On October 26, 2025, Karate BC’s Grassroots Committee hosted a dynamic Competition Training and Practice Day in Fernie, BC—giving athletes from the Columbia-Kootenays and surrounding regions valuable competition skills and experience.
The one-day program was led by an outstanding coaching team: kumite coach Samaneh Khoshgadham (former Iranian National Coach), kata coach Héloïse Thiboutot (multi-time National and Premier League competitor), and rules coach Julie Zilber (National Referee). Together, they guided athletes and instructors through kata, kumite, and rules sessions — culminating in friendly mini-competitions that put new skills into practice. The goal: to strengthen competition readiness and understanding in a supportive, interactive setting.
Twenty-four athletes and instructors — ranging in age from 7 to 73 and in rank from yellow belt to black belt — participated in the sessions. They refined technical and tactical skills, gained confidence in a competition environment, and enjoyed connecting with karateka from other dojos.
“The Grassroots Committee gave our students a wonderful opportunity to learn from high-level coaches – something we do not normally have access to, but that karate players from bigger centres may take for granted,” said Wynne Cairns, Chief Instructor at the Fernie Karate club. “It was a great chance to gather students from other rural communities to learn and practice together in a seminar setting similar to what they’d get in a big city. Fernie Karate would like to thank everyone involved – from the planning and logistics, to coaching and instruction, to helping spread the word. It was a great day; our students are already wondering when we can do it again!”
The event’s success reflected the collaborative spirit and shared commitment to nurturing grassroots karate across BC. Karate BC’s Grassroots Committee looks forward to building on this model and bringing similar opportunities to other regions of the province.
