From September 5–7, 2025, Salzburg hosted the third stage of the year’s Karate 1-Series A — one of the most popular events on the WKF calendar. Over three days, the Sporthalle Alpenstraße filled with top athletes, rising stars, and engaged coaches from across the globe. Fans worldwide could follow the action on WKF’s YouTube channels, where Sunday’s finals were streamed tatami by tatami.
What is Series A?
Karate 1-Series A serves as a bridge between national elite competitions and the Premier League stage. The system is open to competitors from all WKF federations, but capped at 96 athletes per kumite category and 128 per kata category. The format mirrors the senior World Championships’ categories (except for team kumite). Many future stars have claimed their first major international medals here.
Strict rules for coaches and gear
WKF rules require all coaches to hold an “Accredited Coach” license. Athletes must compete in WKF-approved karategi with red or blue shoulder embroidery and wear only approved protective gear. These standards help maintain professionalism and safety.
Day by Day in Salzburg
Friday: Italian finesse, Japanese precision, Ukrainian strength
The opening day showcased the depth of the field. Italy demonstrated sharp kumite skills, Japan impressed with precise kata, and Ukraine produced several standout performances, particularly in men’s kumite where younger fighters toppled established names.
Saturday: Rising stars make their mark
Day two carried the headline “Rising talents shine” — and it proved true. Younger athletes from Central/Eastern Europe and Latin America pushed their way into medal contention. The Series A once again confirmed its role as a proving ground for the sport’s next generation.
Sunday: Japanese finish in style
Final day glory went largely to Japan, which closed the weekend with polished kata and decisive kumite wins. The strong Japanese finish offered a glimpse of what to expect at Premier League level and the upcoming World Championships.
Results Overview
Women’s Kumite
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–50 kg: Shara Hubrich (GER) gold, Ema Sgardelli (CRO) silver. Bronze: Chung Ya-Chi & Chan Hsin-Yu (TPE).
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–55 kg: Ivet Goranova (BUL) gold, Rina Kodo (JPN) silver. Bronze: Nina Kvasnicova (SVK) & Kseniya Dronchanka (POL).
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–61 kg: Maryam Ajaray (BEL) gold, Aizhan Bakirova (KAZ) silver. Bronze: Hillary Jennifer Zameto (FRA) & Barbara Huaiquiman (CHI).
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–68 kg: Pamela Bodei (ITA) gold, Sadea Bećirović (CRO) silver. Bronze: Thalya Sombe (FRA) & Alisa Buchinger (AUT).
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+68 kg: Johanna Kneer (GER) gold, Ophelie Mulolo (BEL) silver. Bronze: Fatma Uygur (TUR) & AIN-1.
Men’s Kumite
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–60 kg: Nuri Kılıç (TUR) gold, Burak Ozdemir (TUR) silver. Bronze: Juan Camilo Fernandez Diaz (COL) & Rayyan Meziane (FRA).
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–67 kg: Pak Hnat (UKR) gold, Conor O’Sullivan (IRL) silver. Bronze: Tomas Freire Fuentes (CHI) & Uta Poniava (GEO).
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–75 kg: Quentin Mahauden (BEL) gold, Daniele De Vivo (ITA) silver. Bronze: Askar Sapargaliyev (KAZ) & Oleh Pashchenko (UKR).
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–84 kg: Brian Timmermans (NED) gold, Luka Vasadze (GEO) silver. Bronze: Fabian Huaiquiman (CHI) & Nikita Tarnakin (KAZ).
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+84 kg: Rizvan Talibov (UKR) gold, Ondrej Bosak (CZE) silver. Bronze: Eduard Sagilyan (USA) & Sam Hamza (FRA).
Kata
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Women’s Kata: Valentina Zapata Machado (COL) gold, Taily Helvetia (FRA) silver. Bronze: Carola Casale (ITA) & Keyda Nur Colak (TUR).
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Men’s Kata: Ariel Torres Gutierrez (USA) gold, Eiji Otsuki (JPN) silver. Bronze: Raul Martin Romero (ESP) & Yuki Ujihara (SUI).
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Women’s Team Kata: Kokushikan University (JPN) gold, Portugal silver. Bronze: Olympic Marbella (ESP) & ASD Master Rapid SKF CBL (ITA).
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Men’s Team Kata: Montenegro gold, İBB Spor Kulübü (TUR) silver. Bronze: Bavarian Karate Federation (GER) & Colombia.
Analysis – Salzburg in Review
The 2025 Karate 1-Series A in Salzburg delivered exactly what the circuit is designed for: a mix of seasoned champions and emerging athletes proving their place on the global stage. WKF’s daily recaps summed it up neatly — Italy, Japan and Ukraine leading the way on Friday, newcomers breaking through on Saturday, and a Japanese flourish on Sunday.
For Europe, Germany, Belgium, and Italy confirmed their strength in women’s kumite, while Ukraine impressed strongly in men’s divisions. In kata, Japan once again set the benchmark.
The Salzburg event also highlighted Series A’s crucial role in talent development. Many young athletes gained invaluable international experience here — and several are poised to step up to Premier League competitions and future World Championships.
All You Need to Know About Karate 1-Series A Salzburg – WKF
Athletes from Italy, Japan, and Ukraine Shine on Opening Day of Karate 1-Series A in Salzburg – WKF
Rising Karate Talents Shine on Day Two of Karate 1-Series A in Salzburg – WKF
Japanese Karatekas Shine on Final Day of Karate 1-Series A in Salzburg – WKF
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