Friday
Nov032023
WSKA Championships 22-24th September 2023
Friday, November 3, 2023 at 3:01AM Celebrating Tradition and Excellence in Matosinhos, Portugal
In the midst of a world recovering from recent challenges, the WSKA 2023 Championships united dedicated Karateka from our WSKA family. This event brought together the best of our members in the spirit of competition and camaraderie.Prior to the tournament, during the meeting of Congress, we bid farewell to Ted Hedlund, our retiring Technical Director and founding member of WSKA. His wealth of experience will be missed, and we express our gratitude for his contribution since 1991. Maurizio Contipelli was elected as the new Technical Director. With his extensive experience as a member of the WSKA referee commission, Maurizio is well prepared to contribute as a board member to the further expansion of WSKA on the international stage.
The Championships, hosted by Liga Portuguesa de Karate Do Shotokan at the Pavilhão Do Centro De Desportos E Congressos De Matosinhos, embodied the fundamental values of Shotokan Karate - discipline, respect, and dedication. With 680 entries and 23 Countries competing, an exciting weekend was enjoyed by all.
The tournament commenced on Friday with the Cadet Categories, where competitors aged 16-17 years set a high standard, vying for the title of WSKA Champion.
Saturday witnessed the Juniors (18-20 years) and Youths (aged 14-15 years) displaying their exceptional talents. These categories, along with the Cadets, showcased the immense talent within our organization.
The pinnacle of the Championships arrived on Sunday with the introduction of Senior competitors (aged 21 years and above). Their awe-inspiring techniques held the attention of the large and enthusiastic crowd, emphasizing the enduring passion for international Shobu Ippon competition.
The Championships, hosted by Liga Portuguesa de Karate Do Shotokan at the Pavilhão Do Centro De Desportos E Congressos De Matosinhos, embodied the fundamental values of Shotokan Karate - discipline, respect, and dedication. With 680 entries and 23 Countries competing, an exciting weekend was enjoyed by all.
The tournament commenced on Friday with the Cadet Categories, where competitors aged 16-17 years set a high standard, vying for the title of WSKA Champion.
Saturday witnessed the Juniors (18-20 years) and Youths (aged 14-15 years) displaying their exceptional talents. These categories, along with the Cadets, showcased the immense talent within our organization.
The pinnacle of the Championships arrived on Sunday with the introduction of Senior competitors (aged 21 years and above). Their awe-inspiring techniques held the attention of the large and enthusiastic crowd, emphasizing the enduring passion for international Shobu Ippon competition.
Despite the uncertainties that loomed over the world, the determination of our WSKA family shone brightly.
As we look back on the 2023 Championships, we eagerly anticipate our next gathering in Spain in September 2025 where Shotokan karate enthusiasts from around the world will unite to celebrate tradition, honour excellence, and strengthen the bonds of the WSKA community.