Eli Cooper Concludes Breakthrough Season with Five Medals at Toronto International Martial Arts Championships
A young martial artist has capped off an unusual year with a dominant performance at the Toronto International Tournament of Martial Arts Championships, earning five medals and advancing to his first Night Show Grands.
Eli Cooper, representing Team Douvris Martial Arts orleans, delivered a standout showing in Toronto, securing two gold, two silver, and one bronze medal across various forms and fighting divisions. The December 9th, 2025, competition marked the culmination of a breakthrough season for the rising star.
Medal Haul Highlights CooperS Versatility
Cooper’s impressive medal count demonstrates his well-rounded skillset. He earned gold in both the 10-11 advanced Sport Martial Arts Customary Forms (Boys) and the 10-11 Advanced Fighting (Males) categories. He further added to his collection with silver medals in the 12 & Under advanced Chinese Forms and the 10-11 Boys Youth Open Rank Point Fighting divisions, and a bronze in the WKC Fight Boys 10-11 +50 kg category.
In addition to his success in standard competition, Cooper made his debut in the Night Show Grands, performing the form known as Ohan in the 8-11 Sport Martial Arts Traditional forms category, finishing second overall. This performance underscored his growing prowess and stage presence.
Did you know?-The Toronto International Martial Arts Championships attract competitors from across North America and beyond, showcasing a wide range of martial arts disciplines.
Building on world Championship Success
This tournament concludes a remarkable year for Cooper, who previously earned silver and bronze medals at the 2025 WKC World Championships held in Niagara Falls, New York. His dedication and consistent performance have propelled him to the forefront of his sport.
“I’m really thankful for how this year ended,” Cooper stated. “After making it to Team Canada and Worlds and now competing at Toronto International, I feel blessed for every prospect God has given me. I’m grateful to all my coaches-Sensei Ben Clarke, Sensei Dante Lorusso, and Sensei Rose Rhéaume-for believing in me, pushing me, and helping me grow. I’m also thankful to Alex Reyes from Point Fighter Live for generously giving his time and sharing words of encouragement and support. This final tournament of the year means a lot and I’m excited to keep working hard for 2026.”
Pro tip:-Consistent training and seeking guidance from experienced coaches are crucial for success in competitive martial arts. Cooper exemplifies this dedication.
Coaches Praise Cooper’s Focus and Determination
Sensei Rose Rhéaume, a World Champion Martial Artist, emphasized Cooper’s maturity and competitive spirit. “eli is remarkably focused and determined for his age,” she said. “He knows what he wants and understands the hard work it takes to get there. That competitive fire was evident this weekend. Making the Night Time Finals highlighted how quickly he’s progressing and closed his 2025 season brilliantly.”
Throughout the weekend, Cooper also benefited from high-level training seminars led by World Champion point fighters Ross Levine, Justin Ortiz, and Tyson Wray, further refining his technical skills. He also began instruction in traditional Bo with sensei Rhéaume, expanding his martial arts repertoire.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With the 2025 season now complete, Cooper is already setting his sights on
Reader question:-What do you think is the biggest challenge for young athletes balancing training with school and other commitments?
Why: Eli Cooper concluded a breakthrough season in martial arts.
Who: Eli Cooper,
