Gold at the 14th SKDUN European Shotokan Karate Championship Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy | April 4–6, 2025
Apr 8, 2025
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.JACEK LIPINSKI JACEK LIPINSKI JACEK LIPINSKI
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.JACEK LIPINSKI JACEK LIPINSKI JACEK LIPINSKI
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.JACEK LIPINSKI
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.JACEK LIPINSKI JACEK LIPINSKI JACEK LIPINSKI
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.
Italy must have been nice! But it looked like a serious and formal competition and hope u guys did well
Congratulations on your success!You did a great job.It was a great championship.Good luck in the future!
Well done sensei. I am proud to be one of your students. Your passion and dedication is recognised from all the competition you have been on. You are the best example to everyone who wants to follow a karate career.
Serdeczne gratulacje za zdobycie złotego medalu. To wspaniały dowód na to, że ciężka praca przynosi efekty. Takie osiągnięcia motywują innych do systematycznych treningów. Życzę kolejnych sukcesów na międzynarodowych zawodach.
Congratulations Sensei Yacek. I hope you had a good time at the competition and in Venice.Congratulatoins to the other Senseis.Congratulatoins on winning!