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Ottawa martial artist Eli Cooper qualifies for Team Canada
May 19, 2026
By AI, Created 6:25 PM UTC, May 19, 2026, /AGP/ – Ottawa’s Eli Cooper earned a spot on Team Canada for the 2026 WKC World Championships after standout results at the WKC Canada National Championships in Ottawa. He will compete in Spain this October in Point Fighting and Chinese Soft Style, with additional alternate placements underscoring his range.
Why it matters: - Eli Cooper’s national-team selection puts an Ottawa youth martial artist on the path to compete against top international athletes at the 2026 WKC World Championships in Spain. - The qualification reflects success across multiple disciplines, not just one event, which raises Cooper’s profile within Canadian martial arts.
What happened: - Cooper qualified to represent Team Canada at the 2026 WKC World Championships in Chiclana, Cádiz, Spain. - The selection followed the WKC Canada National Championships 2026, held May 14–16 at the RA Centre in Ottawa. - Cooper earned national team selection in Boys 12–13 Point Fighting (+60kg) and Chinese Soft Style. - Cooper will compete at the World Karate Commission World Championships from October 24–30, 2026.
The details: - Cooper won silver in Chinese Soft Style. - Cooper placed 4th in Point Fighting and posted a 3–2 record across five bouts. - Cooper’s Point Fighting wins included 10–0, 5–3 and 6–4 results. - Cooper finished Point Fighting with a 23–21 scoring margin, a +2 differential, against national competition. - Cooper also earned alternate positions in other divisions. - Cooper finished as 1st alternate in Boys 12–13 Classical Kata after placing 5th overall. - Cooper finished as 2nd alternate in Boys 12–13 Open / Musical Weapons (Bo) after placing 6th overall. - Cooper placed 10th in Boys 12–13 Hardstyle Kata. - Cooper’s 2026 season has included multiple gold medals, a Grand Championship title and steady results at provincial and national events.
Between the lines: - Cooper’s results show depth across forms, weapons and fighting, which is a strong sign for a young martial artist moving into international competition. - The combination of a silver medal and a near-podium finish in Point Fighting suggests Cooper is already competitive at the national level. - The alternate placements reinforce that Cooper is not a one-event specialist.
What’s next: - Cooper now turns to training and preparation for the October world championships in Spain. - Cooper said he is focused on continuing to improve and performing at his best in Spain. - Cooper thanked coaches Senseis Ben Clarke, Dante Lorusso, Rose Rhéaume and Justin Lui, along with teammates and family at Douvris Martial Arts.
The bottom line: - Eli Cooper’s Team Canada selection caps a strong 2026 run and gives Ottawa another young athlete headed to the world stage.
Disclaimer: This article was produced by AGP Wire with the assistance of artificial intelligence based on original source content and has been refined to improve clarity, structure, and readability. This content is provided on an “as is” basis. While care has been taken in its preparation, it may contain inaccuracies or omissions, and readers should consult the original source and independently verify key information where appropriate. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, investment, or other professional advice.
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