The 2026 Karate One Series A in A Coruña brought three days of intense international karate to northern Spain, confirming once again the growing depth, reach and competitiveness of the WKF circuit. Held from April 24 to 26 at the Palacio de Deportes de Riazor, the tournament was the second stop of the 2026 Karate One Series A season, following the opening event in Tbilisi, Georgia, and preceding the later stages in Guadalajara, Mexico, and Salzburg, Austria.
With more than 1,200 athletes from over 80 countries registered, A Coruña became a meeting point for established international competitors, rising talents and national teams looking to strengthen their standing in the WKF World Ranking. The size of the entry list was another clear sign of how important the Series A circuit has become for athletes outside the more selective Premier League format. While Premier League events gather the absolute elite, Series A offers a broader but still highly demanding international platform where athletes can test themselves against world-class opposition.
For Spain, the tournament also represented another opportunity to underline its position as one of Europe’s major karate hosts. The country has repeatedly staged high-level WKF competitions, including Youth League, Series A, Premier League, European Championship and World Championship events. A Coruña itself had already welcomed a major WKF event in 2024 when it hosted a Karate One Youth League tournament, and the return of international karate to Galicia showed the continued trust placed in the local organisation.
A Series A event with ranking pressure and open opportunity
The Karate One Series A is built around opportunity, but there is nothing easy about the level of competition. The format is open in the sense that athletes may register as long as category limits are not exceeded, but once the draw begins, the pathway is unforgiving. The official event bulletin stated that kumite categories were limited to 96 athletes, while kata categories were limited to 128 entries. Competitors in individual categories also earned WKF ranking points according to the official ranking regulations.
That combination gives Series A events their particular character. They are both developmental and elite. They are a place where younger athletes can take the next step, but also where experienced karatekas must defend their status against an ambitious global field. Every bout matters, not only because of the podium, but because ranking movement can affect future invitations, seeding and long-term career planning.
The competition categories in A Coruña followed the Senior World Championship structure, with female kumite at -50kg, -55kg, -61kg, -68kg and +68kg, male kumite at -60kg, -67kg, -75kg, -84kg and +84kg, as well as individual kata and team kata for both men and women.
Galicia welcomes karate’s global family
The Palacio de Deportes de Riazor provided the setting for the event, placing the tournament in one of A Coruña’s recognised sporting venues. The official bulletin highlighted A Coruña as a city committed to sport, with strong facilities and a cultural and gastronomic setting for visitors. For the athletes and delegations travelling from across the world, the tournament was therefore not only a competitive assignment but also part of a wider international sporting experience.
The event also benefited from accessibility for supporters. According to the official bulletin, no tickets were required for spectators, meaning free access for fans attending the competition. The full event was also available through the WKF YouTube channel, giving the global karate audience the possibility to follow eliminations, repechages, medal matches and finals live.
On social media, the event was presented as another major step for the Series A season. WKF channels promoted A Coruña as a global stage, highlighting more than 1,200 athletes and 83 nations gathered for a weekend of high-intensity karate.
Day 1: Kata excellence and heavyweight kumite drama
The opening day focused on male and female individual kata, female kumite +68kg and male kumite +84kg. It was a fitting start to the weekend, combining the technical precision of kata with the explosive physicality of the heaviest kumite divisions.
In female kumite +68kg, Fatma Ygur of Türkiye claimed the gold medal after a hard-fought 8-6 victory over Zera Jade Ozserttas of France. The final developed into one of the most entertaining medal bouts of the first day, with both athletes willing to attack and the scoreboard remaining active until the closing stages. Ygur’s ability to stay composed under pressure proved decisive. In a category where momentum can shift quickly, she found the scoring actions she needed and protected her advantage when the match entered its decisive moments.
The male kumite +84kg title went to Giovani Felipin Salgado of Brazil, who defeated Türkiye’s Furkan Kadir Genc 4-1 in the final. Salgado’s performance was one of control rather than chaos. He dictated distance, avoided unnecessary exchanges and forced his opponent to chase the match. In heavyweight kumite, where one committed action can change everything, his discipline stood out. The Brazilian showed patience, defensive awareness and the ability to convert key openings into points.
The kata finals gave Japan a brilliant start to the tournament. In female kata, Sasara Eguchi defeated compatriot Aira Minamoto 4-1 in an all-Japanese final. The result underlined Japan’s continued strength in kata, where technical detail, rhythm, breathing, focus and overall presentation are judged at the highest level. Eguchi impressed with a performance that combined sharp execution and maturity, while Minamoto’s silver medal confirmed the depth of Japanese quality in the category.
In male kata, Sena Monoi of Japan won gold after edging Türkiye’s Emre Vefa Goktas by a narrow 3-2 margin. It was one of the closest finals of the day, and the split decision reflected how little separated the two athletes. Monoi’s victory gave Japan a second individual kata title on the opening day, while Goktas’ silver medal added to Türkiye’s strong start in the event.
By the end of Friday, four champions had been crowned and the tournament had already delivered the balance that makes Series A competitions so compelling: established karate nations, ambitious challengers, close finals and a strong spread of medals across continents.
Day 2: Ukraine and Türkiye make their mark
The second competition day expanded the medal picture, with titles decided in female kumite -50kg and -55kg, male kumite -60kg and -67kg, as well as female and male team kata. If the opening day belonged largely to Japan in kata and to individual standouts in kumite, Saturday became a day of tactical discipline, national momentum and tight margins.
Hira Nur Temizel of Türkiye won the female kumite -50kg category after defeating Spain’s Insaf Bentama-Serroukh Jebari 5-3 in the final. For the host nation, Bentama-Serroukh Jebari’s place in the final gave the crowd a strong local storyline, but Temizel managed the occasion with impressive maturity. She combined quick entries with controlled defensive reactions, scoring when openings appeared and limiting the Spanish athlete’s opportunities to turn the match.
In female kumite -55kg, Oleksandra Hulavska of Ukraine won gold after a narrow 1-0 victory over Egypt’s Menatalah Elhawary. It was a final defined by patience and tactical control rather than volume. Hulavska secured the decisive point and then defended the advantage through distance management and timing. In a category where speed and precision are essential, her ability to make one scoring action count was enough to decide the title.
Kazakhstan celebrated gold in male kumite -60kg through Dinmukhamed Aidarbek, who defeated Türkiye’s Mert Halici 5-2. Aidarbek started strongly, established a lead and then controlled the rhythm of the contest. His victory was another sign of the growing strength of Central Asian karate on the WKF circuit. Kazakhstan has increasingly produced athletes capable of challenging deep into international draws, and Aidarbek’s performance in A Coruña added another important result.
One of the most notable victories of the weekend came in male kumite -67kg, where Ukraine’s Illia Hrynenko defeated Japan’s Taiki Kataoka after a 4-4 final decided by tie-breaking criteria. The match was fast, balanced and tense, with both competitors producing scoring actions. Hrynenko’s ability to secure the decisive advantage under the rules gave Ukraine its second gold of the day. WKF-related social media attention also highlighted Hrynenko’s achievement as especially remarkable because of his young age, with posts celebrating his gold medal at just 18 years old.
The team kata events added another layer to Saturday’s action. Portugal produced a commanding performance to win female team kata gold with a 5-0 victory over Türkiye. The Portuguese team impressed with synchronization, technical unity and confident execution. In team kata, success depends not only on individual skill but on collective timing, rhythm and shared presentation. Portugal’s performance left little doubt in the final.
Türkiye responded in male team kata, defeating France 3-2 in a close contest. The final reflected the technical quality of both teams, but Türkiye gained the slight edge required to secure gold. With medals in both kumite and kata across the day, Türkiye again showed why it remains one of the most consistent and versatile nations in WKF competition.
Ukraine’s success stands out in A Coruña
Among the strongest storylines of the weekend was Ukraine’s success on Day 2. Oleksandra Hulavska’s gold in female kumite -55kg and Illia Hrynenko’s title in male kumite -67kg gave Ukraine two major victories in highly competitive divisions.
Both gold medals came in very different types of finals. Hulavska’s 1-0 win over Menatalah Elhawary was about control, patience and tactical discipline. Hrynenko’s 4-4 victory over Taiki Kataoka was more open, with exchanges throughout and the result decided by fine margins. Together, those performances demonstrated the range within Ukraine’s team: the ability to win a low-scoring tactical battle and the ability to survive a high-pressure contest against a Japanese opponent.
For Hrynenko, the result was especially significant. Winning a Series A title at 18 years old in the male -67kg division is a major statement. That category is traditionally one of the fastest and deepest in kumite, demanding a combination of speed, timing, defensive reflexes and tactical maturity. His gold medal in A Coruña suggested not only current form, but also strong future potential.
Ukraine’s performance also added emotional weight to the event. In recent years, Ukrainian athletes have continued to compete internationally under challenging circumstances, and results like those in A Coruña carry significance beyond the podium. Hulavska and Hrynenko delivered not symbolic participation, but elite-level victories against strong global opposition.
Day 3: Final titles and rising names
The final day of competition brought four more kumite titles, closing the tournament with female -61kg and -68kg and male -75kg and -84kg. As is often the case in Series A, the last day showed how narrow the margins are at this level. Some finals were decided by tactical control and small leads, while others developed into high-scoring contests.
In female kumite -61kg, Anna Rodina, competing under WKF-1 designation, defeated Ashley Kakiay of the Netherlands 9-6. Rodina took control early and managed the pace well, combining scoring activity with enough defensive stability to keep Kakiay from completing a comeback. The final was open and competitive, but Rodina’s consistency across the bout made the difference.
The female kumite -68kg title went to Behije Mustafa of Kosovo, who defeated Egypt’s Jana Hazem Elsayed 14-6. It was one of the clearest final victories of the weekend. Mustafa’s attacking sharpness and ability to build a wide lead gave her control of the match from the early stages. Kosovo has become an increasingly visible presence in international karate, and Mustafa’s gold in A Coruña was another strong result for the country.
In male kumite -75kg, Hiroki Araki of Japan defeated Timofei Leontev, competing under WKF-1 designation, by 4-2. The match was more measured than many of the weekend’s higher-scoring finals. Araki’s success came through timing and composure, finding the right moments to score and then defending the lead in the closing stages. Japan is most commonly associated with kata dominance, but Araki’s gold was a reminder of the country’s ability to compete at the highest level in kumite as well.
The male kumite -84kg final was decided by the smallest margin. Ruben Dario Henao Amu of Colombia defeated Mexico’s Jesus Francisco Moreno Bautista 2-1. It was a tense and tactical contest, with both athletes aware that a single mistake could decide the title. Henao Amu’s ability to hold a narrow advantage to the end gave Colombia a valuable Series A gold medal and added South American success to the tournament’s global medal spread.
A tournament defined by international balance
One of the strongest impressions from A Coruña was the geographical spread of success. Gold medals went to athletes and teams from Türkiye, Brazil, Japan, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Portugal, Kosovo, Colombia and WKF-1 representation. Silver medals included France, Türkiye, Egypt, Japan, Spain, the Netherlands and Mexico. That diversity is precisely what the Karate One Series A is designed to promote.
The tournament showed that karate’s competitive map is no longer dominated by only a small group of nations. Traditional powers remain strong, but new and emerging forces are increasingly capable of winning major categories. Brazil’s success in male +84kg, Kazakhstan’s gold in male -60kg, Colombia’s victory in male -84kg and Kosovo’s title in female -68kg all contributed to a broader international picture.
At the same time, Japan’s continued kata excellence was impossible to ignore. Sasara Eguchi and Sena Monoi won both individual kata titles, while Japanese athletes also appeared in decisive kumite matches, including Taiki Kataoka’s silver in male -67kg and Hiroki Araki’s gold in male -75kg. Japan remains a reference point in technical standards, but A Coruña also showed that the global field is ready to challenge in every division.
Türkiye was another standout nation across the weekend. Fatma Ygur, Hira Nur Temizel and the male team kata squad all won gold, while Turkish athletes and teams also reached several finals. Türkiye’s strength lies in its breadth. It is competitive in kumite, individual kata and team kata, and A Coruña once again confirmed its role as one of the most consistent karate nations on the WKF circuit.
The importance of live coverage and digital reach
The availability of live coverage through the WKF YouTube channel added another important dimension to the event. For a global sport like karate, streaming is no longer just a service for fans; it is a key part of the sport’s development. Families, clubs, coaches, national federations and supporters around the world can follow athletes in real time, even when the event takes place thousands of kilometres away.
For younger competitors, that visibility matters. A strong performance in a Series A event can now be seen instantly by a global audience. Coaches can analyse bouts, national teams can follow rivals, and clubs can share their athletes’ achievements across social media. WKF also used digital platforms actively throughout the event, with social posts promoting the competition, daily action and medal moments.
This connection between live streaming, social media and international competition helps build the profile of athletes who may not yet be household names in the wider karate community. Events like A Coruña are where future Premier League contenders and championship medallists often first make a broader impression.
Spain’s role as a reliable WKF host
Spain’s experience as a karate host was once again visible in A Coruña. The country has repeatedly staged major WKF and EKF events, and the 2026 Series A tournament added to that record. The official organisation included the Royal Spanish Karate Federation, local organising structures and the WKF event framework, with the bulletin detailing registration, weigh-in, coach meetings, referee briefings, competition programme, venue information and safe sport procedures.
The use of Palacio de Deportes de Riazor, free spectator access and international streaming created an event that was both athlete-focused and accessible. For visiting delegations, clear logistics are essential. For fans, the ability to attend without tickets and follow the event online helped widen the impact of the competition.
A Coruña’s position in Galicia also gave the event a distinctive identity. It was not simply another tournament in a major capital city, but a showcase for karate in northern Spain. That matters for the sport’s growth, as major events distributed across different regions can inspire clubs, young athletes and local communities beyond the traditional centres.
The road continues to Guadalajara and Salzburg
After A Coruña, the Karate One Series A season continues to Guadalajara, Mexico, in July, before moving to Salzburg, Austria, in October. Those events will now carry added significance after the results in Spain. Athletes who won gold in A Coruña will look to confirm their momentum, while silver and bronze medallists will aim to convert near misses into titles.
For many competitors, the Series A calendar is a strategic pathway. Ranking points, international experience and match volume all matter. A single medal can improve confidence, but consistent performance across multiple events is what builds a season. A Coruña therefore served both as a destination and as a stepping stone.
The results also give national teams valuable information. Coaches can assess which athletes are ready for higher-level assignments, which tactical patterns are working, and where adjustments are needed before continental and world-level events. In that sense, Series A is not only about medals. It is also about preparation, evaluation and long-term development.
A Coruña delivers on scale and quality
The 2026 Karate One Series A in A Coruña delivered exactly what the circuit promises: large fields, international diversity, ranking relevance and high-level competition across kata and kumite. From Japan’s kata golds on the opening day to Ukraine’s standout success on Saturday and the global spread of champions on Sunday, the tournament showed the strength of karate’s competitive structure.
It was also a reminder that Series A events are often where the future of the sport becomes visible. Young athletes, developing nations and established contenders all share the same tatami. The result is a demanding environment where reputation counts for little once the match begins.
A Coruña welcomed that global karate community and gave it a stage worthy of the occasion. For three days, the northern Spanish city became one of the most important places in world karate. When the final medals had been awarded, the message was clear: the 2026 Series A season is gaining momentum, and the battle for ranking points, recognition and international progress is only just beginning.
All You Need to Know About Karate One Series A in A Coruña – WKF
2026 Karate One – Series A A Coruña – WKF
Watch Karate One Series A in A Coruña LIVE! – WKF
Four Champions Crowned on a Thrilling Opening Day of Karate One Series A in A Coruña – WKF
Karatekas from Ukraine and Turkiye Prevail on Day 2 of Karate One Series A in A Coruña – WKF
Karate One Series A in A Coruña Ends with Strong Global Turnout – WKF
The Karate One Series A continues its… – World Karate Federation | Facebook
Türkiye tops Karate 1 Series A standings with 9 medals in Spain – Türkiye Today
Karate One Premier League Leshan 2026 in China.
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