PoCo Karate

Congratulations to our Soke (Grand Master) on this prestigious and well deserved honour!

Over the next few months leading up to the Canadian Black Belt Hall of fame Gala,we would like to induce the inductee’s for 2026.

Akira Sato Sensei
Born in Tokyo, Master Yoshiaki “Akira” Sato immigrated to Vancouver in 1970, transforming an outdoor training club into a 55-year legacy that shaped Canadian martial arts. A 9th Dan master, he served as a prominent instructor, coach, and official for Karate Canada and Karate BC, notably becoming the first Canadian to earn a WKF international judging license.
Beyond producing elite national champions, Master Sato’s global impact includes affiliated dojos across 16 countries and the annual international Sato Cup tournament, established in 1998. Recently recognized as an international pioneer by the Tokyo Budo-kan, he remains a dedicated teacher, community mentor, and philanthropist. His students proudly celebrate his well-deserved induction into the Canadian Hall of Fame.
Born in Tokyo, Master Yoshiaki “Akira” Sato immigrated to Vancouver in 1970, transforming an outdoor training club into a 55-year legacy that shaped Canadian martial arts. A 9th Dan master, he served as a prominent instructor, coach, and official for Karate Canada and Karate BC, notably becoming the first Canadian to earn a WKF international judging license.
Beyond producing elite national champions, Master Sato’s global impact includes affiliated dojos across 16 countries and the annual international Sato Cup tournament, established in 1998. Recently recognized as an international pioneer by the Tokyo Budo-kan, he remains a dedicated teacher, community mentor, and philanthropist. His students proudly celebrate his well-deserved induction into the Canadian Hall of Fame.

Nice summary video of all the festivities at the 2026 PoCo Sport Festival. We are featured at 1:04 and 1:18 in the video. Thanks to everyone who participated and all the other sports groups who led activities throughout the day!

PoCo Sports Festival 2026 The City Of Port Coquitlam is a proud supporter for sports for all ...

PoCo Karate led 2 free classes and a Karate & Kobudo demonstration at the 4th Annual PoCo Sports Festival today! This is a great event for the PoCo community allowing people to try out new sports and activities and find their new healthy passion! Photo batch 1 of 2.

Photo credit: Glenn Arnason

PoCo Karate led 2 free classes and a Karate & Kobudo demonstration at the 4th Annual PoCo Sports Festival today!

Spectators were treated to a demonstration of authentic traditional Karate & Kobudo, including historical Katas and partner demonstrations of the original self defence applications contained within. Sensei even demonstrated the power and technique required to punch through 1.5" of pine boards. (150 to 300 Joules of kinetic energy)

Photo batch 2 of 2.

Photo credit: Glenn Arnason

Find us at the 4th Annual PoCo Sports Festival on July 11th @ Gates Park. We are a founding member of this great community event!

0900 hrs - Try Karate (FREE class open to all ages)
0945 hrs - Karate Demonstration
10:30 - Noon - Drop in / Meet and Greet.

See you there!

A wonderfully busy evening at PoCo Karate. Congratulations to our student, Lily Phan on receiving the Volunteer Award at the PoCo Sports Awards this evening. And congratulations to Mel Goulet on her promotion to Shodan (1st degree Black Belt) in Satoha Kobudo. Both exceptional students that make our dojo proud!

Our condolences go out to the family, friends, and students of Wim Sensei from Pemberton Karate Club. Wim was an extremely knowledgeable, thought provoking, and inspiring Karate and Kobudo instructor. A very likeable and intelligent man, well known for his artistic pursuits and publications, Wim will be dearly missed by us all.

To celebrate the life of an incredible man we want to invite friends of Wim Tewinkel to our home in Poole Creek on June 13th.

We will gather at the home of Wim and Mary Jo Tewinkel at 12pm on June 13th. Let us all mingle and enjoy all the artistic works he has created over the years that span across a multitude of mediums. At 2pm we will have our ceremony and spread his ashes, anyone who wishes to say something is encouraged to do so at that time. We want to hear your stories of Wim and the impact he made on your lives.

Anyone who wishes to attend please private message Audrey May and she will give you the address and add you to the list.