60th EKF European Championship in Yerevan – A Karate Firework in Armenia

The sun was shining brightly over the Armenian capital as Karate Europe gathered for the 60th time at the EKF European Championship – and what an anniversary it turned out to be! The atmosphere in the historic competition arena, framed by the majestic backdrop of Mount Ararat, was electric. Between ancient charm and sporting tension, a championship unfolded that was almost unmatched in drama, passion, and emotion. 

From the very first day of competition, it was clear: the European Championship in Yerevan would be no walk in the park. High-class duels, bitter defeats, and early surprises set the tone. The international Team PUNOK also had a rocky start. Johanna Kneer (Germany), Sydney Yvon (France), and Emina Sipović (Bosnia) were defeated by strong opponents – a setback, but not a lasting one.

Because then came Mia Bitsch.

The exceptional German athlete shook the arena on the second day in the -55 kg category. After confidently advancing through the preliminary rounds, none other than the 2021 Olympic champion awaited in the semifinals – and Mia delivered! In a spectacular exchange of blows, she battled her way into the final with a furious 11:8 victory. What a statement!

But it wasn’t just Mia who caused a stir. The bout between Florian Haas (GER) and Stefanos Xenos (GRE) in the -60 kg category also showcased karate at its finest – with the better end for the Greek, who would later be eliminated himself. An early exit for both, but a fight to remember.

Then came Friday: team time. And what a show the German women's kumite team put on! Johanna Kneer, Mia Bitsch, Hanna Riedel, Madeleine Schröder, and Schara Hubrich powered through the semifinal with precision and strength. Greece stood no chance – into the final! Kneer’s determined win in the last fight was the emotional highlight of the day.

Final day on Saturday began with goosebumps: title defense for Mia Bitsch. In a nerve-racking duel against Jenny Warling from Luxembourg, the score remained tight for a long time. But then – just seconds before the end – the perfect moment: a lightning-fast Ura Mawashi Geri, three points, title defended! Mia crowned herself two-time European Champion – a triumph for the ages.

And as if that weren’t enough, Sunday brought the crowning finale: gold in the women’s team kumite! Against France – without the participation of PUNOK athlete Sydney Yvon – the German team once again showed strength and nerves of steel. Hannah Riedel scored first, Johanna Kneer sealed the deal. The third consecutive team title – a historic hat-trick!

National coach Noah Bitsch beamed with joy after the final day. Three gold medals, four bronze, and first place in the national rankings – it hardly gets better than that. “This team didn’t just fight, it inspired,” Bitsch summarized proudly.

And so it’s clear: the 60th EKF European Championship in Yerevan was more than a sporting event – it was a celebration. Of karate. Of Europe. Of everyone involved. With a city that proved itself a world-class host, and a Team Germany that made history.

Frankfurt 2026 – here we come!