Kent Rantzow

It is with great sadness we report that Kent Rantzow, passed away following serious illness.

Despite his illness Kent continued to contribute to ESKA and WSKA both as a senior referee and a member of the referee commission.

Following a competitive kumite career spanning 10 years, Kent qualified as an ESKA referee in the 1997 and was first elected to the ESKA referee commission and later appointed to the WSKA referee commission where

his calm, understated and decisive manner was appreciated by both competitors and refereeing colleagues.

Kent was very modest about his own considerable achievements but was immensely proud when Sandy, his daughter won the WSKA senior ladies individual kata title and later qualified as an international judge to work alongside him.

Kent was held in high regard and will be greatly missed by all. Our sympathies go to his family.

Kent pictured in September 2023 with his colleagues on the WSKA Referee Commission

WSKA Championships 22-24th September 2023

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.

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.

2023 WSKA Championships

 DOWNLOAD THE BULLETIN (INFORMATION)

 

The 2023 WSKA championships will take place in Matosinhos Portugal from 21^st – 24^th September 2023.

The LPKS (Liga Portuguesa De Karate Shotokan) have hosted the 2019 WSKA championships and three previous ESKA championships with great success and look forward to welcoming WSKA members once more.

Heart Cup 2023

The Heart Cup 2023 will take place in Treviso, Italy from 04th - 05th March 2023.

More information available via the Diary Page.

WSKA 2022 Report

As the World woke up from the Coronavirus Pandemic there were times we thought this tournament might not even take place.  Even at the 11th hour, following the sad death Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II,  there was a chance that the Tournament would be halted.

After a lengthy discussion it was agreed that WSKA 2022 would, indeed, go ahead, and what a Championship it was.

The event was hosted by the Karate Union of Great Britain at the fantastic M and S Bank Arena, Liverpool, on behalf of the World Shotokan Karate-do Association. 

Guest of Honour, the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Roy Gladden, thanked WSKA for choosing the City of Liverpool, as well as commending the athletes who continued, throughout the Pandemic, to train in the Art that they love, showing immense dedication and perseverance.  

Richard Poole, President of WSKA signalled two minutes of silence in respect of the death of her Majesty the Queen.

He outlined the challenges that many national teams overcame in order to compete and commended all on their determination to participate. Richard thanked   the KUGB for their vision and courage in hosting this event in the aftermath of COVID and further thanked the organising team for their magnificent achievement in organising such a successful championships. 

With 646 entries from 24 Countries, the atmosphere was electric as the Competition continued over the weekend with competitors supported enthusiastically by a large and excited crowd.  

Prior to the tournament, there was a meeting of Congress where WSKA Executive Board members were elected. These included two new officers.

Congress confirmed the appointment of Hugo Soares as Director of Administration and Leslie Jensen to the position of Vice President. Both new officers will join the Executive Board to work towards expanding WSKA on the international stage.

We are now looking forward to the next WSKA Championships which will be held Portugal in September 2023.