Heart Cup 2023

The Heart Cup 2023 will take place in Treviso, Italy from 04th - 05th March 2023.

More information available via the Diary Page.

WSKA 2022 Report

As the World woke up from the Coronavirus Pandemic there were times we thought this tournament might not even take place.  Even at the 11th hour, following the sad death Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II,  there was a chance that the Tournament would be halted.

After a lengthy discussion it was agreed that WSKA 2022 would, indeed, go ahead, and what a Championship it was.

The event was hosted by the Karate Union of Great Britain at the fantastic M and S Bank Arena, Liverpool, on behalf of the World Shotokan Karate-do Association. 

Guest of Honour, the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Roy Gladden, thanked WSKA for choosing the City of Liverpool, as well as commending the athletes who continued, throughout the Pandemic, to train in the Art that they love, showing immense dedication and perseverance.  

Richard Poole, President of WSKA signalled two minutes of silence in respect of the death of her Majesty the Queen.

He outlined the challenges that many national teams overcame in order to compete and commended all on their determination to participate. Richard thanked   the KUGB for their vision and courage in hosting this event in the aftermath of COVID and further thanked the organising team for their magnificent achievement in organising such a successful championships. 

With 646 entries from 24 Countries, the atmosphere was electric as the Competition continued over the weekend with competitors supported enthusiastically by a large and excited crowd.  

Prior to the tournament, there was a meeting of Congress where WSKA Executive Board members were elected. These included two new officers.

Congress confirmed the appointment of Hugo Soares as Director of Administration and Leslie Jensen to the position of Vice President. Both new officers will join the Executive Board to work towards expanding WSKA on the international stage.

We are now looking forward to the next WSKA Championships which will be held Portugal in September 2023.

WSKA Liverpool 2022 - New Bulletin & Schedule

Please see the latest bulletin and event schedule, available for download.

WSKA 2022 Liverpool - 10th & 11th September

Purchase your tickets to the WSKA 2022 Championships online via the M & S Bank Area Website now!

The Covid pandemic put a halt to our way of life in 2020. There was little or no Karate training, no competitions or courses in person, only online. Now that the World is slowly getting back to normal, we are excited to greet our WSKA Family at the 2022 World Championships in September. The M and S Bank Arena, Liverpool will be home to WSKA Officials, athletes, and our supporters and many of you will remember the fantastic Championships held there in 2013. 

 

Everyone around the world has heard of Liverpool. Home of the Beatles, home to two great football teams, even though their supporters will tell you there's only one great football team. Liverpool was also the first home of the Karate Union of Great Britain. 

 

The Arena is a stone's throw from the Royal Albert Dock which houses art, museums, music, heritage, and a large number of restaurants, bars and cafes. There's plenty to do for everyone. Here, in the UK, our Government has been very successful in rolling out our vaccine programme and life here, is almost back to normal. Our Karate life is back to normal and we already have a busy calendar of Courses and Competitions. Our Team is working hard and everything is on schedule from our hotels and training venues to transport and hospitality. The timetable is almost formalised and we will be sending you more information very soon. We hope you, your families and your students are all well and we are really looking forward to seeing you in September.

Download the bulletin

Philippe Wattieaux

We report with great sadness that our friend Philippe Wattieaux has died.

Philippe was a great supporter of ESKA and WSKA as Director of the Belgian Amateur Karate Federation and for 36 years as an international referee.

Phillipe was an outstanding referee who championed the merits of Shobbu Ippon through his decisive actions and elegant gestures both on the tatami and in support of training younger referees and judges.

His contribution to both ESKA and WSKA will be greatly missed.

On behalf of the Executive Board we offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends.