First-ever national kickboxing official course set for South Surrey
Published 8:04 am Friday, March 27, 2026
A kickboxing first for Canada is happening at a South Surrey gym this weekend.
Golden Glory Martial Arts Academy is hosting the first-ever International Sport Kickboxing Association Canada officials course in the country Saturday and Sunday (March 28-29), according to academy owner Mostafa Sabeti.
Sabeti, a seventh-degree black belt and former kickboxing world champion with more than 25 years of coaching experience, was recently named president of ISKA Canada’s amateur sports division.
The South Surrey gym owner who also earned honourable mention as Coach of the Year in the Surrey Now-Leader’s 2025 Community Leader Awards, said the course is a “major milestone for our sport, and we’re incredibly proud to be leading this initiative here in B.C.”
So far, more than 50 people have registered to participate in the course, travelling from all over the Lower Mainland and from as far away as Quebec, Ontario and Alberta.
“It’s amazing to see such strong national interest and support,” Sabeti said in an email.
Kickboxing in B.C. has faced challenges over the past few years, bu through ongoing collaboration with the BC Athletic Commission, Sabeti, ISKA and others have worked hard to establish proper rules, safety standards, and structure.
“Now, we’re excited to officially bring the sport back — stronger, safer, and more organized than ever,” he shared, adding they’ve received a “tremendous” response from the martial arts community, especially from coaches, clubs, and families who are eager to see opportunities return — particularly for kids and youth development.
The course will be led by ISKA president Corey Schaefer, whose leadership has played a key role in standardizing rules, safety, and competition structures across multiple countries, Sabeti noted.
Representatives from the BC Athletic Commission will also be in attendance to support and elevate the program.