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.  

 

Heart Cup 2022

5th Edition Heart Cup

30th April - 1st May 2022

Treviso, Italy

Full Information available on the Website - https://www.heartcupkarate.com/

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.