In her white Gi and black belt, Jusleen Virk is proud to be one of the few South Asian girls competing in the sport of karate at an international level.
Her passion for karate started at the young age of 7, when she was living in St. Albert, Alberta. And it’s not a surprise because it runs in her family. Her father, who always stressed the importance of self-defense, began karate at the age of 18. Both her younger sisters, Anisha and Maansi are also competitive in the sport of karate.
Virk’s family soon moved to BC and she started training with Sensei Cal Moore at Crescent Beach Dojo. He recognized her talent and recommended that she train at Burnaby Karate Academy to achieve higher levels of competitiveness on national and international platforms.
Since then, Virk has been training with her coach Sandeep Gill, who has led her through most of her competitive karate career.
“I am most proud of my recent bronze medal at the Salzburg Open in Austria this past November,” says the 22-year old. “This was my first medal on a world stage and is a huge stepping-stone on my way to the World Championships.”
Her accomplishments include being a five-time Canadian National Champion, two-time USA Open Championship Vice Champion and North American Championships Vice Champion.
Karate has impacted Virk’s life in many ways. “It has taught me a great deal about discipline, respect and hard work,” she explains. “Those attributes have helped me in schooling and in the work force. Karate has also introduced me to many great relationships that will last a lifetime.”
Karate had brought a lot of positives into Virk’s life, but it’s also been very challenging, especially during the competitive season when she is at training camps twice a day. “Balancing university with my training and competition schedule has sometimes proven difficult, but I understand that with great aspirations comes sacrifice,” says Virk.
Virk credits her family with all the success she’s had. “My parents have always and continue to support me on so many levels. I could not achieve what I have without them standing with me.”
The 22-year-old has high aspirations in both sports and life. With karate, she had great hopes that it would be part of the Olympics.
“Unfortunately after a long-fought campaign, karate was not short listed by the IOC for the 2020 Olympics. This was a huge disappointment,” says Virk. “Although we are not yet an Olympic sport we are included in numerous world-class tournaments…I am looking forward to competing on home soil at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto.”
Virk is very active outside of sports as well. “I am currently studying general sciences at Kwantlen Polytechnic University working towards my eventual goal of obtaining my Doctorate of Dental Medicine,” explains Virk. “I am also working part time at UCMAS mental arithmetic center as a teacher for young children around the ages of 4-12.”
The second-degree black belt has some great advice for future athletes. “Create goals, focus and follow your passion! Anything in life can be accomplished if you are willing to work hard for it.”
Photo: A Master Media