Team 2025
I began my karate journey in 2000 at Karate-Zen Namibia, training under Kyoshi Husselmann. I've been practicing ever since.
Started competing in 2000. Represented Karate-Zen Namibia and competed in numerous events including the Karate-Zen Namibia Nationals, Karate-Zen South Africa Nationals, Namibian Regionals and Nationals, UFAK African Games, EKO Nationals, WKU British Open, WKU Interclubs, and the WKU World Championships.
I will be competing in Kumite, Traditional Kata, and Traditional Weapons Kata.
I’m honoured to represent the England team once again, and I’m committed to bringing my best to the world stage. This opportunity means so much, and I’m incredibly thankful for the support from our sponsors and local community who make it all possible.
Our Journey to the World Stage
Gesar Karate Club may be young, but our passion and dedication run deep. In just a few short years, our athletes have grown from local competitors into proud representatives of England on the global stage. With three World Championship appearances under our belt, including an exciting trip to Germany in October 2025, our team is driven by hard work, community support, and a shared dream to excel. We are grateful for every sponsor and supporter who helps make this journey possible — together, we’re building champions both on and off the mat.
Started karate in 2007 at the age of 8, training primarily with Gesar Karate. During university, I continued training with the Teesside University Karate Society. Achieved Shodan in 2014, Nidan in 2017, and Sandan in 2024.
Started competing in 2014 at the EKO Nationals. After returning to competition karate in 2024, I’ve taken part in the WKU British Open and WKU Interclub events, earning a silver medal in 2025.
Representing England at the World 2025 in Germany, Mark will take part in Traditional Kata, Kumite, and Weapons Kata.
I began my karate journey with Gesar Karate around 2008. As a working mum of two, balancing training with a busy schedule was a challenge, but I proudly earned my brown belt in 2012. After that, I had to take a long break from training to focus on my youngest child. Years later, with renewed dedication and consistent effort, I was finally able to return, and in 2024, I achieved my black belt!
Started competing in the annual EKO Championships, earning medals in both kata and kumite along the way. In early 2024, began competing under the WKU banner and won gold in the kata category. Since then, I have taken part in the British Open, English Open, and various interclub competitions, achieving medals across kata, weapons kata, and kumite. Selected to represent Team WKU England at the World Championships in Greece (October 2024), proudly bringing home 1 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze.
At the upcoming World Championships in Germany, Samantha will showcase skills in Kumite, Kata, and Traditional Weapons.
Sophie joined karate at the age of 6, and it quickly became the sport that captured her heart. She achieved her junior black belt at the age of 10 and continued to strive for more. She is currently training at least 9 hours most weeks, although she would do more if her scheduling allowed.
At this year's World in Germany, Sophie is going to be competing in Kata, Kumite, and Traditional Weapons, with a possible entry into freestyle weapons, in which she has been training hard and made a great debut in the latest competition. Sophie is always extremely thankful for all the support and backing from donations/sponsorships, as it gives her more drive to push through the intense training, and she hates to let anyone down.
Kyle started karate at the age of 5 and earned his Junior Black Belt by age 10. He now trains between 3 and 6 hours each week.
Kyle began competing at age 6 in the E.K.O. Nationals and has since taken part in a wide range of events, including the Gold Cup, WKU British Open, WKU English Open, WKU Interclub, WKU GB Open, and the WKU World Championships in both Canada and Greece, as well as the 2025 English Open.
Kyle is set to compete in Traditional Kata, Kumite, and Traditional Weapons at the 2025 World Championships in Germany.
Alicia began her karate journey at the age of 4 after watching her big sister, Sophie, in training. She has shown to be a fast learner and a very keen competitor, always giving it her full effort and dedication. Alicia is currently working hard to turn her brown belt into a black belt soon.
Alicia has only been competing nationally within the last 3 years and has already managed to secure herself many titles, both individually and as a team with her twin sister Amelia by her side. She had her first world stage experience last year, coming home with various medals, including her first world gold. This year so far, with 3 competitions under her belt, Alicia has won 4x gold, 2x silver, and 1x bronze.
In Germany, Alicia will be competing in kata, kumite, traditional weapons, team kata, and team freestyle with the hope of also adding creative forms of open hand as a new challenge this year. Alicia is excited for the challenges ahead and is thrilled to be able to have the chance again to represent her country. Alicia is immensely grateful for all the support from the community and any sponsors offered to her and her teammates as they continue this path together.
Amelia began her karate journey at the age of 4, having grown up watching her older sister Sophie in training and competing. It has really helped to build her confidence and self-worth in all aspects of her life. She is now working hard to improve her skills to hopefully grade for her junior black belt in the near future.
Amelia began competing 3 years ago nationally and always fights hard to be placed in the medals. Last year, she got to compete on the world stage and could only be beaten by her sister for the world title, but she still managed to bring home a good array of medals around her neck. In the 3 competitions that she has entered this year, Amelia has added 3x gold, 2x silver, and 2x bronze medals to her growing collection.
For Germany, Amelia is entering kata, kumite, traditional weapons, team kata, and team freestyle. Freestyle weapons is currently in training, so it is also a possibility for her to enter. Amelia would like to hugely thank sponsors and donors for believing in her and her team, with your support, they truly feel that they can do anything.
Blake began his karate journey just three years ago and has quickly progressed to blue belt through dedication and consistent training.
Blake has competed in all major national competitions over the past three years, earning multiple podium finishes and growing stronger with each event.
Blake is thrilled to be selected for the England team and is looking forward to competing at the World Championships in Germany in October 2025. He plans to take part in kumite, traditional kata, and traditional weapons kata. Blake is really excited for this experience and very thankful for everyone supporting the team, especially the local businesses and sponsors who are helping make it all happen.
Curtis joined Gesar Karate Club three years ago and is now a Blue Belt. He loves how karate helps him feel strong and values the friendships he's made at the club.
Over the past three years, Curtis has taken part in every national and interclub competition available to him, building up a strong collection of medals along the way - including 3 golds, 3 silvers, and 1 bronze so far this year.
Curtis is excited to be selected for the England team and to participate in his first World Championship. He will compete in Kumite, Traditional Kata, and Traditional Weapons Kata. Curtis is super grateful to all the people and businesses who are backing the team - it means a lot to have your support behind us.
Issy started karate at the age of six and absolutely loves it. She is currently a blue belt and enjoys training and learning new techniques. Issy has a keen interest in kata and particularly enjoys the creativity involved in developing freestyle routines.
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Issy has been competing for the past three years, taking part in various tournaments and earning an impressive collection of medals. At the British Open in May 2025 Issy won 1 x gold, 1 x silver and 2 x bronze medals.
Issy is delighted to have been selected to represent England at the World Championships in Germany 2025. She’s working hard in preparation and is really looking forward to the competition. Issy wants to say a big thank you to everyone cheering us on — your support and kindness really help keep us going. Issy will be competing in kumite, traditional kata, weapons kata, open hand freestyle, weapons freestyle and team freestyle in Germany.
Charlotte began her karate journey two years ago. She originally joined to help with her ADHD, but quickly fell in love with the practice — the more she trained, the more she enjoyed it.
Charlotte began competing shortly after joining karate two years ago and has since participated in several tournaments, gaining valuable experience and success.
Charlotte will be competing in Weapons Kata with the Sai and in Kumite. She’s passionate about her training, has worked incredibly hard to get this far, and is committed to becoming even stronger with every challenge. She’s super excited for this opportunity and sends a huge thanks to everyone — from sponsors to local supporters — for believing in the team.
WHAT IT TAKES
Teams Expenses for the World 2025
Competing on the world stage comes with real costs. The figures below represent the essential expenses for each athlete — including registration, travel, accommodation, and equipment.
For our junior athletes, a parent or guardian will be accompanying them, which means additional costs for flights and lodging. Your support helps make this journey possible for every team member and their family.
You can choose to support one athlete or more, and donate any amount you’re able — every contribution truly helps.
Cover International Fight Licences
Each athlete needs an international fight licence to compete at the World Championships, costing £100 per team member.
Provide Essential Sporting Equipment
Each athlete requires approved sporting equipment to compete at the World Championships, with costs averaging £300 per team member.
Support Travel to the World Championships
Each athlete will need to cover travel and accommodation expenses, averaging £1,000 per team member to represent England on the world stage.
In today’s tough economic climate, your generosity eases the burden on families working hard to fund this incredible opportunity for their children.
Thank you for standing with us.
