36th ITKF European Traditional Karate Championship: A historic milestone for ITKF Europe

Serbia made history in the world of traditional karate by hosting the largest ITKF European Championship ever held. In Kraljevo, tradition, technique, and spirit came together in an event that reaffirmed Europe’s position as a global reference in the discipline.

By Paulo Pinto / Global Sports
Curitiba / Brazil, November 19, 2025

From October 20 to 26, 2025, the city of Kraljevo, Serbia, became the epicenter of traditional karate as it welcomed the 36th ITKF European Championship. The event brought together more than 600 athletes and registered 1,624 entries overall. Running alongside it was the 5th European Children’s and ParaKarate Open Cup, making this the largest event ever organized under ITKF Europe.

Held at the Ibar Sports Center, the championship welcomed delegations from 15 countries: Serbia, Romania, Poland, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Israel, Armenia, and Egypt (as a guest nation). The event was organized by the Serbian Traditional Karate Federation (STKF), with the support of ITKF Europe, and featured the presence of key international leaders.

Among them were Masters Dino and Eligio Contarelli (Italy), Roman Pavlovič (President of ITKF Europe), Fernando Silva (Vice President of ITKF Europe), Eyal Nir (Secretary General of ITKF Europe), Ramy El Mekawy (President of ITKF Africa), Cornel Musat (Romania), Anna Kulczynska (Poland), Manfred Schmoigl (Germany), as well as Miloš Simović (Deputy Mayor of Kraljevo) and Zoran Jakovljević, President of the Serbian Traditional Karate Federation and host of the event.

Governance and excellence in action 

The governance structure of ITKF Europe proved to be one of the event’s greatest strengths. The technical, refereeing, tournament, medical, and event committees operated in perfect coordination, each playing a decisive role in consolidating technical and administrative standards.

The Masters Course for black belts and referees elevated the standardization process and empowered new technical leaders across Europe, further strengthening the ITKF DAN certification program.

“The 36th European Championship consolidated something greater than results: it strengthened a shared culture of technical excellence, ethics, and service to Budō. Kraljevo reminded us that tradition is movement — and movement is a commitment to the next step,” said Roman Pavlovič, President of ITKF Europe.

Inclusion and a legacy of education

One of the most significant highlights of this edition was the full integration of ParaKarate into the official program, both in the European Championship and the Open Cup. The event embodied inclusion at its core, celebrating the human and technical potential of athletes with disabilities and reaffirming ITKF’s commitment to an accessible and human-centered development pathway.

The same spirit of excellence and unity was visible among the nearly 300 young athletes competing in the 5th European Open Cup, where kihon, kata, and kumite contests showcased the strength of the new generations and the organization’s dedication to comprehensive development from early childhood onward.

An event that united the continent

In his address, host Zoran Jakovljević delivered one of the most emotional speeches of the championship, emphasizing the collective effort behind its success.

“You transformed Kraljevo into the European capital of traditional karate. The energy, respect, and friendship we witnessed here show that ITKF is more than a sport — it is a community built on honor, discipline, and fraternity. I am certain that we achieved our goal together: we restored the reputation of traditional karate in Serbia and showed the world that we are a solid federation, guided by strong values and extraordinary potential.”

His message of gratitude and unity resonated throughout the arena, reinforcing the spirit of belonging that drives ITKF Global in its process of expansion and consolidation across Europe.

Building the future

At the closing of the championship, Roman Pavlovič captured the essence of this new chapter with words that echoed across the venue.“Kraljevo was more than an event — it was a rehearsal for the future. Here, we standardized criteria, trained people, and strengthened bonds. This is how a confederation grows: through the human strength that sustains it and the method that guides each step.”

With enhanced governance, technical integration, and new performance indicators, ITKF Europe leaves Serbia with a shared certainty: tradition remains alive, modern, and in motion. 

Tradition continues

With expressive results and a remarkable atmosphere of harmony among the 15 participating nations, the 36th ITKF European Traditional Karate Championship marked a new chapter in the continent’s history of the discipline.

The event not only reaffirmed the leadership of Roman Pavlovič in Europe but also strengthened the global vision of Chairman Gilberto Gaertner, who leads the international ITKF based on principles of unity, legitimacy, and human development. Kraljevo will be remembered not only as the host of a major tournament, but as a symbol of a stronger, more cohesive Europe committed to the true spirit of Budō.

Gratitude, legacy, and Jakovljević’s emotion 

With visible emotion, Zoran Jakovljević expressed his gratitude for the international response to the Championship.

“Each athlete, referee, and official who came to Kraljevo brought a spark of energy, enthusiasm, and love for traditional karate. You transformed our city into a true home of unity, respect, and the family spirit of karate.”

He highlighted the human dimension of the event. “My heart is filled with indescribable joy. Each of you gave me strength and faith to continue. Our only goal was to restore the reputation of traditional karate in Serbia and show the world that we are a solid federation grounded in values and human potential.”

Deeply moved, he concluded. “Together, we proved that karate is much more than a sport — it is community, discipline, and friendship. Our athletes were true ambassadors, inspiring everyone with courage, technique, and fair play. What we lived in Kraljevo will remain forever in our hearts as days of harmony, friendship, and strength of spirit.”

Technical excellence and romania’s dominance

Romania reaffirmed itself as the leading power in European traditional karate, winning the overall title of the 36th ITKF European Championship in Kraljevo with a significant margin in gold medals. With 22 continental titles, the team displayed excellence across all disciplines — kata, kumite, en-bu, and fuku-go — combining refined technique, tactical consistency, and strong team spirit.

The Romanian performance was overwhelming: 45 medals in total, with 22 gold, 9 silver, and 14 bronze — a result that confirms the technical supremacy of the squad led by the multi-medalist coach Cornel Musat.

Poland, which finished in second place, reaffirmed its historic strength in Europe, especially in individual and team kata. The nation once again delivered the high technical standard that has made it a pillar of the ITKF for decades. Its balanced performance — 11 gold, 14 silver and 19 bronze medals, totaling 44 — reflects the solidity of its school and the methodological rigor transmitted across generations of masters.

Armenia, in third place, delivered one of the most pleasant surprises of the tournament. With 7 gold, 9 silver and 2 bronze medals, its athletes competed with remarkable energy and fighting spirit, evidencing clear technical evolution and the consolidation of a new competitive cycle.

In fourth place, Portugal produced one of its most consistent campaigns in recent years, stepping onto the podium 19 times — with 6 gold, 5 silver and 8 bronze medals. The country demonstrated tactical maturity and organizational excellence, the result of long-term technical development led by its clubs and by the Traditional Budô Federation of Portugal.

Closing the top five, Serbia defended its pride as host with determination. With 5 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze medals, totaling 11 podiums, the home delegation reaffirmed its tradition and the strength of its foundational work, standing out particularly in kumite and team events.

The overall medal table not only highlighted Romania’s supremacy but also showcased the rise of new technical powers — a testament to the success of the standardization and technical-exchange program implemented by ITKF Global in recent years.

The level of competition was further elevated by strong performances from athletes representing Italy, Israel, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United Kingdom and Egypt. Their participation ensured a balanced and multicultural tournament, deeply aligned with the values of Budō.

More than reaffirming Romania’s dominance, the European Championship in Kraljevo revealed a landscape of growing parity among ITKF nations — confirming the impact of the integration and development strategy led by Chairman Gilberto Gaertner.

Youth talents and Poland’s continued dominance

At the 5th ITKF European Children’s Open Cup, Poland once again confirmed its continental supremacy, leading the medal table with 6 gold, 4 silver and 12 bronze medals (22 total). The young Polish athletes demonstrated outstanding discipline and technical level, reflecting the grassroots structure that has sustained the nation’s leadership in traditional karate for decades.

Romania secured second place with 5 gold, 8 silver and 3 bronze medals (16 total), reaffirming the strength of its pedagogical system and its ability to develop young athletes with solid technique and competitive spirit.

Armenia finished third, with 4 gold, 2 silver and 4 bronze medals, confirming the rise of a new generation full of energy and determination — a promising sign of continued growth.

Portugal took fourth place with 3 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze medals, showing consistency in both kata and kumite and reflecting the country’s growing investment in youth development.

Host nation Serbia closed the top five with 2 gold, 2 silver and 5 bronze medals, maintaining a strong presence on the podium and demonstrating the breadth and maturity of its formative program.

More than just numbers, the Children’s Open Cup represented the future of traditional karate — days of learning, friendship and discipline, lived under the spirit of Budō and aligned with the ITKF’s mission: to form human beings with technique, ethics and heart.

Parakarate: Poland extends its dominance

Poland reaffirmed its supremacy in European Para Karate by capturing the overall team title at the Cup held in Kraljevo.

With 6 gold, 4 silver, and 12 bronze medals — a total of 22 podium finishes — the Polish delegation once again demonstrated the strength of its inclusive program, which combines technical rigor, adapted methodology, and a strong social commitment to athletes with disabilities. Their performance reflected a well-established structure fully aligned with the international guidelines of ITKF Global.

Romania finished in second place with 5 gold, 8 silver, and 3 bronze medals (16 total). The Romanian team displayed a balanced approach, blending technical excellence with specific para karate preparation — further proof of the country’s continuous progress across all competitive fronts.

Armenia secured third place, earning 4 gold, 2 silver, and 4 bronze medals (10 total). The Armenian delegation maintained the high standard shown throughout the event, combining tactical evolution with strong competitive energy.

Portugal claimed fourth place with 3 gold, 3 silver, and 3 bronze medals (9 total). The Portuguese performance reflects the steady growth of its inclusion-oriented programs, which for years have integrated the philosophical foundations of traditional karate with adapted training methodologies.

Serbia, the host nation, also finished with 9 medals (2 gold, 2 silver, and 5 bronze). The Serbian team showcased a solid structure and an increasing commitment to the development of para karate. Their performance once again highlighted the organizational capacity of STKF and the country’s dedication to inclusive sport.

The United Kingdom, with 1 gold and 1 silver, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, with 1 bronze, completed the medal table, contributing to the plural and inclusive atmosphere that defines para karate across Europe.

Collectively, the performances confirmed the technical, pedagogical, human, and inclusive expansion of para karate in Europe, underscoring the success of ITKF Global’s integration, development, and standardization strategy under the leadership of chairman Professor Gilberto Gaertner.

Reflections from ITKF leadership

To close the 36th ITKF European Traditional Karate Championship, three key voices — Roman Pavlovič (ITKF Europe Chairman), Fernando Silva (European Vice-Chairman) and Gilberto Gaertner (ITKF Global Chairman) — shared their insights into the historic scope and technical, organizational and philosophical impact of the event.

Roman Pavlovič — ITKF Europe Chairman 

“With great joy and optimism, we celebrate the extraordinary success of the 36th European Traditional Karate Championship, held in Kraljevo, Serbia, from October 20 to 26, 2025. The event reaffirmed the strength of our European community — united by camaraderie, growth and the pursuit of excellence.

This was the largest edition ever organized by ITKF Europe — a milestone in participation, technical depth and organizational scale. At the Ibar Sports Center, Serbia welcomed athletes of all ages — from the children of the 5th European Open to veterans and parakarate competitors — in an atmosphere of respect and enthusiasm rarely seen.”

Roman highlighted the exemplary work of the Serbian Traditional Karate Federation (STKF), whose hospitality and precise logistics set a new standard for continental events.

He emphasized the integrated work of the technical, refereeing, medical, events and tournament committees, which guaranteed standardization, transparency and safety at all stages.

“More than a competition,” he said, “Kraljevo was the building of a community. We witnessed traditional karate in its purest form: respect, learning and shared joy. The friendships and lessons born here will shape our future.”

With a forward-looking message, he concluded. “May the bonds created and the standards established in this edition guide us in the years ahead. Let this energy reach every dojo, every club, every country. We leave Kraljevo stronger, wiser and more united. Tradition continues.”

Fernando Silva — ITKF Europe Vice-Chairman

Among the international leaders present in Kraljevo, ITKF Europe Vice-Chairman and President of the Traditional Budō Federation of Portugal (FBTP), Fernando Silva, delivered a technically consistent and comprehensive report, highlighting the professionalism and hospitality that defined the 36th ITKF European Traditional Karate Championship.

“The organization demonstrated an exceptional level of professionalism, dedication and hospitality. Every stage — from logistics to the execution of the competition — was carried out with excellence,” he noted, emphasizing the decisive role of the Serbian Traditional Karate Federation (STKF) in creating a warm and respectful environment.

Fernando also highlighted the symbolic gesture of the Kraljevo City Council, which officially received the delegations in the municipality’s ceremonial hall. “This gesture reinforced the spirit of friendship and unity that defines traditional karate and dignified the event in the eyes of all participants.”

In the days leading up to the championship, a Masters Course led by Manfred Schmoigl (Germany) and Cornel Musat (Romania) provided high-level technical and philosophical training. “The course was marked by knowledge-sharing and a collective search for improvement — a true expression of the traditional karate path,” he noted.

Refereeing, under the leadership of sensei Dino Contarelli, President of the ITKF Global Refereeing Commission, also received praise. “With his habitual competence and attention to detail, sensei Contarelli reinforced the technical and ethical principles of ITKF refereeing, ensuring impartiality and excellence in every match.”

The opening ceremony, lasting more than an hour, showcased Serbian cultural expressions and traditional performances. “It was a beautiful and symbolic presentation, uniting tradition and hospitality in perfect harmony,” Fernando added.

In his overall assessment, the Portuguese leader emphasized the cohesion between technique, ethics and sporting spirit that characterized the entire championship. “The event faithfully reflected the principles of Budō — respect, friendship and shared learning — establishing itself as an example of organization and technical quality.”

Finally, he expressed gratitude to ITKF Europe and to the host organization. “My congratulations to the local organizing committee, to the City of Kraljevo for its warm reception, and to ITKF Europe for the excellence with which it guides the expansion of traditional karate across the continent.”

He concluded with a message that captured the essence of the event:

“This championship will remain in our memory as a milestone of growth, friendship and the reaffirmation of the true principles of karate-dō. Above all, it was a celebration of the human spirit and the strength of Budō.”

Gilberto Gaertner — ITKF Global Chairman

ITKF Global Chairman Professor Gilberto Gaertner celebrated the European edition as a milestone in the institutional and philosophical maturity of traditional karate on the continent.

“The work carried out in Kraljevo represents the meeting point of technique, culture and spirit — the pillars upon which traditional karate must remain grounded. What we witnessed was not merely a competition; it was the reaffirmation of a worldview in which sport becomes a tool for moral and human development,” he stated.

In his analysis, Gaertner emphasized the legacy built by the leadership of Roman Pavlovič and Zoran Jakovljević. “Europe shows that governance aligned with the philosophy of Budō transforms challenges into harmony and results into learning. The strength demonstrated by each participating nation confirms the power of an ITKF truly united around universal values.”

Reflective in tone, he concluded:

“Tradition lives on when spirit rises above form. Kraljevo showed the world that traditional karate does not belong to a single time or place — it belongs to all who practice it with pure heart, awakened mind and a shared purpose. This is the path that will lead us into the future.”

Tradition in motion

In his closing message, Professor Gaertner emphasized that the true legacy of traditional karate is not measured solely by medals, but by its ability to transform individuals and nations through the principles at the core of Budō.

“To see Europe united around traditional karate is to witness that tradition remains alive — not as a memory of the past, but as a guiding force for the present,” he affirmed. “Each championship, each course, each technical gathering strengthens the bond between body and spirit, between technical training and moral purpose.”

Gaertner underscored that the growth of ITKF Europe under Pavlovič’s stewardship and the commitment of the national federations mark an important chapter in the ethical and philosophical reconstruction of the modality on the continent. “What we witnessed in Kraljevo confirms that traditional karate has reclaimed its rightful place — the place of authenticity, honor and respect.”

Regarding Serbia’s contribution and the exemplary work of the STKF, he stated unequivocally:

“The Serbian leadership demonstrated that organization and spirituality can move together. The event was impeccable — but above all, it was profoundly human. And it is this human dimension that distinguishes true karate-dō.”

He concluded with a reflection that captures the essence of the movement he leads: “Traditional karate is a path of equilibrium. When we preserve tradition, we are not looking backward — we are looking inward. From that center, from the heart of the practice, arises the strength that unites continents, generations and human beings. This is the spirit of the ITKF at this moment: tradition in motion.”