KICKBOXING
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Three elite athletes from Black Lotus Kickboxing have punched their way onto the Canadian National Kickboxing Team, earning the right to represent Canada on the international stage.
After months of rigorous training, discipline, and determination, Nic Langman, McKenna Van Allen, and Dustin Cronk have been officially selected by Kickboxing Canada to compete in the upcoming World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO) World Championships in Abu Dhabi this November.
“It’s more than just a personal achievement, it’s a reflection of the incredible community and coaching here,” said Dustin Cronk who will be competing in the men's -67kg division.
“We’ve all pushed each other to the limit every single day.”
Champions in the Making
Each of the three fighters brings a unique story and skillset to the team:
- Dustin Cronk: Known for lightning-fast footwork and technical precision, he has been training in Muay Thai and kickboxing for over five years. This marks his first appearance on the national team.
- McKenna Van Allen: A rising star in the 56kg division, McKenna has been dominating her division. The two-time national champion has competed internationally once and is preparing for gold this November.
- Nic Langman: Black Lotus head trainer, multidisciplinary national champion with a background in boxing, kickboxing, karate, Sanda and Muay Thai, Nic is respected for his relentless pace, smart ring strategy and international experience.
“What sets them apart is their heart, not just their skill,” said Langman, founder of Black Lotus Kickboxing and former champion.
“They train like professionals and lead like champions inside our gym. We couldn’t be prouder.”
More Than Just a Win
This milestone isn’t just about medals — it's about building momentum for Canadian kickboxing. It also serves as an inspiration to the next generation of athletes training at the grassroots level. All three athletes regularly mentor beginners at Black Lotus, embodying the gym’s mission: Every client is a success.
The trio will now begin a high-performance training phase to prepare for international events later this year, including the WAKO Century Open Cup in Toronto and WA KO World Championships in Abu Dhabi in November.
Supporters can follow their journey on social media and through updates at Black Lotus Kickboxing’s website or social channels.
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