ABOUT

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Eli Cooper’s martial arts journey began at the age of five when he joined Douvris Martial Arts on October 22, 2018, under the mentorship of Sensei Peter Douvris.

After a pause in training due to the global pandemic, Eli resumed his practice at the Kajukenbo Self Defense Institute under Professor John Lianos. His training in this Hawaiian form of mixed martial arts encompassed multiple disciplines—including Karate, Judo, Jiu Jitsu, Kenpo, Kung Fu, and Chinese Boxing—providing him with a diverse and well-rounded martial arts foundation. During this time, his passion, skill, and determination flourished, guided by the influential mentorship of siblings Jasmine and Alex Michaud.

Eli has enjoyed success at numerous competitions, including the Canadian Open, Ontario Grand Nationals, The Ontario Martial Arts Championships, Challenge Rive Nord, Master of the Ring, Karate Maynia, Cobra International, and many more.

Inspired by World Champions Bailey Murphy, Devon Hopper, and Ben Clarke, Eli set his sights on representing Team Canada at the national and world levels. To pursue this dream, he returned to Douvris Martial Arts, training under Senseis Ben Clarke and Dante Lorruso to further refine his skills and strive for excellence.

Following a rigorous training regimen, Eli earned a gold medal at the 2025 WKC Ontario Provincial Championships, becoming Provincial Champion, and placed third at the WKC Canada National Championships. These accomplishments earned him a coveted spot on Team Canada and qualified him for the 2025 World Championships in Niagara Falls, New York.

Most recently, Eli achieved success as a double medalist at the Pan American Championships, capturing Gold in Advanced Boys 11–12 Years Forms and Bronze in the Boys Under-12 Junior Traditional Kata Challenge. This accomplishment further solidifies his place among the top young martial artists in his division and stands as a milestone in his competitive journey.

Outside the dojo, Eli leads a vibrant and well-rounded life. He is an avid angler, enjoys creative pursuits including stop-motion video and balloon art, and finds joy in horseback riding. He is also learning to become a proficient pianist, reflecting his enthusiasm for both physical and artistic pursuits.

Eli’s ultimate goals include earning his Black Belt, becoming a World Champion, and one day opening his own karate school to inspire and mentor future generations. His journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and purpose-driven excellence.