31st SKDUN World Karate Championship – Belgrade, Serbia, October 24-27, 2024

The SKDUN World Karate Championship is always an event I eagerly look forward to each year. In 2024, I competed in two categories: Individual Kumite and Team Kumite. These championships are particularly meaningful to me because they align perfectly with my approach to karate—rooted in traditional principles and real combat applications.

My Second Visit to Serbia

This was my second time attending the SKDUN World Championships in Serbia. I first competed here in 2021, where I had a successful outcome, winning two medals: gold and silver. This year also proved to be successful, as my teammates Krzysztof Chalupka, Tomasz Byjos, and I secured two gold medals—one in the individual category and another in team Kumite.Krzysztof won third place in his individual kumite category

JACEK LIPINSKI SKDUN

Mental Preparation – The Key to Success

Belgrade welcomed us with beautiful weather, which set a positive tone for the event. Tamara, who was responsible for live updates on our social media channels, began her work immediately, keeping our followers informed about our progress and emotions during the competition.

My competition day began calmly. My category was scheduled for Friday at 11:15 AM, which gave me enough time to have a relaxed breakfast and mentally prepare for the day ahead. For me, mental preparation is 80% of success. While waiting for my turn, I focused on calming my mind and refining my tactics. I knew that everything I had trained for over the past months would now come to fruition.

Gold in Both Individual and Team Events

After several intense hours of competition, I was able to claim two gold medals—one in Individual Kumite and one with my team in Team Kumite. The satisfaction of achieving this goal was immense, not just for the medals but for successfully executing the strategy I had prepared for.

In addition to the competitions, it was a great opportunity to engage in conversations with coaches and athletes from other countries. This exchange of knowledge and experiences is always an enriching part of the competition, helping me grow both as a competitor and as a coach.

Congratulations to the Organizers

I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude to the organizers of the SKDUN World Championships, especially to the President of the organization, Aurel Patru, and Technical Director Colin Putt. Their dedication and hard work ensured that everything ran smoothly, allowing athletes to focus entirely on their performances. Their efforts truly made the event a success.

Exploring Belgrade and Enjoying Serbian Cuisine

After the competition, there was time to relax, explore Belgrade, and enjoy the wonderful local cuisine. Serbian food is a true delight—rich in flavors, fresh ingredients, and authentic tastes. It was the perfect way to unwind after a busy and exciting week in the Serbian capital.

Next Challenge – SKDUN European Championship

The SKDUN World Karate Championships were just one part of my karate journey. The next major event on my calendar is the SKDUN European Championship, which will take place in April 2025 in Italy. It’s another opportunity to test myself against the best in Europe, and I am already looking forward to competing and striving for more medals.

Summary

The 2024 SKDUN World Karate Championship in Belgrade was an incredible success for me—both in terms of my results and the invaluable experiences I gained. I always enjoy competing at such a high level and the opportunity to connect with friends and fellow athletes who share my passion for karate. These events drive me to keep improving and push myself further in my karate journey.