Read all about the World Cup in the UK, our Stop Domestic & Family Violence Campaign and the National Champs in the GKR October news here.

GKR News – October 2026

WORLD CUP WRAP UP

GKR’s 12^th World Cup was hosted in the United Kingdom at the Telford International Centre from 24^th – 26^th July 2026.

With more than 1000 competitors taking to the mats over the 3 days, the event was a huge success.

The weekend started with Teams events on Friday evening, showcasing world class kata and kumite and providing a taste of what was in store for the weekend. Saturday saw the division heats and in some instances finals for individual events culminating in Sunday Finals for Black Belt and selected top adult divisions.

The competition was fierce, but the sportsmanship, camaraderie and energy were at an all time high as the Telford International Centre came to life. A temporary power outage was not going to stop competition proceeding with competitors and spectators lighting the ring with their mobile phones, in scenes reminiscent of a pop concert.

With every competitor giving their all and representing themselves, their dojo and their country at the highest level, it was amazing to be able to crown some brand-new Open Division World Champions, Kitty Lewis (UK), Sarah Whelan (UK) and James Gabbitas (UK) while also celebrating Alex Plummer’s (AUS) second consecutive World Cup Senior Open Male Kumite title.

Our 2026 Open World Champions are:

Male Junior Black Belt Open Kata: Louis Boone Slaney
Female Junior Black Belt Open Kata: Arielle Perez
Male Junior Black Belt Open Kumite: Beau Fuller
Female Junior Black Belt Open Kumite: Ava Neno
Male Senior Black Belt Open Kata: James Gabbitas
Female Senior Black Belt Open Kata: Kitty Lewis
Male Senior Black Belt Open Kumite: Alex Plummer
Female Senior Black Belt Open Kumite: Sarah Whelan

For the complete list of WC 2026 results, click here.

OCTOBER PURPLE BELT MONTH

Our October ‘Stop Domestic and Family Campaign’ is well underway with a limited number of Purple Belts still available to purchase online. Head to the links below and show your support of our chosen charities, RizeUp, Shine and Refuge.

AUS: go.gkrkarate.com/sdfvaus
NZ: go.gkrkarate.com/sdfvnz
UK : go.gkrkarate.com/sdfvuk

STOP DOMESTIC & FAMILY VIOLENCE MAY CAMPAIGN

After a successful ‘Stop Domestic & Family Violence Campaign’ in May, we were pleased to be able to provide further support to our chosen charities while also raising awareness of a very serious issue.

For our May ‘Stop Domestic and Family Violence’ month this year, as well as selling our special Purple Belts, we also ran regional seminars where all funds raised were donated directly to our charity in each country.

The total donations to our chosen charities for our May campaign (including online donations) across Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom were more than AUD $33,686 (approx. GBP £17,645).

Thank you to everyone who supported our Stop Domestic and Family Violence May Campaign, your support goes a long way in helping victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.

NATIONAL CHAMPS 2026

Off the back of big World Cup in the UK and Australian State Titles, entries are now open for the Australian and United Kingdom National Champs.

Congratulations to all competitors who competed in a very successful New Zealand Champs on Sunday 18^th October at Te Rauparaha Arena, Wellington.

Coming up we have:

Australian Champs on Saturday 28^th November – Hawkesbury Indoor Stadium, South Windsor.
Enter here: go.gkrkarate.com/ausnatchamps

United Kingdom Champs on Saturday 28^th November – Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, Sheffield.
Enter here: go.gkrkarate.com/uknatchamps

This year, we are excited to announce the introduction of 2 new events specifically for our white and yellow belts – Kihon and Kick Shield Sumo, providing the perfect opportunity for all our students to experience the thrill of a National Champs.

We will also be featuring ‘Continuous Kumite’ as an Exhibition Event which will showcase some of GKR’s most talented Black Belts going head-to-head in the ring.

We’re certainly looking forward to a big finish to the year! Please speak with your instructor if you have any questions about entering the National Champs.

Why GKR Karate?

GKR creates the right environment for our members to train in. Although we promote self defence and fitness, our style also fosters positive values, confidence, discipline, focus and well being. GKR teaches you not only how to punch and kick, it teaches you to be a better person.

We encourage students of all ages, from all walks of life to join our club and be part of the supportive ‘family’ that is GKR Karate.

Self Defence

Synonymous with martial arts, self defence and inner self confidence are one of the key takeaways from regular training. From the age of 5 GKR teaches basic self defence and extraction moves, continuing right through to our senior grades.
Weight Loss

Karate is a great way to lose or maintain a healthy weight, with most classes consisting of aerobic, stretching and toning activities. For those who may not have exercised in some time, GKR provides a supportive environment where students can train at their own pace and physical ability. Our classes are a mixture of men, women and children of all ages.
Focus

Many parents are keen to see their children develop greater focus and discipline through their martial arts training, and GKR’s classes provide the perfect environment. Instructors teach in a respectful and supportive atmosphere through karate inspired games, activities and drills.

Family

GKR promotes a family environment, encouraging kids, parents and relatives to all train in the same class. Staying a few karate grades behind your children, will encourage them to continue a regular training program.
Respect

As a traditional Japanese martial arts, karate promotes respect to our instructors, our club, each other and most importantly ourselves. This is a key part of your learnings as a student of GKR karate.
Friendships

Although karate is considered a solo sport, it is still the foundation for many life long friendships. Classes include games and partner work where children and adults alike take the opportunity to learn about and bond with their fellow class mates.

Have a question or require further information? Contact us today.

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