Westshore Shukokai Karate

Great article.

Key points
- Aging can lead to multidimensional declines in capacity, performance, and social interaction.
- Traditional martial arts involve holistic training and physical patterning that have high cognitive demand.
- Typically, martial arts are practiced in groups, creating a supportive social scenario.
- The holistic nature of martial arts training provides an important set of stimuli to enhance healthy aging.

Social Benefits of Martial Arts Training in Older Adults Martial arts training practices "drive neuroplastic change within motor, cognitive, and socio-emotional circuits, thereby providing a multilayered trajectory for successful aging."

A group of us had an outstanding time training Kokodo Jujutsu over the weekend!

A wonderful new program from Karate BC.

Dear Karate BC Members,

Karate BC is pleased to announce the launch of the Women in Refereeing (WIR) Mentorship Program, a new initiative focused on supporting the recruitment, retention, mentorship, and development of female and gender-diverse referees across British Columbia.

The WIR Mentorship Program aims to foster leadership, confidence, and community within officiating by connecting developing referees with experienced mentors who can provide guidance, support, and insight throughout their refereeing journey.

This initiative is open to all Karate BC members who identify as female or gender-diverse and are interested in becoming involved in refereeing, developing their officiating skills, or supporting the next generation of referees within our community.

Participants will be paired based on experience level, goals, and availability. Whether you are new to refereeing or an experienced official interested in mentoring others, we encourage you to get involved.

Through this initiative, Karate BC continues its commitment to equity, inclusion, leadership development, and the long-term growth of officiating within the province.

For more information, please visit our website.

For anyone looking to learn the competition rules, get certified or upgrade their certification.

Referee Certification Clinic - Kata & Kumite

Saturday June 6th, 2026

Course Conductor: Brendan Flower

In-person

Location: Camosun College Interurban Campus
Victoria, BC

For more information and to register, please visit our website.

Registration is open for the Victoria Open Karate Tournament on Sunday, June 7.

See all the information at this linkl:

2026 Victoria Open Karate Championships Go for Gold in the capital of BC! This is an all ages and all levels tournament for both Karate BC members and non-Karate BC members.

Looking forward to the 2026 Vancouver island Karate Championship tomorrow in Nanaimo.

10 Westshore Karate athletes registered, 3 Westshore Karate coaches coordinating things, some Westshore Karate volunteers and 3 Westshore Karate referees officiating.

Best of luck to everyone!

So well deserved!

Congratulations to Sam Elliott, recipient of the Referee of the Tournament award at the 2026 Karate BC Provincial Championships, which took place April 11th & 12th at the Richmond Curling Centre. Presented by Referee Committee Chair Rob Walker (right) and Referee Development Program Coordinator Brendan Flower (left), this award recognizes a referee who demonstrates exceptional performance, professionalism, and dedication throughout the championship weekend.

Sam stood out for his consistency on the tatami, his calm and confident decision‑making, and his commitment to supporting athletes and fellow officials. His contribution helped elevate the standard of officiating at this year’s Provincials, and we’re proud to acknowledge his excellence.