British and Welsh Karate Champion Ioan Beards set for top international date in Venice.

*Welsh karate champion Ioan Beards (*above) promotes the Italian event.

British and Welsh Karate Champion Ioan Beards set for top international date in Venice...

Special report by Don Hale.

donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2025

Ioan Beards is an award-winning teenage Karate champion from Deganwy, in North Wales, who is all set to take part next month in the Parakarate Cup Championships, which is a prestigious international tournament, being staged in the stunning Italian City of Venice.

 

This talented and inspirational 16-year-old will be competing in the Autism category, and he is already both the Welsh and British champion, and has high hopes of further success on 3rd December, but realises he will face some stiff competition from many keen rivals.

 

Ioan’s event will be held at the Palazzo Turismo, which is the location of the ‘Karatei Youth League,’ at Jesolo, Venice, and this latest venture follows hot on the heels of his recent victory as the British Champion in his category in Sheffield at the end of August, and after previously securing the top Welsh title!

 

Ioan, who is also a unique advertising ‘poster boy’ for this Italian competition, now tells his own and quite remarkable story – so far – and will soon be travelling overseas with colleagues, supporters, and family members, and it is understood he holds future ambitions to eventually become an Autism karate influencer.

*Karate champion Ioan Beards (*above) after winning a Championship title.

*Pictured above - Ioan Beards won a bronze medal on the podium for Wales in Croatia, and (*above right), the Shito Ryu Wales team with their Sensei Richard Prendergast.

 

This is Ioan’s exclusive story:

I began my karate journey at Llandudno Karate in February 2018. When I first joined, I was a quiet and shy boy who sometimes struggled to grasp what was expected of me. I often needed movements to be demonstrated physically in order to understand. But from the moment I stepped into the dojo, I was welcomed without judgment and never made to feel out of place.

 

In January 2020, I took part in my first para-karate competition in Barnsley, where I earned a bronze medal. That experience was a turning point. It gave me a huge boost in confidence and sparked a passion for competing. Since then, I’ve gone on to participate in events across the country, and to date, I’ve proudly won 27 medals.

 

Karate has changed my life in more ways than I can count. It has helped me grow in confidence, sharpened my focus, and introduced me to an amazing community of friends and mentors. 

 

The shy boy who entered the dojo in 2018 has grown into a black belt and a proud squad member of Shito Ryu Wales, representing both the para division and my own age category. I’ve also had the honour of competing under the Welsh Governing Body for Wales.

 

Most recently, I returned from the World Championships in Croatia, where I competed in both kata and kumite. I progressed through two rounds in kata and narrowly missed out on a bronze medal - but I was thrilled to earn a bronze in the fighting category. 

 

This achievement was especially meaningful to me, as I’ve faced challenges like online bullying and difficulties at school. Despite that, I’ve worked hard, stayed focused, and continued to train with determination. 

 

My participation in the World Championships was made possible thanks to the support of the Conwy Excellence Fund, for which I am truly grateful. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my Sensei. Llandudno Karate has shaped who I am today, and it will always hold a special place in my heart.