Russia Suspension

On behalf of the WSKA Executive Board we express our solidarity with the people of Ukraine at this very difficult time.

The Executive Board of WSKA met on Thursday 3rd March 2022 and agreed that with immediate effect USKO Russia will be suspended from all WSKA activities including participation at the WSKA championships in Liverpool in September 2022. Should the situation change the Executive Board will review this decision.

This decision takes into account the recommendation of the executive board of the International Olympic Committee that all International Sports Federations not invite or allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in international competition.

Our hopes and prayers are with the Ukrainian people and for an end to the death and destruction caused by the invasion of their country. We fully support the right of the Ukrainian people to live their lives peacefully within an independent European sovereign nation.

2021/22 WSKA World Championships

The WSKA Executive Board have taken the difficult decision to postpone the 2021 WSKA World Championships due to uncertainty caused by the world-wide pandemic. 

The championships will now take place from 9th to 11th September 2022 in Liverpool, England.

Everyone knows that The Beatles, widely regarded as the most influential musical group in history, came from Liverpool, but did you know that Liverpool is also home to a world-class waterfront, thousands of sports and cultural events each year, tours, attractions, bars, shops, restaurants and cafes stretching across the city-region? Not forgetting, of course, the two huge and competitive football teams. Both the stadium for the WSKA championship and the hotels for accommodation are based in the city centre.

The championship host organising committee looks forward to welcoming WSKA competitors, coaches, officials and supporters to the United Kingdom as we come out of lockdown and restrictions are lifted. 

Passing of Sensei Bob Poynton

WSKA members mourn the loss of Bob Poynton who was an outstanding karateka, a friend to many and for 10 years the Director of Administration for WSKA.

WSKA 2019 Championships Portugal Review

The 2019 WSKA World Championships were held at a brand new Sports Hall in the municipality of Odivelas, in the suburbs of the beautiful city of Lisbon, Portugal.

With 750 entries from 25 countries from all over the world, the expectations were high for three days of top class competition and they did not disappoint. This was an exciting event which demonstrated the highest standards of traditional Shotokan karate.

Guest of honour Paulo Cesar, responsible for Sports in the City Council, thanked WSKA for choosing Portugal, as well as everyone involved in the competition. Jose Ferreira, President of Liga Portuguesa De Karate Do Shotokan (LPKS), and Richard Poole, President of WSKA opened the tournament by greeting the competitors and supporters, as well as thanking the hosting team for their magnificent achievement in organising such a successful championships.

As always, the Portuguese team created a fantastic atmosphere supported by a large and enthusiastic crowd over the three days of the event.

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

Unfortunately, due to ill health, the Director of Administration had to stand down. In his place, Antonio Duran Fernandez from Spain was nominated and elected to the post. Congress confirmed the appointment of Leslie Jensen to the position as Director of Finance. 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 in Liverpool, England on the 25-26 September, 2021.

WSKA 2017 Championships an outstanding success

Karateka from all around the world travelled to Treviso, Italy for the World Shotokan Karate-Do Association (WSKA) Championships.

With over 750 entries from 27 countries, this prestigious three-day Tournament lived up to all expectations with ‘world class’ competitors producing Karate performances of the highest technical standard.

Sensei Hiroshi Shirai, 10^th Dan, was the guest of honour along with Istituto Shotokan Italia President Rino Campini and Ofelio Michielan, the founder of Ren Bu Kan, Treviso. The president of FIKTA Prof. Gabriele Achilli and Giovanni Manildo, the Mayor of Treviso were also in attendance. 

The hosts, Italy, did an excellent job of both promoting and reporting on the tournament with interviews, videos and social media.  This created a fantastic atmosphere generated by a very large and enthusiastic crowd over the three days of the event.

Prior to the tournament, there was a meeting of Congress where the full WSKA Executive Board was re-elected unanimously.  Announcing the appointment of several new positions, Richard Poole (WSKA President) signaled the intention of the organisation to direct more energy and resources towards expanding WSKA on the international stage.

We are now looking forward to the next WSKA Championships which will be held in Portugal 20-22 September, 2019.