As part of the 31st Mediterranean Karate Championships for Cadets, Juniors, and Seniors, an innovative and refreshing addition took place on Friday: the Beach Kata Games, hosted at the beach volleyball courts of Parque de la Chopera. Despite modest participation, the event captured attention for its relaxed atmosphere and the chance to showcase karate outside its traditional dojo setting.
Low Numbers, High Spirit
The Beach Kata Games were open to the Senior category (over 16 years), featuring male and female individual kata. Participation was limited, with only 9 female competitors, 8 male competitors, and 5 countries represented, but the competition still brought plenty of enthusiasm and technical excellence.
Female Kata – Spanish Dominance and Balkan Strength
The women’s event saw Spain’s Claudia Campos Calderat take the gold medal, impressing judges with her precision and expressive kata execution. She was joined on the podium by Katarina Vlahovic (Montenegro), who earned silver, while North Macedonia’s duo, Danka Stojkova and Vladanka Avramova, shared the bronze medal.
Results – Female Kata (Over 16)
- 🥇 Claudia Campos Calderat (ESP)
- 🥈 Katarina Vlahovic (MNE)
- 🥉 Danka Stojkova (MKD)
- 🥉 Vladanka Avramova (MKD)
Male Kata – Spain Sweeps the Podium
The men’s competition was a display of Spanish power, with a clean sweep of the top three positions. Juan Manuel López Villanueva clinched gold, followed by Gerard Gombau Socias with silver. Izan López Tomás tied for bronze alongside Faris Ramic (Bosnia and Herzegovina), the only non-Spanish athlete to break into the medals.
Results – Male Kata (Over 16)
- 🥇 Juan Manuel López Villanueva (ESP)
- 🥈 Gerard Gombau Socias (ESP)
- 🥉 Izan López Tomás (ESP)
- 🥉 Faris Ramic (BIH)
A Promising Side Event
Although participation numbers were limited, the Beach Kata Games stood out as a creative way to engage athletes and spectators alike. Hosting karate performances outdoors, in a more casual and inclusive environment, provided a contrast to the intensity of the main championship events.
Spain, as the host nation, clearly benefited from both numbers and home advantage, securing the majority of medals. Yet, the strong performances from athletes from Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina showed the diversity of karate talent in the Mediterranean region.
As the Mediterranean Karate Championships continue to grow, the Beach Kata Games may become a fixture – blending competition with festival-like enjoyment and showcasing karate’s adaptability in new settings.
© photos : Xavier SERVOLLE