Venice, Italy – December 2025 — At just 15 years old, Takamasa Yatoji has carved his name into karate history with an exceptional feat that is increasingly rare in the modern sport: winning gold in both kata and kumite at the prestigious Karate 1–Youth League Venice 2025.
Competing in the Male Cadet division, the young Japanese prodigy didn’t just participate in both disciplines—he dominated them.
Double Victory in Style
Gold in Cadet Kata
Yatoji’s kata performance reflected the precision and intensity characteristic of Japan’s elite school. He advanced through rounds with consistently high scores, defeating top contenders from:
- Switzerland
- Germany
- Croatia
- Romania
- Ireland
- and the United States
His execution was mature beyond his years, impressing judges and spectators alike with sharp techniques, rhythm control, and strong kihon.
Gold in Cadet Kumite -63kg
But Yatoji wasn’t done. Stepping onto the tatami for kumite, he delivered one overwhelming match after another:
- 9–1
- 10–2
- 4–0
- 8–0
- and a solid 6–3 win in the final
These scorelines tell the story of an athlete not only physically prepared but also tactically sharp and mentally composed.
A Rare Karateka in the Modern Era
In today’s competitive karate landscape, athletes increasingly specialize early—kata or kumite, rarely both. Yatoji breaks this mold. His double triumph is a throwback to traditional, all-rounded karateka while also being a glimpse into the possible future of multi-talented athletes.
He shared in post-event interviews:
“I prefer kumite, but I train both kata and kumite every day. My dream is to become world champion in both.”
With this statement and his outstanding performance in Venice, Yatoji not only shows talent but vision, dedication, and ambition.
A Dream Born on the World Stage
The Karate 1–Youth League Venice is one of the largest and most competitive events in the WKF youth calendar, drawing thousands of athletes from all continents. For Takamasa Yatoji to rise above such a deep field in two distinct modalitiesis a historic achievement—and a statement to the karate world.
At just 15, his journey is only beginning. But Venice 2025 may be remembered as the event where a future legend first made the world take notice.