KUGB at the 18th WSKA Championships – San Fernando, Spain
The 18th World Shotokan Karate-do Association Championships were held in San Fernando, Spain, from 19–21 September 2025 – a demanding three-day test of spirit, skill, and stamina. The competition opened Friday with the Cadet divisions, continued Saturday with Youth and Junior categories, and culminated Sunday with the Veterans and Seniors.
San Fernando was not just a battleground of karate; it was a furnace. With daytime highs averaging around 30+ °C, the heat pressed on athletes, coaches, and officials alike, making hydration, recovery, and mental focus just as critical as technique.
As one of the few organisations in the world that continues to compete under the shobu ippon format, WSKA reflects the KUGB’s own tradition whereby bouts are decided by a single, decisive point, demanding technical precision, correct distance, and true fighting spirit. This standard keeps the essence of Shotokan competition alive – a hallmark the KUGB is proud to uphold on the world stage.
The KUGB contingent – representing England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland – gave a performance to be proud of. Although the medals fell to England this time, the other home nations also showed grit, with several competitors pushing into semi-finals, missing finals by narrow margins.
Friday – Cadets
Rojin Rafie claimed the title of Cadet Ladies Individual Kumite Champion, two years after winning the Youth event in 2023.
Evie Newman achieved a joint third place in the same category.
Megan Fox advanced to the semi-finals of the Cadet Ladies Individual Kata, narrowly missing a finals slot.
Saturday – Youth & Juniors
Jacob Hung reached the semi-finals of Youth Individual Kata, just shy of the finals.
Megan Fox returned to take Silver in Youth Ladies Individual Kata.
Mayon Jayawickrama won Silver in Youth Men’s Individual Kumite.
Grace Snowdon placed 4th in Junior Ladies Individual Kata.
The England Junior Men’s Team Kumite (Thomas Hegarty, Alexander Lockett, Jake Roberts, Luke Curnyn) engaged in a hard fought match against the Czech Republic, securing joint third place.
Sunday – Senior & Veterans
Jim Windram made the semi-finals of the Male Veterans Individual Kata.
Niall Gilligan won Bronze in Senior Men’s Individual Kumite, falling only to the eventual champion.
The England Senior Team Kumite (Cameron Graham, Ethan Armstrong, Jade Stapleton-Smith, Niall Gilligan, Bradley Barker, Alex Cockx, Thomas Hegarty) fought through to the final and claimed Silver in a tight match against the Czech Republic.
Behind every result was excellent coaching and officiating, especially under the strain of both competition and high temperatures. Our thanks go to :-
England: Sensei Frank Brennan (Head Coach), with Greg Hegarty and John Bruce
Wales: Kevin O’Neill
Northern Ireland: Terry Geddis
Scotland: Mike Smith
Referees: Sensei Jim Brennan & Simon Thompson
The KUGB congratulates all competitors – those who earned medals and those who fought valiantly through the heat – for representing the KUGB with dignity, resilience, and a true shobu ippon spirit.
