Who We Are

PoCo Karate is a traditional Karate and Kobudo dojo (school) that caters to students seeking authentic Karate and Kobudo instruction. Our primary focus is on improving the health and wellbeing of our participants while they learn valuable self defence skills. We continue the traditions passed down through several generations of masters, tracing back to Okinawa. Our studies include a balanced curriculum of historic katas (forms), bunkai (application), kihon (basic techniques), kumite (sparring and grappling) and kobudo (Okinawan weaponry).

PoCo Karate is a member of Karate BC and Karate Canada. Karate Canada is the only karate organization legitimately recognized, supported and funded by the Canadian government, and is the National governing body for the sport of karate in Canada. Karate Canada is a member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, the World Karate Federation, the Pan American Karate Federation and the Commonwealth Karate Federation.

The style of Karate practiced at PoCo Karate is Shito-Ryu Satokai.

Jascha Espley

Sensei / Head Instructor

Espley Sensei is a Yondan (4th degree Blackbelt) in Shito-Ryu Satokai Karate and Shodan (1st degree Blackbelt) in Sato Ha Kobudo. Both rankings granted by Akira Sato, 9th Dan, one of the most respected Karate masters in the world. Espley Sensei holds instructor certification from Karate Canada and the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). Sensei started his training in Karate in 1987 and has extensive experience in both traditional and competitive Karate. Sensei's Kobudo training began in 1989. He has a well rounded background in traditional Karate. Prior studies include Shito-Ryu Itosukai, Shito-Ryu Seikokai, Chito-Ryu and JKA Shotokan.

In addition to being the Head Instructor at PoCo Karate, Sensei is also the Head Kobudo Instructor at Nikkei Karate at the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre in Burnaby, BC.

Espley Sensei also has an active competitive career in sport Karate. He has represented British Columbia on the BC Team on four occasions. He continues to compete recreationally while also coaching the next generation of high performance and recreational athletes.

Recent Tournament Results

2024 Karate BC Provincial Championships
Gold Medal in Kobudo,
Silver Medal in Master's Kata

2023 Canada Open Championships

Bronze Medal in Kobudo

2023 Karate BC Provincial Championships.

Gold Medal in Kobudo

2022 Canada Open Championships.

Bronze Medal in Kobudo

2022 Karate BC Provincial Championships.

Gold Medal in Kobudo

2021 Canada Open Championships

Bronze Medal in Kobudo

2021 Karate BC eTournament

Gold Medal in Kobudo

2019 Sato Cup Karate Championships

Awarded Master's Grand Champion Trophy

Gold Medals in Master's Kata and Kumite

Bronze Medal in Kobudo

2019 Karate BC Provincial Championships.

Gold Medal in Kobudo

Gold Medal in Master's Kata

Bronze Medal in Master's Kumite

2019 Canada Open Championships

Bronze Medal in Kobudo

2016 Sato Cup Karate Championships

Silver Medal in Kobudo

2016 Americas Masters Games

Bronze Medal in Kata

Silver Medal in Kobudo