Final Day – Junior Kumite Showdown 🇬🇧🥋

Sunday marked the final day of the WUKF World Championships, with our youngest squad members – the 13 years and under – taking to the mats for team and individual kumite. It was the last chance to show just how hard they’d trained, and they didn’t disappoint.

Fuelled by the frustrations of Saturday’s kata results, our juniors came out ready to fight. The seniors did a brilliant job getting them warmed up and mentally prepared – showing the spirit and unity that defines our team.

From 9:00am sharp, our three coaches didn’t sit down until the final match wrapped at 1:00pm – sprinting from mat to mat to support every fight, expertly guided by our amazing ‘eye in the sky’ tech team, Cherie and Stacey. Without them, we’d never have made it to every fight in time – thank you!

🥋 Individual Highlights:

First up – Hannah 🇬🇧

Up against Poland, Hannah fought well, and narrowly lost 3-3 on a hantei (referee’s decision) – an unlucky and unfortunate start. But Hannah is one to watch for the future. Only an 8th Kyu and with a short time competing, we’re sure she’ll be on the medal podium soon!

Next up – Jacob  🇬🇧

Our youngest competitor, only 8, and like his sister Hannah also new to competition! Jacob fought steadily, listened well, and thought through his fight but narrowly lost. A bright future ahead too!

Lawrence & Frank 🇬🇧

In the Boys 10yrs category, both came in determined to make their mark. After just missing out in kata the day before, Frank was especially motivated. Both fought with discipline and drive, progressing through two rounds each… until they had to face one another in the semi-final – never an ideal scenario. They showed outstanding sportsmanship, with Frank edging the bout and heading into the final against a strong Romanian opponent.

Frank entered the final focused and ready. Sticking to his game plan, he controlled the fight and secured a dominant win, earning him Gold and the incredible title of World Champion 2025, having already become European Champion 2024. A phenomenal achievement!

Lawrence, also an 8th Kyu with under 18 months of karate under his belt, impressed everyone with his skill and maturity – a star in the making!

Harry 🇬🇧

Spurred on by Lawrence and Frank’s medals, Harry hit the best form of the season. He stepped onto the mat with a confidence and assertiveness he’s sometimes lacked. Winning round one comfortably – even with an unawarded ippon – he then faced a strong Welsh competitor he’d never beaten before. Maintaining his composure, Harry finally took the win, putting him just one fight away from a medal. Unfortunately, the Scottish opponent on the day was stronger, and Harry lost 4-1 to the eventual silver medallist. A great performance and a 5th-place finish to be proud of!

Zac 🇬🇧

In the same division, Zac came up against a strong South African and fought well, claiming two excellent points. The match ended 4-2 to the South African – well done, Zac!

Lawand 🇬🇧

Spurred on by disappointment from the previous two days and keen to defend his previous silver, Lawand came in determined. He won his first round comfortably, but the second didn’t go to plan – narrowly losing 2-1 to a good fighter from Brazil who went on to claim silver. A solid showing, but not his year this time.

Leah 🇬🇧

In her first major competition, Leah stepped up and started assertively, scoring early to claim the first points. Unfortunately, her more experienced opponent came back to win. Well done, Leah, for competing with such composure.

Harriet & Aleeza 🇬🇧

Next, Harriet and Aleeza stepped up in a big 11–12yrs division. Harriet was up first, fought well – possibly a bit nervously – and rallied after losing the first point to get on the board, but ultimately lost 4-1.

Aleeza followed, determined to add to her medals from earlier in the week. She performed well, but also lost 4-1.

James & Ali 🇬🇧

Both fought well in the mini-cadet division, but on this occasion, a lack of experience got the better of them. Their movement and execution weren’t quite as free and fast as we know they’re capable of. But both have a bright future ahead and are sure to reach the podium if they keep working hard.

Llau’rent 🇬🇧

Our final individual fighter of the day, Llau’rent stepped up confidently in a large division of 38! In a very physical and determined match against an American, he was unfortunately disqualified for excessive contact – both fighters were on final warnings. It was an unfortunate finish, but Llau’rent showed excellent determination and skill and is a very talented fighter who will surely reach the podium in future with continued hard work.

🤝 Team Events:

Frank’s Team – 🥉 Bronze

Coming together with their association teammates, all our team fighters performed brilliantly. Frank’s team progressed strongly and claimed a well-earned bronze medal.

Girls 11–12yrs Team – Harriet, Hannah & Aleeza

Also fought well, reaching the quarter-finals before being stopped by a much taller and very strong American team – the eventual winners.

🏆 Final Medal Tally – Dokan England:

• 🥇 7 Gold

• 🥈 13 Silver

• 🥉 9 Bronze

  
  

  ➡️ 10th in the world overall – an outstanding result for a small association like ours, standing proudly among much larger national federations.

  
  

Looking at the silver medal tally alone, it’s clear that with a bit more luck we could have finished even higher on the table – but the results show just how strong the future is for Ichiban Karate and Dokan England

🙏 Thank You

A huge thank you to everyone who cheered, supported, and gave their all throughout the week – your energy was felt in every match.

Special thanks to:

• The parents, who made sure lunches were prepared each day and kept the squad going

• Our amazing senior squad, who supported and warmed up the juniors every morning

• Our coaches and tech team, who never missed a fight

• And our generous sponsors – Gapuma and Indigo Car Hire – thank you for standing behind the team. Without your support, many wouldn’t have had this opportunity.

💪 Ichiban – Small But Mighty

Ichiban is small but mighty – and only so because of the incredible teamwork and family involvement that underpins everything we do.

We work hard before competition not only in training, but also in fundraising to ensure our team members can afford to attend. Without that, and without the generous support of our sponsors, many simply couldn’t compete on this stage.

We’re not full-time coaches – we coach and teach on a voluntary basis, and with the help of our wider team we organise travel, logistics, training, and support. It’s a lot of work… but seeing the team enjoy every moment, grow in confidence, and succeed on and off the mats makes it all worth it.

Now it’s time to relax and explore Malmö and Copenhagen for a couple of days before heading home – and then enjoy a well-earned break before we get back to work preparing for the next challenge.

We are incredibly proud of every single one of our team. What a week. What a journey. This is just the beginning. 👊🔥