PoCo Karate

08/31/2026

On Saturday at McLean Park, 12 dedicated Karateka and Kobudoka from PoCo Karate took part in our 2nd Annual Dojo Kata Challenge. In 4 hours, the participants successfully completed 96 unique kata from our style. From Basic kata & Heian kata to Gojushiho, Suparinpei, & Unshu to Tsuken Sunakake no Eku, Chatan Yara no Sai, & Sueyoshi no Kon, this is no small feat! Congratulations to everyone! See you next year at our 3rd annual event!

07/21/2026

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.

07/18/2026

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!

The City Of Port Coquitlam is a proud supporter for sports for all ...

07/12/2026

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

07/12/2026

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

07/12/2026

Sensei breaking 1.5" of Pine Boards at the 4th Annual PoCo Sports Festival. This is a fun mental exercise with real wood boards, as you don't 100% know how much energy is required to break them. Somewhere between 150 to 300 Joules on average for 1.5" of pine. With incorrect punching technique, it only takes 15 - 25 Joules on average to break your hand.

07/10/2026

Free Karate classes at Gates Park at 9am and Noon. Karate demonstration at 09:45am. See you there Port Coquitlam!!!

06/28/2026

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!

06/13/2026

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!