Veronica began her study of Traditional Okinawan Karate in 2014 at the age of 4 at the Rooke School of Karate in Morinville, Alberta. She began as an Orange belt in Karate Kids & achieved the rank of Junior Nidan at the age of 12.
Learning Uechi-Ryu Kata came naturally to Veronica – hello 4 year old who knew Sanchin Kata & had the student creed memorized before she was 6. When Kumite was introduced to her it opened up a whole new world within karate to explore. She is learning & implementing the balance between lifestyle & sport of Martial Arts into her life.
Veronica began competition training at age 11 and has competed and medaled in many local tournaments.
Since 2023 she has been a member of Karate Alberta, competed at the Canadian National Championship Tournament twice. 2024 winning silver in Cadet Kumite. 2024 became a member of the Jr Team for Karate Canada with an invitation to compete at the 2024 Jr Pan American Games.
Student Creed
Remembering that the martial arts begin and end with respect, I intend to:Develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that would reduce my mental growth or physical health.
Develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others.
Use what I learn in class constructively and defensively, to help myself and my fellow man and never to be abusive or offensive.
Why Karate?
Karate took this once shy 4 year old, who would hide behind her mother, and taught her self confidence, helped build up her self esteem, & opened up doors to give back & teach a new generation of karate students. Uechi-Ryu being a self defense style has also taught her valuable life skills in self defense & self discipline. She represents women in sport & advocates for more girls in martial arts.
Personal Activities
More Than Karate
Veronica is currently in Jr High and her accolades for Grade 7 & 8 are:
Honor Roll & Principals List for academics
Member of STEAM Academy in which the teacher was awarded the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence in STEM!
Jr & Sr Volley Ball Team member
Sr Basketball team – in which the school won the divisional banner in 2024
Badminton Team
Cross Country & Track Team
The Path from Student to Elite Athlete
Ten years of training under her Jr. Nidan belt:
🥋 Introductory classes as a 4 year old in Karate Kids that teach the basic skills of Karate
🥋Learning the fundamentals through traditional kata classes through white belt to where she is today
🥋Becoming a club athlete participating in regional tournaments & trainings. Also an assistant instructor to the Kyu Ranks twice a week.
🥋Competing at regional events that earned her a spot on the 2023 & 2024 Provincial Team
🥋2024 member of the Jr. Karate Canada Team
The road still has destinations that include national & international athlete & Veronica has her goals set high.
Core Values
What does Karate Teach you?