WKC European Karate Championships – Timisoara, Romania | October 3–5, 2025

As with every tournament, it’s time for reflection and summary. Our club, Sport Karate Coalition, proudly fielded a team of five athletes for the WKC European Championships in Timisoara. I had the unique role of being both a coach and a competitor at this event.

Deciding to take part wasn’t easy—just two weeks earlier we had competed at the WUMF World Championships, so our team was still feeling the effects of that intense experience. We were fully aware that this event would be challenging, not only due to fatigue but also due to the high level of competition. Still, we saw it as a valuable opportunity for growth and experience.

Day One – Arrival and Preparation

Our journey began with a 2 hour and 40 minute flight from London to Timisoara. Upon arrival, we went straight into the technical check-in process: document verification, weigh-ins, and payment of registration fees. After that, we settled into our hotel and ended the day with dinner and some well-deserved rest. After the intense training and recent competitions, everyone was eager to recharge.

Day Two – Sightseeing and Acclimatization

The next day was dedicated to acclimatization and exploring the city. Timisoara is a beautiful, historic place, and we enjoyed a visit to its charming old town with its many attractions. Although the weather wasn’t ideal, we managed to take some memorable photos before heading back to the hotel to prepare mentally and physically for the competition ahead.

Day Three – Competition Day and Medals Earned

Competition day brought a wave of emotions—for both the athletes and the coach. Our team competed in individual kata, individual kumite, and team kata events. The results spoke for themselves:
🏅 3 Gold Medals,🥈 1 Silver Medal,🥉 3 Bronze Medals
We were incredibly proud of our athletes. Everyone gave their absolute best, and the performances reflected their hard work and dedication. After the competition, we returned to the hotel exhausted but extremely satisfied.

Day Four – Early Departure and Journey Home
The final day of our trip began very early—with a 3:00 AM wake-up call, followed by a quick checkout and transfer to the airport. We boarded our flight back to London, tired but content. The trip had come to an end, but the memories and lessons learned would stay with us.

Reflection – Growth, Experience, and Gratitude

The event was exceptionally well-organized, both from a sporting and logistical perspective. The competition categories were packed, and the level of performance across the board was impressively high. While we know there was potential to achieve even more, we firmly believe we did our absolute best under the circumstances.I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Bill Hair for the opportunity to participate, as well as to the entire WKC organizing committee and the judges for running a smooth and professional tournament.
This event also gave us a chance to reconnect with old friends in the karate world and to exchange ideas with fellow coaches. These discussions—about training, competition, and the values of martial arts—are an invaluable part of every international event.On a personal level, I appreciated having the time to talk with my students about a variety of topics—not just karate. These conversations strengthen the bond within our team and help build a supportive environment both on and off the tatami.

Looking Ahead – WKC World Championships 2026

We’re already looking forward to the WKC World Championships, set to take place next year in Belgrade, Serbia. One thing is certain: we’ll be there—ready to compete, learn, and grow even more.
In the meantime, we’ve returned home safe, healthy, and motivated—grateful for this experience and everything it brought us.