We had a flurry of competitive events in May and June, just before the dojo wrapped up for the summer.

Well done to our athletes who competed in the Junior Canadian National Championships in Edmonton, May 15 – 17, 2026

• Fawzi Alhasadi
• Alize Hedhli
• Arjun Kochhar
• Aime Novoa Samaniego
• Ramin Movaffagh

Congratulations to our medalists, Ramin (gold) and Arjun (bronze)! A big shout out to Ramin as his performance has qualified him for the Junior Pan American Championships to be held in San Jose, Costa Rica, August 27 – 30, 2026. Best wishes for an excellent tournament!

Three of our U21 and Senior athletes – Omar Almishri, Muhimen Benmahmud and Donya Movaffagh – qualified for the Pan American Senior and U21 Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 28 to 31. After a challenging competition, Omar won two silver medals, one for each of team and individual U21 Kumite. Donya won a bronze medal for U21 team kumite. Congratulations and well done to all three athletes!

Omar and Muhimen continued with another challenging competition, the North American Cup, held on June 20, 2026, in Montreal. Our athletes’ results continue to highlight what can be achieved with discipline, hard work and commitment. Congratulations to all!

Reminders

• Our fall training session begins on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Looking forward to seeing everyone in September.
• If you will be absent from class, please notify me, Workman Sensei or Nguyen Sensei.
• Kindly check your records to ensure that your training fees are paid in advance.

Gary Sabean
Head Instructor

It’s been a busy few months in the dojo! We are continuing with our regular curriculum to help a number of our athletes prepare for grading at the end of June. Our competitive athletes have continued their focus and steely determination with an eye on upcoming championships! Our dojo and province will be well-represented at the Junior Canadian National Championships in Edmonton (May 15 – 17, 2026) by the following:

Sensei Gary Sabean: Technical Director & Coach
Sempai Mariah Nguyen: Kata/Kumite Coach
Sempai Ty Nguyen: Kata/Kumite Coach
Sempai Gary Burniston: Referee/Tatami Manager
Sempai Rooz Movaffagh: Team Manager

Competitors

• Fawzi Alhasadi
• Alize Hedhli
• Aime Novoa Samaniego
• Ramin Movaffagh

Based on their outstanding performances at the Senior Canadian National Championships, the following athletes will compete with many of the world’s best at the Pan American Senior and U21 Championships in Brazil at the end of May:

• Omar Almishri
• Muhimen Benmahmud
• Donya Movaffagh

Congratulations and best wishes to all our athletes! Your dedication and discipline show in everything you do! And thanks as well to the entire dojo for your ongoing support and encouragement for our competitors as well as all our members on their karate journeys.

Reminders

• The end of our formal training season is approaching – the last day of classes is June 19.
• Please note, we will be holding our annual dojo tournament and potluck on June 13. Please mark your calendar.  More information, tournament registration and potluck dish sign up can be found here.
• Please check this website for any class cancellations.
• If you will be absent from class, please notify me, Workman Sensei or Nguyen Sensei.
• Kindly check your records to ensure that your training fees are paid in advance.

Enjoy Your Training!
Gary Sabean
Head Instructor

Gold Coast Chito-Ryu Karate is proud to be the host of the 2026 Soke Cup. They are excited to welcome our Chito-Ryu family from all over the world to explore the beauty of the Gold Coast and participate in the 15th Soke Cup.  They have published the following video welcoming you to the event.

If you are interested in attending you can find details at www.2026sokecup.com

From Karate by Jesse http://www.karatebyjesse.com

Note:  I came across the following article and thought our dojo parents might enjoy it.  I know I did!

Gary Sabean

Imagine the horror:

• You’ve been driving your kids to Karate class, tournaments and camps for years.
• You’ve spent boatloads of money on uniforms, belts, gradings and equipment.
• You’ve invested hundreds of hours to relentlessly push your kids to the limit.

 Then one day…

BANG!  They quit.  Just like that. You’re heartbroken. Flabbergasted. Why?!  You try to talk to them. You try to convince them to continue. You tell them they’ve come too far to quit now – give it another shot, kiddo! But nothing works. When a child makes her mind up, there’s not much you can do really.