Veronica Palmer
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:
3x Karate Alberta Team Member
2x Jr Canadian National Team Member
2025 National Champion in her division for Kumite!
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.
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.
Kata | Youth | U14 | Advanced | Female – Gold
Kumite | Youth | U14 | Advanced | Female – Silver
Individual Female Youth Kata – 11th place
Kumite Individual Female – Youth +52 kg – 9th place.
Kata | Cadet | U16 | Advanced | Female – Silver
Kumite | Cadet | U16 | Advanced | Open | Female – Gold
Kata Individual Female – Cadet – 7th place
Cadet Kata Female and Cadet Kumite Female +61KG – Silver
PKF Junior, Cadet & U21 Championships 2024 – São Paulo, Brazil
Cadet Kumite Female 61+ kg – 7th place
Kata | Cadet | U16 | Advanced | Female – Bronze
Kumite | Cadet | U16 | Advanced | Open | Female – Gold
2024 Canada Open Karate Championship Tournament
Cadet Kumite Female 61+KG GOLD
2025 Canadian National Karate Championship Tournament
Cadet Kumite Female 61+KG GOLD
Every year since Gr.4 Veronica has made Honour Roll for her Academics. In Grade 8 she made Principals List for her academic achievements.
Plays a variety of school sports:
Volleyball | Basketball | Track & Field | Badminton | Cross Country | Flag Football
From Gr 5- 8 Member of STEAM Academy in which the teacher was awarded the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence in STEM!
2025, Veronica’s Grade 9 year she earned TOP ATHLETE OF THE YEAR at her school.
This is what her teachers & coaches had to say:
We’d like to recognize you today in front of your peers, as a student who exemplifies everything this award stands for. The Junior High Female Athlete of the Year is not just someone who plays on many teams — though you certainly did — but someone who makes every team better simply by being on it.
This year you competed in a wide range of sports, and in each one, brought your own unique blend of dedication, determination, and quiet leadership. Veronica, you don’t need the spotlight or loud words to make your presence known. You lead by example — always the first to practice, the one who gives her all in every drill, and the teammate who lifts others up just by being consistent, respectful, and committed.
What truly sets you apart is how you enhance the teams you are a part of. Your individual skill is undeniable, but it’s your ability to bring the best out of others that leaves a lasting impact. Whether it’s through your calm demeanor, unshakable work ethic, or the way you quietly encourage those around you, you make your teams stronger – not just athletically, but as a community. Outside of school, your commitment to excellence continues, competing at a high level in Karate, a sport that has clearly contributed to your focus, discipline, and resilience.
But beyond the wins, the practices, and the training, you are simply a great person. You’ve built relationships with teammates and coaches that will last well beyond junior high. You’re someone who embodies sportsmanship, humility, and integrity in everything you do. Veronica, you are the kind of athlete and person others look up to-not because you ask them to, but because you’ve earned it.
Congratulations on being named this year’s Female Athlete of the Year. We couldn’t be prouder.
Love all your coaches, teammates, and staff from Four Winds”
Eleven 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 & 2025 Provincial Team
2024 & 2025 member of the Jr. Karate Canada Team
The road still has destinations that include national & international athlete & Veronica has her goals set high.
What does Karate Teach you?