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. This has led to competing Provincially, Nationally & on the International Stage at the Pan American Karate Championship Tournament twice.

She is also a Jr Instructor at her local dojo teaching & inspiring a new generation of girls in karate.

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.

Why Karate?

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.

Personal Activities

More than Karate

Every year since Gr.4 Veronica has made Honour Roll for her Academics. In Grade 8 she made Principals List for her academic achievements.  She ended her Jr High years on the Honor Roll. 

Plays a variety of school sports:

in Junior HIGH: Volleyball | Basketball (Division winners in 2024)| 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! 

The Fall of 2025 Veronica entered High School. Working hard towards acceptance at the University of Alberta in 2028 to study Kinesiology .

She is currently on the Senior Girls Flag Football team & looking forward to Rugby in the spring.

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”

The Path from Student to Elite Athlete

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, competing internationally representing Canada.

The road still has destinations that include national & international athlete & Veronica has her goals set high.

Core Values

What does Karate Teach you?