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Help Eli Cooper Represent Team Canada at Worlds in Spain
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$1,390 raised of
12 donations
This October, Eli Cooper of Russell, Ontario, will proudly wear the maple leaf and represent Team Canada at the 2026 WKC World Championships in Chiclana, Cádiz, Spain, competing individually in Point Fighting (Boys 12–13, +60 kg) and Chinese Softstyle Form (Boys 12–13).
It's a return trip to the world stage. Eli first represented Canada at the 2025 WKC World Championships in Niagara Falls, New York, where he earned Silver in Point Fighting and Bronze in Team Point Fighting.
At the WKC Canada National Championships in May, Eli earned his place on Team Canada by capturing Silver in Chinese Softstyle Form and finishing 4th in Point Fighting, with the top four competitors in each division qualifying for the World Championships. These results demonstrate the versatility he has developed as both a forms and fighting competitor.
"Qualifying to represent Team Canada and compete at the World Championships in Spain is a huge honour," says Eli. "I'm grateful to my coaches — Senseis Ben Clarke, Dante Lorusso, Rose Rhéaume, and Justin Lui — along with my Douvris teammates and family. I'm focused on continuing to improve and preparing to perform at my best in Spain."
Eli trains at Douvris Martial Arts Orleans in Ottawa's east end. Getting to this point has taken years of consistent effort — regular classes, extra competition preparation, seminars, individual instruction and countless hours travelling to tournaments across Ontario and Quebec.
But an athlete never reaches the world stage alone.
Behind the hours of training and competition is a team of coaches, teammates, family, friends and supporters who have helped Eli pursue this opportunity. Representing Canada internationally is an incredible honour that comes with real costs that are largely the responsibility of the athlete.
This fundraiser provides an opportunity for family, friends, members of the community and corporate supporters who've asked how they can help to become part of the team behind Eli's road to the World Championships in Spain.
At the World Championships, Eli is expected to compete in five events for Team Canada:
- Chinese Softstyle Form
- Point Fighting
- 3-Person Team Point Fighting
- Tag Team Point Fighting
- Mixed Doubles Point Fighting
He will also travel to Spain as 1st Alternate in Classical Kata and 2nd Alternate in Open/Musical Weapons, providing the possibility of competing in those divisions should a Team Canada position become available.
Where Your Support Goes
Funds raised will help offset the costs associated with Eli's preparation for and participation in the World Championships, including:
- Team Canada training and preparation
- International airfare and ground transportation to and within Spain
- Official World Championships accommodation and logistics centre at Valentin Sancti Petri, where athlete registration, weigh-in, training, meals and accommodation are based
- World Karate Commission competition and event fees
- Team Canada uniforms and competition gear, including Chinese Softstyle Form silks, sparring uniform and competitor tracksuit
- Other transportation and athlete expenses associated with competing in Spain
If you're able to contribute, thank you. And if giving isn't possible right now, sharing this fundraiser is also greatly appreciated — every share helps Eli's story reach another potential supporter on his Road to Worlds.
Eli has done the training, competed through the qualification process and earned the opportunity to wear the maple leaf, step onto the competition floor in Spain and proudly represent Canada once again.
You can follow Eli's full journey, including news coverage and updates from his 2026 season, at https://thehouseofcooper.ca/ .
Eli Cooper | Team Canada | 2026 WKC World Championships | Chiclana, Cadiz, Spain | October 24–30, 2026
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