Gold at the 14th SKDUN European Shotokan Karate Championship Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy | April 4–6, 2025
- J.L
- Apr 8
- 2 min read
From April 4th to 6th, 2025, the picturesque town of Lignano Sabbiadoro, located near Venice in Italy, hosted the 14th SKDUN European Shotokan Karate Championship and the 14th European Shotokan Cup. The event brought together 1,250 competitors from 25 countries. I had the honor of representing Sport Karate Coalition, both in individual kumite and in the team kumite category.
After arriving in Italy, I joined the national team of Poland, coordinated by Tomasz Byjos – to whom I’d like to extend my sincere gratitude for making it possible for me to compete under the Polish flag and experience the unforgettable moment of hearing our national anthem from the top of the podium.
Competition Structure
As is tradition, the first day of the championship was reserved for document and weight checks. My competitive events were scheduled for the first official day of matches, which allowed me to fully focus early on and later enjoy some sightseeing in Venice.
Individual & Team Performance
In the individual kumite category, I faced a tough opponent from Lithuania and unfortunately lost in the first round. Defeat is an inevitable part of sport, and it’s essential to quickly analyze and understand what led to it, take lessons from the experience, and turn it into strength for the future.
The team kumite event, however, turned out to be an extraordinary success. Alongside my teammates Krzysztof Chałupka (IKA POLAND) and Marcin Jasiński (KLUB SHOTOKAN KARATE RONIN), we fought our way to the gold medal, defeating strong national teams from Latvia and Lithuania. Personally, I was proud to secure full points in both of my bouts, contributing to our team’s victory.
Post-Competition Reflections
After the competition, Krzysztof and I took the opportunity to visit Venice, where we explored the island and enjoyed traditional Italian cuisine. Although I’ve visited Venice several times before, it’s a city I always return to with great joy.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of victory or defeat, the most important takeaway from such events is the experience gained. Each tournament helps build character, sharpens skills, and strengthens the mind. I also had the chance to reconnect with many fellow karateka, exchange stories, and share knowledge – something truly priceless in our martial arts journey.
In closing, I’d like to once again thank Tomasz Byjos and the SKDUN Poland team. Thanks to their support, I was able to stand proudly among Poland’s national representatives and experience the unforgettable pride of hearing our national anthem while receiving the European Championship gold medal.
MASSIVE congratulations Sensei Jacek and to all Polish Senseis for leading our country once again to the top of the podium. 🫶🫶🫶
Congratulations sensei Jacek