The foundations were laid in the early 1980s, when the Malta Karate Association — today the Malta Karate Federation (MKF) – began establishing itself within the international sporting landscape. A defining milestone followed in 1986, when Malta made its debut at the European Karate Union Championships and Congress in Madrid.
That first national team – comprising Mark Micallef, Mark J. Attard and Jesmond Schembri – competed in kumite and kata, against far more established nations.
Notably, beyond their role as athletes, the trio were also co-founders of the association, serving respectively as president, general secretary and treasurer, reflecting the grassroots nature of Malta’s early karate development.
Nearly four decades on, that commitment is reflected in both the scale and calibre of Malta’s participation.
At the recent European Junior, Cadet and U21 Championships held in Limassol, Cyprus, the Malta Karate Federation fielded a team of 11 athletes competing among 1,225 participants from 40 countries – representing the highest level of youth karate in Europe.
The Maltese contingent delivered encouraging performances, with a fifth-place finish in Cadet Kata Female and multiple seventh-place results across individual and team events, underlining the team’s growing competitiveness at the European level.
These results, while just short of the podium, reflect a clear upward trajectory and the narrowing gap between Malta and Europe’s leading nations.
Guided by National Coaches Josef Antonelli, Joseph Mizzi and Michelle Vella, the team demonstrated discipline, composure, and a strong competitive mindset.
Notably, MKF Technical Director Jesmond Schembri – himself one of the 1986 pioneers – highlighted the athletes’ technical progression and mental resilience, emphasising the level now required to compete at this standard.
MKF president Kenneth Abela described the federation’s 40-year journey as one defined by sustained effort and perseverance.
Abela reaffirmed MKF’s commitment to continued development, with the clear objective of achieving podium results at this level. He also acknowledged the support of SportMalta and the Maltese Olympic Committee as instrumental in enabling the federation’s progress.
From a three-man delegation competing against the odds, to a new generation holding its own among Europe’s elite, Maltese karate today stands as a testament to long-term investment, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the discipline.
It is this philosophy – rooted in perseverance, respect, and continuous improvement – that continues to drive the Malta Karate Federation forward.
