Oxford School of Martial Arts fighters Jake Wilson and Claire Maden have missed out on the chance to represent England after the sport's national governing body went into receivership.
Wilson, 21, from Chipping Norton, and Maden, 19, from Botley, saw their hopes of international action evaporate with Karate England' in turmoil.
"The timing could not have been worse for me," explained Wilson.
"I have recently left my job as a restaurant manager in order to pursue my career as a martial arts instructor and competitor.
"In the 80s, England dominated the world karate scene. I have always had a dream to see it back at the top. This political mess has been a real setback."
Meanwhile, the duo attended a training camp at Bisham Abbey Sports Centre last weekend.
The session was hosted by ex-international and English champion Paul Simmons.
Despite the freezing of all funding, Simmons is committed to continuing the Southern region training sessions on a voluntary basis while the various bodies vying for the right to licence English karate fighters reach an agreement.
No-one from Karate England was available for comment.
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