York's martial arts prodigy aims for Brazil after stellar 2025 performance

A Year of Excellence for Kate Hambleton

An elite athlete from York is making waves in the world of martial arts, celebrating a remarkable year that has seen her achieve numerous milestones both nationally and internationally. Kate Hambleton, a multi-sport martial arts champion, has had an exceptional 2025, winning medals at every major national karate event she participated in. Her accomplishments have set her on a path to compete in Brazil in 2026.

In addition to her sporting achievements, Kate balances her training with being a veterinary student at the University of Nottingham. This dual focus highlights her dedication and commitment to both her athletic and academic pursuits.

During 2025, Kate made a name for herself by becoming the British Karate Champion and English Karate Champion in April. She also secured the Double University Champion title, earning gold in both karate and taekwondo at the BUCS National Championships. Her success was further recognized when she received the University of Nottingham sports scholarship award 2025 from Professor Clive, head of life sciences.

Kate's achievements extend beyond just national titles. She was named JKS Female Senior Kumite Champion in June 2024 and successfully retained the title in 2025. These accomplishments mean that she ends the year as the reigning champion of all three major English karate governing bodies she competes under.

Her year concluded with the retention of her University WT Taekwondo Championship title for the second consecutive year. Additionally, Kate entered the ITF Taekwondo category—despite never having competed in that rule set before—and won gold, securing a rare double-champion finish to end the year in dominant style.

International Success and New Challenges

Kate's international campaign began in June with participation in the WKF Youth League and a specialist training camp in Croatia. There, she collected world-ranking points and further honed her elite-level skills. In August, she made British university sporting history at the EUSA European University Combat Games in Warsaw. She became the first British athlete ever selected to compete in two different combat sports—karate and taekwondo—at the same Games.

At EUSA, Kate narrowly missed a karate medal after a close match with the world No.10 Polish athlete. However, she demonstrated trademark resilience by storming back to secure bronze in taekwondo. Her summer continued with a series of international podiums, including two silvers and one bronze at the British Karate Federation International Open; team silver at the JKS European Games, Copenhagen; individual silver at the English Karate Federation International Open; and bronze at the 2025 British Taekwondo National Championships.

Kate Hambleton was also honoured with the GLL Achievement Award following an incredible year of competition on national and international stages.

Balancing Sport and Education

Alongside her competitive schedule, Kate completed essential veterinary placements, including two weeks with the Defence Animal Training Regiment in Melton Mowbray. This experience gave her hands-on exposure to military working animals and provided a clear picture of what life as a military vet could look like. It was also great preparation for her future aspirations of becoming an Army vet.

Kate trains with the Army Taekwondo Team and continues to represent several teams, including the University of Nottingham Karate & Taekwondo squads, English Karate National Governing Body Team, JKS England National Team, as well as her local clubs: Harrogate Shotokan Karate and York Allstars Taekwondo.

Support Systems and Future Goals

Kate receives non-financial support through scholarships and partnerships essential to her development. She is a University of Nottingham Sports Scholar for 2025–26 and is supported by the GLL Sport Foundation, which provides full access to Better Gyms across the UK.

The GLL Sport Foundation (GSF) supports 28 athletes from York, offering financial bursaries, access to physical rehabilitation, and mental wellbeing support. They also provide access to sport and leisure facilities operated by GLL under its Better brand, including York Leisure Centre, Energise Leisure Centre, Burnholme Sports Club, and Yearsley Pool.

Kate also partners with Athletica Physiotherapy in Heworth for strength testing, rehab, and recovery services. While she remains predominantly self-funded, receiving only £750 in direct financial support this season, contributions help cover travel, equipment, competition fees, and ongoing training.

Looking Ahead

Kate said: “This year stretched me in every direction - physically, mentally, and emotionally. But it also gave me clarity. I know what kind of vet I want to be, the environments I thrive in, and the level I want to compete at.”

She is incredibly thankful for the support she has received from her coaches and sponsors and is more motivated than ever to qualify for the FISU World University Combat Championships and the JKS World Karate Championships—both in Brazil, summer 2026.

Kate’s long-time karate coach, Matt Price (7th Dan, JKS England National Coach), has trained her for more than a decade. He said: “Kate has always been an outstanding, hard-working student who gives 100 per cent in every session. She’s now one of the dominant competitors on the EKF circuit, medalling at every national event and steadily building her international profile. With the right opportunities, I truly believe Kate could reach the highest international level.”