By Admin. Updated 5:55 p.m., Friday, November 13, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Christian Joseph won a bronze medal for St Vincent and the Grenadines at the 12th Commonwealth Karate Federation (CKF) Championships in Scotland, and his coach says there is more to come.
Joseph fought in the Male Kumite Under-21 +84kg category on Friday (November 6) at the Glasgow International Arena. The championships ran from November 4 to 8. National Coach Adrian John, who travelled with him, said the young athlete was more confident and aggressive on the tatami than he had been at his last international outing, in Poland. Joseph came up against strong opposition, including Scotland’s Alasdair Grantman, on his way to the podium.
“Christian entered the match feeling confident and eager to test his progress against international competition, showing much more aggression than in Poland,” Coach John said. “He possesses considerable potential.”
The coach is already looking ahead. He said the next phase of Joseph’s training will focus on tactical patience, staying calm under pressure and conditioning tailored to the athlete. That will include explosive plyometrics, defensive combinations and more attention to Kata.
John also helped neighbouring Grenada while he was in Glasgow, coaching two of its athletes. Lorenzo Asnaghi won bronze through the repechage in the Elite Male Kumite Junior (16–17, -55kg) division. Ethan Courtney opened his campaign in the Club Senior Male Kumite +84kg category with a convincing 6–1 win.
SVG’s part in the championships went beyond the mat. On November 4, Coach John represented the country at the 2026 CKF Congress at the Glasgow Trades Hall. The Hairouna Karate Federation (HKF) said SVG reaffirmed its active standing in the federation and voted in the leadership elections. Canada’s Craig Vokey was elected CKF President, succeeding England’s Liam (Billy) Brennan, who had led the federation for 23 years. Delegates later attended a civic reception hosted by the Lord Provost at the Glasgow City Chambers.
Looking back on the five days, Coach John praised the organisation of the event as world-class and said he saw real potential in the athletes on show.
The HKF said it remains committed to developing its athletes and coaches as it prepares the national team for upcoming regional and international championships.
The Hairouna Karate Federation is the governing body for karate in St Vincent and the Grenadines and is recognised by the National Sports Council and the National Olympic Committee. It is a member of the World Karate Federation, the Pan-American Karate Federation and the Commonwealth Karate Federation.
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