May break on the podium! Krakowskie Centrum Taekwon-do with medals at the WAKO European Cup in Croatia

We spent our May break winning medals! From 1–3 May, the WAKO European Kickboxing Cup took place in Varaždin, Croatia. For years, this tournament has been regarded as one of the most important and prestigious events on the European combat sports calendar, and this year’s edition confirmed that once again.

Huge scale and world-class level of the tournament

The competition attracted 1800 athletes representing 299 teams from around the world. The competition was immense, and the level of the bouts in every discipline—from the mats to the ring—was world-class. Every victory required the athletes to reach the peak of their abilities, demonstrate excellent physical preparation and show tremendous mental resilience.

The entire national team performed fantastically in this international melting pot. Poland achieved a phenomenal 2nd place in the tournament’s overall standings! We are proud that, as Krakowskie Centrum Taekwon-do, we were able to contribute to this great success.

Our athletes on the podium

Our representatives showed incredible fighting spirit, excellent technique and character. We return from Croatia with three medals:

🥇 Michał Klimek – won a gold medal in the Light Contact senior division (-57 kg).
🥇 Honorata Kozioł – won a gold medal in Point Fighting (junior girls, beginners -50 kg). A debut at such a major event, and immediately the top step of the podium!
🥉 Dariusz Pazdan – won a bronze medal in the tough, ring-based Full Contact senior division (-71 kg).

Valuable experience for the future

Not every return from a tournament of this calibre ends with a podium finish, but every fight there is a priceless lesson. This time, returning outside the medal zone but with a wealth of valuable experience that will certainly pay off in the future, are:

Stefania Kotowicz
Jakub Lenard
Krzysztof Jaworski
Grzegorz Pajda

All our athletes performed very well.

Coaching staff and acknowledgements

The entire Krakowskie Centrum Taekwon-do team competed in Croatia under the watchful eye of senior coach Michał Krupa, who managed the tactics, motivation and appropriate mental approach of our fighters from the corner.

Huge congratulations to all the athletes! We return to the training hall richer in new experiences and motivated to continue working.