The European karate scene in 2025 promises to be vibrant and packed with competitive events that span the entire year. The calendar includes prestigious championships, key international tournaments, and specialized competitions that bring together athletes of various skill levels and backgrounds. Below, we explore these events by category to help karate enthusiasts plan and appreciate the upcoming year.
Major Championships
The highlight of the 2025 EKF calendar is undoubtedly the EKF Senior Championships, set to take place from May 7-11 in Yerevan, Armenia. This is where Europe’s elite senior athletes come together to compete in kumite, kata, and para-karate, making it a prime event for those seeking top honors and international recognition. Similarly, the EKF Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships, scheduled for February 7-9 in Bielsko-Biala, Poland, is crucial for young athletes aiming to carve out a path to senior-level success. This championship brings Europe’s best young talent under one roof for intense competition and serves as a stepping stone for emerging stars.
University athletes have their own premier event in the EUSA Combat Championships, taking place from August 21-26 in Warsaw, Poland. This competition is limited to university-level seniors and emphasizes the balance between academic and athletic excellence, fostering camaraderie among student-athletes across Europe.
The Balkan Championships stand out as well, with two separate events: one for Seniors and Veterans from February 28 – March 2 (location TBC), and another for Cadets, Juniors, and U21 from November 7-9 in Croatia. These regional championships celebrate both emerging and seasoned talent, offering opportunities for athletes to display their refined skills.
International Tournaments
The 2025 season kicks off with the Grand Prix Croatia from January 17-19 in Samobor, featuring a diverse range of competitors from cadets to seniors, including para-karate participants. This sets the tone for the competitive year, allowing athletes to test their readiness at the start of the season.
Another significant tournament is the 45th Grand Prix Slovakia, scheduled for March 21-23 in Bratislava, Slovakia, welcoming young athletes (U12, U14) as well as cadets, juniors, and U21 participants. The 54th Golden Belt of Cacak follows closely, taking place on March 29-30 in Cacak, Serbia, and drawing competitors across all age groups and para-karate participants, cementing its status as a respected tournament in Europe.
Other notable tournaments include the International Marmara Cup on August 16-17 in Istanbul, Turkey, and the Budapest Open from September 12-14, both of which attract strong participation from across Europe. The Basel Open Masters 2025 on August 30 in Switzerland is another significant event, renowned for its open format and the inclusion of all major age categories.
Specialized and Regional Competitions
For more niche competition, the Nordic Karate Championships on April 11-12 in Denmark are exclusive to NKF members, promoting regional talent and competition. The GSSE (Small States of Europe) from May 27-29 in Andorra focuses on senior athletes from smaller European nations, offering them a platform to compete at a high level.
The Danube Cup on May 17-18 in Novi Sad, Serbia, and the Chisinau for Children on June 7-8 in Moldova provide younger athletes, including those as young as U10, with essential competitive experience.
Open and Inclusive Competitions
The Croatian Karate Open from October 3-5 in Rijeka and the Polish Open on October 11-12 in Bielsko-Biala are well-rounded tournaments that welcome cadets through seniors, including para-karate participants. These events are perfect for athletes looking to compete in a more inclusive environment. Similarly, the Dutch Open for Youth 2025 on November 1-2 in Almere, Netherlands, focuses on younger divisions but also includes seniors, ensuring a broad range of competitors.