After the emotional arrival in Cadiz and the impressive opening ceremony, the second day of the WSKA WC 2025 brought what everyone had been waiting for: the kumite preliminary rounds. For the Rebels Karateclub Wien, this day would become a milestone – as Edvin Kuric fought his way through one of the toughest classes of the entire tournament as pool winner.
84 Entries – The Scale of the Kumite Seniors Open Class
The Kumite Seniors Open category at the Karate World Championship in Cadiz was, with 84 entries, one of the most heavily contested classes of the entire tournament. Athletes from over 40 nations competed against each other – experienced competitors from Japan, Brazil, Germany, Turkey and many other karate powerhouses. In such a class, merely surviving the preliminary rounds requires the utmost concentration, tactical discipline and the ability to deliver under enormous pressure.
How the Pool Rounds Work at the WSKA World Championship
At a karate world championship of this scale, the preliminary rounds are conducted in a pool system. The 84 starters are divided into several pools, with each fighter competing against the other participants in their group. Points are awarded according to the established WKF rules: Yuko (1 point), Waza-ari (2 points) and Ippon (3 points). Only the pool winner qualifies for the final rounds the next day. That means: every single fight counts. One moment of carelessness, one moment of hesitation – and the World Championship can be over.
Pool Winner Edvin Kuric – Focus, Strategy and Willpower
Edvin Kuric, coach at Rebels Karateclub Wien, demonstrated in his pool fights exactly those qualities that distinguish a world-class karateka. From the very first second, his strategy was clearly recognizable: controlled forward pressure, lightning-fast counterattacks and a defensive stance that offered the opponent almost no attacking surface.
Particularly impressive was Edvin’s mental strength. At World Championship level, technical skill alone often isn’t what decides – all fighters on this stage have mastered their craft. What makes the difference is the ability to execute the right action at the decisive moment. Edvin showed exactly that: precise timing on Gyaku-Zuki counters, clever distance control and the composure not to rush anything, even when the score was tight.
Fight by fight, he worked his way through his pool – and at the end, the result was clear: Pool winner. With 84 starters in the Kumite Seniors Open, this is an outstanding result that impressively confirmed the intensive preparation in training over the past months.
Lorenz Hellmer – Valuable World Championship Experience at the Highest Level
Lorenz Hellmer also faced the international competition and gained invaluable experience on the biggest stage of Shotokan karate. Fights at World Championship level are a completely different caliber than national tournaments: the opponents are faster, the referees stricter and the mental pressure incomparably higher. Lorenz showed heart and fighting spirit in his fights, and it’s clear – this experience will make him grow enormously as a karateka. With each international competition, his tactical repertoire and competitive toughness expand.
The Atmosphere in the Cadiz Competition Hall
Anyone who has never been at a karate world championship in person can hardly imagine the intensity. Multiple tatami areas in operation simultaneously, international referees in utmost concentration, the rhythmic clapping and cheering from delegations around the world. The smell of sweat and disinfectant on the mats, the sharp whistles of the referees, the excited calls of coaches at the mat’s edge. A constant undertone of energy, tension and passion fills the hall – interrupted only by those moments of absolute silence when a decisive point is scored.
Between fights, you could see athletes in their karate uniforms standing together, motivating each other, making final tactical agreements. It’s this mix of rivalry and mutual respect that makes karate so special.
Looking Ahead: The Final Competition Day
With the pool victory in hand, Edvin Kuric headed into well-deserved recovery. Because the next day, the final rounds awaited – and with them the chance to make history at the WSKA World Championship 2025 in Cadiz. What happened next, you can read in the third part of our World Championship series: Final Competition Day – Huge Success with 5th Place.