Christian Schenk makes his return to the judo mat in competition this week.
The former Canadian Olympic hopeful is one of nine members of the Hart Judo Academy heading to Richmond for the 2013 Canadian Judo championship, starting Thursday.
The 49-year-old will compete in the masters category for athletes 35 to 49.
"I don't think you ever really leave, or lose that competitive edge," said Schenk. "It was just something I decided I'd try and do and I started playing around with it again and here I am. It was just a matter of feeling prepared to be able to do it just from a sense of personal pride."
Schenk, a fourth-degree black belt, missed out on representing Canada in the Olympics three times, placing second in 1984 and 1988 and third in 1992 at the Canadian Olympic Trials.
The last time he competed in a Canadian judo championship was in 1994 before moving his family from North Vancouver to Prince George.
Schenk said he decided to dust the mothballs off his judo uniform when his son Matthias started the sport a couple years ago. Soon after Schenk's daughters, Alex and Samantha, decided to join their dad and brother at the gym.
"When I was a kid my dad got us into it so there's sort of a history of it being a family thing," said Schenk. "The nice thing about it is all levels can play together and enjoy the time together.
"The sport was good to me," he added. "I was able to travel the world and gain a whole bunch of friends and experiences, who knows, maybe one day my kids will be able to enjoy that as well."
But, Schenk said it's important for him to pace his kids in judo so they continue to enjoy it.
"I try not to put any pressure on them," said Schenk. "As long as they listen to the sensei, work hard and have fun, that's the key at this age. When they get older and get to the competitive level the focus will change. Right now it's fun for them."
After retiring from the sport in 1994, Schenk spent about four years as a provincial coach and he helps Hart Judo Academy head sensei Bruce Kamstra lead practice sessions these days.
Schenk and his fellow Hart Judo competitors are among a contingent of 28 athletes - the largest group Prince George has ever sent - heading to Richmond for the Canadian championship.
"Everybody's got a shot at a medal," said Schenk. "That's the beauty about judo, it doesn't matter how good you are or who you fight, if you make a mistake you get caught. I'm confident with where I'm at and happy with my preparation for it. One match at a time and we'll see how it goes."
