Rabat, Morocco – May 30 to June 1, 2025 — The heart of Morocco beat to the rhythm of Karate this weekend, as Rabat welcomed the world’s elite athletes for the eighth time as host of the Karate1 Premier League. From Friday to Sunday, 360 competitors from 63 countries took the tatami in the final and decisive leg of the 2025 season, marking a high-stakes conclusion to the sport’s most prestigious annual series.
A Grand Stage for Karate Excellence
Launched in 2011, the Karate1 – Premier League is the most important competitive circuit in international karate. With editions in Paris, Hangzhou, Cairo, and Rabat this season, the League demonstrates the sport’s global reach and growing popularity. The Rabat event not only capped off the season but also served as the final battleground for the coveted “Grand Winners” titles — awarded to the best athlete in each category. Participation in at least three of the four tournaments was required to be eligible for this honor.
This year’s Grand Winners Gala, a celebratory event to crown the season’s top athletes, took place on Sunday, June 1, bringing the competition to a thrilling and emotional close.
Key Highlights by Category
Male Kumite -75kg: Quentin Mahauden (Belgium) vs Abdalla Abdelaziz (Egypt)
Female Kata: Maho Ono (Japan) vs Mo Sheung Grace Lau (Hong Kong, China)
Female Kumite -50kg: Christina Triada Pappa (Greece) vs Erminia Perfetto (Italy)
Female Kumite -55kg: Tsui-Ping Ku (Chinese Taipei) vs Valentina Toro Meneses (Chile)
Male Kumite -60kg: Christos-Stefanos Xenos (Greece) vs Tsotne Sordia (Georgia)
Male Kumite -67kg: Yugo Kozaki (Japan) vs Afeef Ghaith (Jordan)
