The Gap in the System For years, Para-Karate has recognized categories for visual impairments (K10) and intellectual impairments (K21/K22). However, elite athletes in the K23 (ii3) category—specifically those with Autism—have consistently found themselves without a professional pathway. Despite competing at national levels and international cups like the Venice Paracup, no official World Championship stage or World Ranking exists for this category.
January 2026: The Global Alliance The K23 Global Project was founded in January 2026 as a direct response to the exclusion of K23 from the upcoming Championship cycle. What started as a partnership between elite athletes in the United Kingdom (Hunter Stiles) and Brazil (Stefanny Hornschuch) quickly evolved into an international coalition.
Expanding the Front Recognizing that this was a global issue, we successfully unified clubs and athletes from Wales, Scotland, Brazil, Italy and Spain. By bringing together national champions and top-tier dojos, we transitioned from individual advocacy to a professional international movement.
Today: A Unified Voice The K23 Global Project now serves as the central hub for K23 advocacy. We are no longer just athletes training in isolation; we are a structured organization dedicated to ensuring that future Continental and World Championships represent the full spectrum of elite Para-Karate talent.
What started as a single conversation across the Atlantic has grown into a multi-national coalition. We aren't just asking for a place on the mat; we are proving we’ve already earned it.