(Photo WKF)
The 2026 Karate One Youth League Guadalajara opened with a busy first day as hundreds of young karatekas travelled to the Mexican city to show the passion and enthusiasm of youth karate. The fifth event of the season brought together athletes from around the world, with the first Junior categories producing close finals and clear victories.
Sarah Kemetinger takes Junior -66 kg title
Austria’s Sarah Kemetinger claimed the Junior Kumite Female -66 kg title after a tight final against WKF-1’s Alina Petrenko. Kemetinger prevailed 3-2 to take the first Junior gold medal of the competition.
Valeria Linett Juarez Martinez wins +66 kg
Mexico celebrated a home victory in the Junior Kumite Female 66+ kg category. Valeria Linett Juarez Martinez defeated Germany’s Miley Schindler 4-0 in the final to secure the title, much to the celebration of local fans in the stands.
Leonardo Mateus Gomes takes -55 kg gold
Switzerland’s Leonardo Mateus Gomes won the Junior Kumite Male -55 kg category. He controlled the final against Brazil’s Leonardo Maekawa Sasaki, winning 5-1 to become champion.
Logan Mendonca dominates -76 kg final
The United States claimed their first Junior kumite title through Logan Mendonca. He produced a strong performance in the Junior Kumite Male -76 kg final, defeating France’s Maxence Jambart 8-1.
Ihsane Adjanonhoun takes 76+ kg title
Benin’s Ihsane Adjanonhoun secured the Junior Kumite Male 76+ kg gold medal. He defeated Croatia’s Josip Laginja 2-0 in the final to bring the first gold for the African representatives.
Tamara Lehner wins Junior Female Kata
Austria added another title in Junior Kata Female through Tamara Lehner. She defeated Canada’s Cadence Truong in a close final and won 3-2.
Martin Alonso Matta Soto takes Junior Male Kata
Chile’s Martin Alonso Matta Soto was crowned champion in Junior Kata Male. He edged Romania’s George Razvan Florea 3-2 in the final, completing the first day’s list of Junior champions.
