The 2025 European Shotokan Karate-Do Association (ESKA) Championships took place over the weekend of 28-30th November in the coastal city of Portimão, Portugal, where athletes from across Europe gathered to compete at the highest level of Shobu Ippon Karate.
This year saw 22 teams in attendance and 650 total entries and over three days, competitors showcased outstanding skill, precision, and spirit across all age categories.

The 38th ESKA Championships were held at the Portimão Arena, an excellent venue for an event of this scale. The programme featured individual and team events across Kata and Kumite and strong representation Youths through to Veterans. Throughout the weekend, athletes delivered disciplined, committed performances that captured the essence of traditional Shobu Ippon karate: clarity, timing, and decisive techniques.

We were honoured to welcome several distinguished guests, including the ESKA Honorary Vice President; José Ferreira, President of LPKS; José Chagas, Vice President of the Portuguese branch of the Portuguese National Karate Federation; and Susana Pires, Head of the Portimão Council’s Sport and Youth Division. The opening ceremony was marked by a moving performance of the national anthem by recording artist Eunice Boachat.

During the ESKA congress a minutes silence was observed to honour the memory of Ilya Gouliev, former Vice President of ESKA and a great supporter of both Shobu Ippon Karate and ESKA, who passed away earlier this year.

Reflecting on the event, ESKA President Richard Poole said:
“These championships showed the very best of European Shotokan Karate. The standard was exceptionally high, and the spirit demonstrated by our competitors reminds us why Shobu Ippon karate continues to thrive. My thanks go to all athletes, coaches, officials, and organisers whose dedication upholds the values we share across Europe.”

ESKA extends its sincere gratitude to organisers João Paula, Tiago Paula, and Rafael Alexandre, whose professionalism and tireless work ensured the smooth and efficient running of the championship. Their efforts, together with those of the referees, officials, volunteers, and support teams, upheld the high standards expected of this event.

Once again, the championship demonstrated why Shobu Ippon karate continues to inspire generations of practitioners: its emphasis on spirit, respect, and the pursuit of excellence.

Congratulations to all competitors, especially those who achieved medal success. Your commitment and discipline continue to elevate the standard of Shotokan karate across Europe.