Sensei Hiroshi Shirai passed away

It is with great sadness that we report the death last night of one of the icons of Shotokan karate - Sensei Hiroshi Shirai.

Sensei Shirai 10th Dan and former JKA grand champion, founded the Istituto Shotokan Karate in Italy and heavily influenced the development of traditional Shotokan karate in Italy and much further afield.

He will be greatly missed within the karate world.

Our condolences go to his family and the many thousands of students who have been inspired by his teaching.

(the picture which shows Sensei Shirai, along with Ofelio Michielan and Richard Poole at the 2017 WSKA championships in Treviso)

The next WSKA championships is in Spain 19-21st September 2025!

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49th Fujimura Cup
11th May 2024
Wettingen, Switzerland
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ESKA European Championships
22nd - 24th November 2024
Gondomar, Portugal
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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.