Fran Lozano leads with courage and sport
Karate fighter Fran Lozano, representing Elche, continues to build a remarkable career filled with breakthrough moments. At the European Para-Karate Championship, he earned a bronze medal while competing in a category that mixed athletes who are completely blind with others who still retain some vision. Lozano stood out as the only blind competitor in that event, turning what many would call a bronze into a triumph that tasted like gold for a champion who has learned to convert challenge into achievement. His performance showcased not only technical skill but also the deep resilience that characterizes his journey in para-karate and his relentless pursuit of excellence on the mat.
Lozano did not arrive at this milestone by luck. His path reflects years of training, discipline, and a fighter’s mindset that embraces every round with focus and precision. The outcome at the European Championship highlights his ability to compete at the highest level while carrying the weight of being a pioneer in his category. The medal added a new chapter to a career defined by steady progress, strategic refinement, and a clear sense that barriers can be transformed into stepping stones with the right preparation and mindset. The event also served as a vivid reminder of how para-karate can elevate athletes who push beyond perceived limits to demonstrate skill, speed, and determination on an international stage.
Fran Lozano breaks barriers
JA Galvanized. The phrase captures the energy surrounding Lozano as he navigates a sport where every contest tests balance, timing, and nerve. His bronze and the manner in which he earned it have become a source of inspiration not just for teammates and coaches but for fans who follow the sport closely. Lozano’s journey illustrates how dedication, smart coaching, and consistent training can translate into podium finishes, even when the odds seem stacked against a competitor who faces additional challenges. In a discipline where precision matters more than loud applause, his quiet strength and steady execution have earned his place among the sport’s notable performers.
Technician from Elche
On the technical side, Antonio Miguel Verdú remains a trusted presence in Elche and beyond. He serves as a coach of the Royal Karate Federation and Associated Disciplines, bringing decades of experience to the national para-karate efforts. Verdú has repeatedly stepped onto the floor as a technician guiding the National Para-Karate Team, sharing responsibilities with colleagues who oversee different facets of the sport. His work with Ainhoa Rodriguez, who directs the National Para-Karate Department, and Santiago Sánchez, a dedicated para-karate technician, has helped shape a cohesive coaching team that strengthens athletes across age groups and skill levels. Verdú’s ongoing commitment is a testament to the value of steady leadership and a clear vision for the sport’s development at the national level.
His role extends beyond technique to mentorship, helping athletes manage competition pressure, maintain focus during rounds, and recover quickly after bouts. The collaboration among Verdú, Rodriguez, and Sánchez demonstrates how a well-coordinated support network can elevate performance and foster a culture of excellence that resonates through the national program. The partnership also reflects a broader effort to align training, selection, and competition strategies with international standards, ensuring that the Spanish para-karate team remains competitive on the European stage.
On this occasion the Spanish Para-Karate Team featured seven athletes who secured seven medals. They finished at the top of the European Para-Karate medal table for the fourth consecutive time, a remarkable string that followed strong performances in 2019, 2021, and 2022. The clean sweep in 2023 underscored the depth of talent in the program and its capacity to consistently deliver podium finishes across multiple weight and skill categories. The team’s success reflects a concerted effort to build a robust pipeline of athletes, coaches, and support staff who share a common goal: to showcase Spanish para-karate at the highest level and to inspire others to pursue excellence through discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.