Here is another update from Joseph, our gold-winning para karate athlete. Best of luck for 2026 – from all at the DHF.
As is the norm for many karateka (karate competitors), the summer offers the opportunity to rest, refocus and work on maintaining and improving fitness. Competitions tail off and focus looks ahead to the new competitive season from late summer/September onwards. My club, Abel Karate continued to run classes throughout summer, so I was able to practice with my club, alongside training at home.
The new season has been extremely busy in September alone, with 3 big competitions, monthly England National Squad training; together with a return to my 1:1 training alongside my club sessions and daily home training. In my Para category I medalled bronze, gold and silver respectively, at the BKF International Open in Sheffield, the UK International Open Karate Championships in Stourbridge and the EKF International Open in London.
As for all athletes, I continually strive to develop and improve my performance and technique with my katas. I am now focusing on greater exposure and challenge competing with the best Para Karate athletes on the international circuit. I am competing in early November in Holland at the Dutch Open Para Karate competition, and in early December in Italy at the Venice Para Karate Cup. This will be a great opportunity to compete against the best in the world in my category.
The governing body, The English Karate Federation (EKF), acknowledge that they are ‘behind the curve’ with Para Karate. It is encouraging that they are looking to the established European power houses such as Italy, France and Spain, to inform their development and growth of Para Karate here. The EKF now train the National Para Karate Squad alongside the main National Kata Squad, which has really helped promote a more inclusive environment for the whole National Squad. It’s certainly helped me up my game with my cardio fitness and stamina at these sessions!
I remain proud and committed to being at the forefront of the development of Para Karate, representing my club, England and GB, embracing all the opportunities that come my way.
I am so grateful to the Dylan Howells Foundation for their continuing support. Competing with any sport at a national and international level is so worthwhile but of course requires a high level of commitment and expense. I most certainly wouldn’t be able to fulfil all the opportunities without the support of the DHF. I look forward to continuing to share my Para Karate journey with you all, please be assured of my continued commitment and love of my sport.
Joseph Clifton, October 2025
