South Surrey martial arts pro named new ISKA Canada president

Published 10:30 am Friday, February 27, 2026

A South Surrey martial arts gym owner has a new title.

Mostafa Sabeti, a seventh-degree black belt and former kickboxing world champion with more than 25 years of coaching experience, has been named president of International Sport Kickboxing Association Canada’s amateur sports division.

A former head coach of Team Canada’s national martial arts team, Sabeti is recognized nationally as a martial arts and combat sports leader, a statement from ISKA World Organization president Cory Schafer noted.

“We have every confidence in Mr. Sabeti and his team and look forward to supporting their efforts to provide the very best opportunity for Canada’s Martial Arts and Combat Sport athletes,” Schafer said in the message.

Sabeti, who also earned honourable mention as Coach of the Year in the Surrey Now-Leader’s 2025 Community Leader Awards, said he’s excited about the new role.

“My vision and primary goal in this role is to promote the safest and most professionally regulated environment for kickboxing and Tatami sports across British Columbia and Canada,” Sabeti said in an email. “We are committed to building a strong foundation rooted in safety, fairness, youth development, and community engagement.”

Kickboxing in British Columbia has faced significant challenges for years, due to a lack of proper structure and unified direction, he said.

“Over the past several months, our team has worked tirelessly to rebuild the sport responsibly. We have secured the necessary permits and approvals from the appropriate authorities, including the provincial commission and sport governing bodies,” Sabeti said. “This ensures that all our programs and events operate within a fully sanctioned and regulated framework.”

Sabeti’s team, which include his wife and ISKA national Vice President Solmaz Sabeti, among others, aims to elevate local athletes to the next level and creating clear pathways for participation in national events, Pan-American championships, and ultimately, the ISKA World Championship stage.

“We want our athletes to proudly represent our community and our country in a safe and fair, competitive environment,” Sabeti said.