News Center - Main

Jose Garcia Maañon elected as Vice-President of Argentinian Olympic Committee
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2017-06-27

WKF Commissioner for Olympic and Paralympic Affairs meets IOC President Bach
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2017-06-26

Impact of Youth Karate set to be showcased at record-breaking event in Croatia
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2017-06-23

Karate gets active for #OlympicDay
The Karate family is demonstrating its (...)
2017-06-22

Karate will feature at 2019 European Games
Karate has been included on the (...)
2017-06-21

New WKF Homologated Items website launched
The new and highly improved website (...)
2017-06-21

World Karate Day celebrated in Montenegro
The city of Podgorica hosted the (...)
2017-06-19

Spanish karatekas show power at Karate 1- Series A in Toledo
Hosts of Spain used (...)
2017-06-18

African Karate set course to future on UFAK General Assembly
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2017-06-17

Successful WORLD KARATE DAY showcases Karate's unity and impact of sport worldwide
Nearly two thousand Karatekas from five continents on site and thousands more online took part in the World Karate Day 2017 which was held on Saturday in Munich (Germany), The big celebration of Karate's unity showcased the outstanding support that the modality receives from practitioners of all ages, condition and origins around the world. After a month of National Karate Days being commemorated worldwide, the eyes of Karate family were set on Munich where the celebrations of World Karate Day took place. Nearly two thousand Karatekas gathered in the German city to participate in the event that stated Karate's values. The World Karate Day 2017 started with training sessions by first-class karatekas. The official ceremony took then the attention of thousands of fans following the streaming of the event on WKF YouTube channel. A team of top karatekas from Germany clashed against a dream line-up of stars from all over the world, with the spectacular bout finishing with victory for the representatives of the world. "We are really committed to keep on working hard for the million of athletes we have around the world. I am sure that we will be able through this commitment and this hard work to give you the best conditions to further enjoy the best moment of our sport ever," said WKF President Antonio Espinós. One of the highlights of the event and one of the most emotional moments was the honouring of the patron of the World Karate Day, Tegla Loroupe. Official UNICEF ambassador, Tegla Loroupe was Chef de Mission of the refugee team of the IOC during the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro and helps thousands in needs through her Tegla Loroupe Peace Foundation. "My advice to you young karatekas today is that you listen to your coach, to your parents, to your colleagues. When you love sports as much as you love karate, you have opportunities. Train hard and you will succeed. Here I see how disciplined everyone is and I have learned so much. I hope that other sports organisations also learn something from Karate too," said Mrs. Loroupe.  The event was also attended by the Vice-President of the German Olympic Sports Federation, Gudrun Doll-Tepper who said: "I am really happy to be here today and to participate in this World karate day. I bring you the greetings of the German Olympic Sports Federation. This is absolutely marvellous and inspiring". German Karate Federation President and WKF Commissioner for Olympic and Paralympic Affairs Wolfgang Weigert also addressed the audience and thanked the thousands Karate fans for their participation at the event. CLICK HERE to watch the Live Streaming of the World Karate (...)
2017-06-17

Damian Quintero and Sandra Sanchez lead way to gold at Karate 1-Series A in Toledo
Karate Stars and rising karatekas are showing top form at Karate 1-Series A in Toledo (Spain) being held this weekend. The first medals of the tournament went to local heroes Damian Quintero and Sandra Sanchez who continued their domination in Kata categories. Damian Quintero earned his third gold this year after his victories in European Championships and Karate 1-Premier League Dubai thus extending his command of Male Kata. The Spanish ace gave local fans reasons to celebrate when the Karate Star defeated Hong Kong's Tsz Man Chris Cheng in the final by unanimous decision. Spanish domination in Kata continued in the Female category as local heroine Sandra Sanchez claimed her third gold in major international competitions this year. The Karate Star beat fellow teammate Raquel Roy in the all-Spanish final of the tournament. SURPRISES IN TOLEDOThe rest of the categories are being characterised by the surprising upsets and defeats of favourites. Hosts will also take home one more medal since Spain's Matias Gomez made it to the last match in Male Kumite -60kg. At the other side of the tatami, the 2016 European champion will clash against Russia's Evgeny Plakhutin who after earning six consecutive bronze medals in six tournaments between 2014 and 2015, reached his first final in Toledo. In Female Kumite -55kg, Algeria's Saida Djedra shocked and made it to her first final in two international appearances after beating front-runners Valeria Kumizaki of Brazil and Jennifer Warling of Luxembourg, among others. The other finalist is England's Carla Burkitt who will also try to shine in her first final in senior competitions. Two rising karatekas will also clash for gold in Female Kumite -68kg. Croatia's Ivana Bebek beat USA's Cheryl Murphy to make to the final, while Germany's Johanna Kneer beat Silvia Semeraro of Italy so to try making her name in international competitions after her bronze medal in the European Championships last year. French delegation also claimed a successful first day of competition. Two of the representatives of the European country, Sophia Bouderbane and Aurore Bourcois surprised and defeated front-runners to fight for gold in Female Kumite -50kg.Meanwhile, in Female Kumite -61kg, Alexandra Grande of Peru qualified to her first final after her gold in Karate 1-Premier League Salzburg last year and will clash for victory against newcomer Ana Raquel Simao of Portugal who defeated local top karateka Cristina Ferrer to reach her first final. The rest of the categories will be decided in the final day of action in Toledo on Sunday. ABOUT KARATE 1-SERIES A The Karate 1-Series A complement the Karate 1-Premier League and give karatekas from all over the world the opportunity to get point thus increasing their ranking position in a series of thrilling and anticipated events that state the universality of high-level Karate tournaments. The Karate 1-Series A 2017 will stop in Toledo (Spain), Istanbul (Turkey), Salzburg (Austria) and Okinawa (Japan). (Photo credit: Royal Spanish Karate (...)
2017-06-17

Expansion of Karate highlighted in meeting with Japanese Olympic Committee President Takeda
WKF President Antonio Espinós met in Tokyo with Japanese Olympic Committee President Tsunekazu Takeda to analyse the current situation of Karate and to further enhance exchanges between the international governing body of the discipline and the sports institution of the Asian nation.  On the last stage of his four-day visit to Japan, Mr. Espinós met with Japanese Olympic Committee President Tsunekazu Takeda in Tokyo in a fruitful meeting that stated the excellent relations between the two organizations and the growing impact of Karate among top sports institutions. As Karate is preparing to make its Olympic debut at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, the association with the Japanese Olympic Committee is considered fundamental by the WKF, Mr. Espinós claimed, due to Karate’s strong roots with the birth nation of the ancient modality.  “We are very grateful to Mr. Takeda and the institution he represents for the support that Karate has received during all these years. In Japan, the impact of Karate has always been remarkable, so much so that the history of the sport is highly connected to the history of the country. This connection and the coincidental values of Karate and Japanese culture together with the importance it has for the progress of the sport in the country are among the reasons why for us it is so crucial to have such a good relationship with our friends of the Japanese Olympic Committee, “ said Mr. Espinós.   (Picture: From left to right: WKF General Secretary Toshihisa Nagura, WKF President Antonio Espinós, Japanese Olympic Committee President Tsunekazu Takeda and JOC Senior Executive Board member (...)
2017-06-16

World Karate Day: The big celebration of Karate’s unity is here!
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2017-06-16

Where to watch the World Karate Day LIVE
The big celebration of Karate's unity (...)
2017-06-16

WKF President hails cooperation with TOCOG in meeting with President Yoshiro Mori
The fruitful collaboration of the World Karate Federation with the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee was highlighted in the meeting that WKF President Antonio Espinós maintained with TOCOG President Yoshiro Mori.  On the last day of Mr. Espinós’ visit to Japan, a delegation of the WKF was welcomed at the TOCOG headquarters in Tokyo to discuss the anticipated debut of Karate in the Olympic Games, among other issues.  President Espinós informed the President of the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee Yoshiro Mori of the many steps taken to enhance the presentation of the sport, and the efforts made in order to provide opportunities to enjoy the Olympic experience to all the Karate family while maintaining the balance between innovation and tradition. The goal of the WKF, as expressed by Mr. Espinós to Mr. Mori, is to take the opportunity of the Olympic debut to really shine at the world’s biggest sporting event, as well as to play a crucial role in the success of Tokyo 2020. WKF President also expressed gratitude to Mr. Mori for his involvement in the inclusion of Karate in the programme of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Mr. Espinós ensured the intention of all the Karate family of contributing as much as possible in spreading the Tokyo 2020 legacy and the values of the Olympic Games being held in three years in the capital of Japan.  “We cannot thank Mr. Mori and his team enough for all the help they have given us in making our Olympic dream come true. We are sure that Karate will bring an added value to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 and we will do our best to cooperate with TOCOG as much as possible and to be as supportive and influential as we possibly can, in order to make the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 the most memorable ones” said Mr. Espinós.  (Picture: WKF President Antonio Espinós (left) with Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee President Yoshiro Mori. Photo Credit: (...)
2017-06-15

Top karatekas ready to shine at Karate 1-Series A in Toledo
The 2017 edition of (...)
2017-06-15

Karate Olympic debut reviewed in meeting with Japanese Minister Marukawa
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2017-06-14

WKF President reviews future of Karate with Japan’s LDP Diet affairs chief Takeshita
The development of Karate and the support that the sport receives in Japan were assessed during the meeting that WKF President Antonio Espinós held with Liberal Democratic Party Diet affairs chief Wataru Takeshita.  The meeting took place in Tokyo during the four-day visit that the head of Karate’s international governing body has done to the birth nation of the sport. LDP Diet affairs chief and former Minister for Reconstruction Wataru Takeshita discussed the future of the sport with Mr. Espinós as the WKF leader pledged to work tirelessly to raise the profile of the discipline in Japan and around the world. Mr. Espinós also stated the goal of the sport organisation to encourage more people of all ages and genders to engage in the ancient discipline which was originated in Japan. “It was an honour to meet Mr. Takeshita and be given the opportunity to debate about the future of Karate with such key Legislature member. I am very pleased about the prospect of the sport here in Japan, and I am convinced that Karate will continue receiving tremendous support from the highest authorities in the country as the discipline continues its expansion in years to come,” said WKF President Antonio Espinós.  (Picture: From left to right: JKF Executive Bureau member Iwaki Hashimoto, WKF President Antonio Espinós, Liberal Democratic Party Diet affairs chief Wataru Takeshita, WKF General Secretary Toshihisa Nagura and JKF Executive Bureau member Akio (...)
2017-06-13

WKF representatives meet head of IOC Athletes Entourage Commission Sergey Bubka
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2017-06-13

WKF President pledges to make Karate event at Tokyo 2020 a success during meeting with Minister Matsuno
WKF President Antonio Espinós continued his visit to Japan and stated the support that Karate is receiving from all levels of the birth nation of the sport during a meeting with the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Mr. Hirokazu Matsuno.  The Karate delegation visited the headquarters of the Ministry of MEXT in Tokyo where the head of Karate’s international governing body insisted in the efforts of the institution he represents in appealing Karate and the Japanese culture to the whole world.  “As the milestone of the year 2020 nears, we at the WKF are working hard in order to show the world all the values of our sport. By presenting a great Karate event to the whole world, we are also spreading the Japanese culture and its many virtues. I believe that this would be our way of thanking the country and its representatives for all the support we have receiving,” said Mr. Espinós, who also pointed out the importance of a successful event at Tokyo 2020 to guarantee the bright future of the discipline.  “In order to spread Karate even more, I would like to propose the WKF to apply for ‘Sports for Tomorrow’, an international project of the Japanese government aiming at extending the contribution of Japan by sending coaches to disseminate their knowledge and by the exchange of athletes,” said Minister Matsuno. The meeting was also attended by WKF General Secretary Toshihisa Nagura and by the Commissioner of Japan Sports Agency, Daichi Suzuki, who expressed the intention of the institution of cooperating with Karate for (...)
2017-06-12

Karate’s influence in Japanese society stated in meeting with Senior Vice Foreign Minister Nobuo Kishi
WKF President Antonio Espinós met Senior Vice Foreign Minister of Japan Nobuo Kishi on Wednesday on the first day of Mr. Espinos’ visit to Tokyo. The government official welcomed the head of Karate’s international governing body at the headquarters of the Foreign Ministry to discuss the expansion of the ancient modality in Japan and around the world.  The meeting served to confirm the deep roots of the ancient modality in the nation where the sport was originated. The intention of the World Karate Federation of maintaining the tradition of the discipline while taking the sport to its bright new future was reaffirmed during the gathering. While Karate is highly regarded as a vehicle to disseminate Japanese tradition and spirit around the world, representatives of the sport and the Asian country agreed on Karate’s remarkable impact in the birth nation of the discipline. The popularity of the sport in Japan has steadily grown through the years, with Japan Karate Association’s purpose of spreading Karate as a way of life being deeply integrated in Japan’s daily life and culture. During the meeting, which was also attended by also WKF General Secretary Toshihisa Nagura and General Manager of WKF General Secretary Office Masayasu Kametani, the upcoming debut of Karate in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 was also addressed. Mr. Espinós confirmed the efforts of the sports organization to make the best so the Karate event at the Olympic Games in the Japanese capital will be a big success. (Picture: From left to right: WKF General Secretary Office General Manager Masayasu Kametani, WKF General Secretary Toshihisa Nagura, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mio Otashiro, WKF President Antonio Espinós, Vice Foreign (...)
2017-06-11

WKF President discusses progress of Karate in Japan with the Japan Karate Federation
The outstanding development of Karate in Japan was at centre of discussions of the meeting that WKF President Antonio Espinós held with the Japan Karate Federation during his visit to the birth nation of the sport.  The head of Karate’s international body has travelled to Japan this week to analyse the situation of the sport in the country and to work together with local representatives ahead of the upcoming debut of Karate in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. During his visit to JKF headquarters, Mr. Espinós met Japan Karate Federation and WKF Honorary President Takashi Sasakawa. In attendance at the meeting were also WKF General Secretary Toshihisa Nagura, General Manager of WKF General Secretary Office Masayasu Kametani, JKF Vice President Shigeo Kurihara and JKF General Secretary Shuji Kusaka. The meeting stated the hard work and great effort that the JKF makes in the development of Karate worldwide, and confirmed the remarkable relevance of the sport in Japanese society. Discussions also focused on the important milestones ahead, both in the quest to Karate’s Olympic debut at the birth nation of the sport, and also in upcoming major Karate events to be held in the Asian nation. Among these events are the celebration in the capital of Japan of the Test Event for Tokyo 2020 during the summer of 2019.  (Picture: WKF President Antonio Espinós (left) and Japan Karate Federation and WKF Honorary President Takashi (...)
2017-06-10

Excitement grows for World Karate Day as celebrations continue around the world
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2017-06-09

WKF President praises Nippon Budokan during Japan visit
World Karate Federation (...)
2017-06-09

WKF President meets Kosovo Olympic Committe head Hasani
WKF President Antonio (...)
2017-06-08

Getting to Know Karate Stars: Thomas Scott dreaming about Karate into the Olympics
Karate Star Thomas Scott epitomizes the feeling of hope of thousands of Karatekas around the world who not only are delighted to finally see the dream of Karate into the Olympics coming true, but who actually have a chance to live the dream first-hand. The captain of Team USA stars in the new episode of the “Getting to Know” series barely a few days after the Kumite ace reached the podium of the Pan American Championships for the fourth consecutive time. “I have been dreaming about Karate in the Olympics even before it was possible, so I am very excited about it. I see that it is a big challenge but that’s what I am here for,” said the Texan athlete. The Olympic dream is one of the many topics that Thomas Scott covers in the new episode of WKF’s “Getting to Know” series. The series brings Karate fans the chance to know more about the best Karatekas in the world. In its fourth episode, the current World ranking leader in Male Kumite -75kg and one of top favourites among fans opens up about his beginnings in the ancient modality as well as his uniqueness as karateka. “My Kumite is closer to Kata than it is to fighting. I feel like other athletes are really worked up, or hard core or ready to go, and I am always trying to keep focused that way. I am one of the few Kumite athletes – maybe the only one - that competes in Kata, because some day the fighting will end and then it will be Kata. I am ready and I am excited for that,” said the 3rd-Dan Wado Ryu karateka. The “Getting to Know” series is available to a worldwide viewing audience on KarateWorld.TV. The first episode had Spain’s Damian Quintero as the protagonist, and the second part of the series highlighted Brazilian ace Douglas Brose. World ranking leader Sandra Sanchez of Spain was featured in the third episode, and now Karate fans have the opportunity to know more about Thomas Scott. Watch "Getting to know Damian Quintero" HERE Watch "Getting to know Douglas Brose" HERE Watch "Getting to know Sandra Sanchez" HERE Watch "Getting to know Thomas Scott" HERE About Karate World TV KarateWorld.TV gives fans around the world a front row seat to view all the top Karate events. By signing to the Karate World TV Channel, fans will receive all the excitement of the 2017 Karate 1-Premier League in HD, including all five tournaments LIVE, On-demand event replays, Video On Demand and Exclusive Content.  Sign up for KarateWorld.TV (...)
2017-06-06

Karate New Zealand President appointed as member of country’s Order of Merit
The (...)
2017-06-06

Turkey top medal table at EKF Karate Championships for Regions
The city of (...)
2017-06-05

Morgan Moss leads winners of UFAK Senior Championships
South Africa’s top (...)
2017-06-05

WKF #OlympicDay PhotoContest
As part of WKF’s outreach action, the World (...)
2017-06-03

WKF President visits International Paralympic Committee
WKF President Antonio (...)
2017-06-02

Get active and practise Karate on #OlympicDay
On June 23rd the world of sport (...)
2017-06-01

50 Days to The World Games as Karate delegations confirmed
The city of Wroclaw (...)
2017-05-31

Karate added to Games of Small States of Europe
The General Assembly of the (...)
2017-05-30

Favourites prevail at final day of Pan American Championships
Antonio Diaz, (...)
2017-05-28

Antonio Diaz leads quest to gold in day 2 of Pan American Championships
In a (...)
2017-05-27

WKF President hails Karate’s progress at PKF Congress
WKF President Antonio (...)
2017-05-27

New talents show top form as Pan American Championships start in Curaçao
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2017-05-26

Obituary: Azerbaijan Karate Federation Vice President Yusif Mammadov
The WKF and (...)
2017-05-25

Karate heroes go for continental crown at Pan American Championships
Pan (...)
2017-05-24

Countdown to historic World Karate Day
The Karate family is set to celebrate its (...)
2017-05-22

WKF President leads high-profile meetings in Baku
A series of high-profile (...)
2017-05-21

Rafael Aghayev leads winners at Islamic Solidarity Games
Top karatekas from (...)
2017-05-16

WKF Vice President William Millerson elected President of Parliament of Curaçao
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2017-05-12

Top takeaways of 2017 Karate European Championships
Meet the new kings and (...)
2017-05-11

Turkey top medal table at 2017 Karate European Championships
Turkey ended as the (...)
2017-05-07

New kings and queens of European Karate crowned in thrilling third day of #EuroKarate2017
Favourites and top karatekas emerged victorious on the third day of competition at the 2017 Karate European Championships). While local heroes carried the flag of the host country to the top of the podium three times, Luigi Busa, Anne Laure Florentin, Damian Quintero, Sandra Sanchez, Ukrainian karatekas and Alisa Buchinger were among the big stars of the day.   “It was very difficult for me at the beginning of the tournament but now I am very happy that it all went so good, and the final was just perfect”, said Austria’s Alisa Buchinger.  The defending World Champion won back-to-back titles to extend her domination in Female Kumite -68kg. In one of the highlights of the day, the 24 year-old Shotokan karateka presented a sensational performance to defeat 2014 World champion Alizee Agier of France by 5-1 thus improving the second position she achieved last year.  LUIGI BUSA REGAINS EUROPEAN TITLE  Meanwhile, Luigi Busa confirmed his star status by earning gold in Male Kumite -75kg. The Italian World Championships bronze medallist defeated Ukraine’s Stanislav Horuna in one of the most gripping moments of the morning session. Busa had taken the lead after scoring a yuko and a waza-ari, but Horuna came back and tied the bout with an outstanding ippon after completing a spectacular uramawashi geri kick. However, Luis Busa got the victory by senshuu, or first-scoring rule.  “It is such a proud moment for me to have gotten this great result and I just can say that I am super happy,” said Italy’s Luigi Busa.  Busa’s gold was not the only Italian success story of the day. Simone Marino won gold in Male Kumite +84kg so to put Italy in the second position of the medal table following hosts Turkey. The 20 year-old from Firenze Marino defeated local hero Enes Erkan after scoring two consecutive waza-ari, much to the disappointment of the full sport hall in Izmit cheering for the captain of the Turkish team.   “I have waited all my life for this moment. It is an indescribable emotion and I want to thank all those who helped me so much because I am finally taking home the European Championships”, said Italy’s Simone Marino.  TWO CONSECUTIVE CONTINENTAL CROWNS FOR ANNE LAURE FLORENTIN  France’s Anne Laure Florentin took the spotlight by winning her second European title in a row. The 25 year-old karateka had prevailed in the Female Kumite +68kg category last year at home in Montpellier, and now in Kocaeli the Shotokan athlete confirmed her domination by defeating local karateka Meltem Hocaoglu.  “I am really happy that I could win today and that I could get this title for France. I have won two European Championships in two consecutive finals so I am extremely happy,” commented France’s Anne Laure Florentin.  SHINING MOMENTS FOR TURKISH KARATEKAS  Despite defeats in four finals today, including Female Team Kumite, Turkish fans had reasons to celebrate since the flag of the host country waved three times at the top of the podium. Ugus Aktas and Burak Uygur in Male Kumite -84kg and Male Kumite -67kg respectively and Tuba Yakan in Female Kumite -55kg took good use of the opportunity to shine at home.  “I won gold medal in front of my family, in my city, I am very happy. I was European champion last year and I did it again and I am so happy for it,” declared Ugus Aktas after his victory. The 21 year-old karateka beat Berat Yakupi of FYR of Macedonia and repeated the triumph he achieved last year in Montpellier.  One of the most emotional moments of the day occurred when Tuba Yakan earned gold at Female Kumite -55kg category. Tears poured down the face of the 26 year-old karateka as she defeated Karate Star Sara Cardin with a waza-ari. His husband, kata ace Mehmet Yakan, and newborn daughter were ready to greet her as the Turkish heroine regained the European crown while the full Sehit Recep Topaloglu arena gave her a standing ovation. “I have to thank all those here today for their support. I won the European title again after doing it in 2013 and I could not have done it without the help of so many people,” commented Turkey’s Tuba Yakan.  In the third gold for Turkey, Burak Uygur defeated Russia’s Alexandr Gutnik after connecting an impressive mawashi geri kick that earned him an ippon and ultimately the continental crown.  “I am having a great time, it is very nice. It was difficult but I have done it. Amazing atmosphere here, thank you everybody!” commented Uygur.  SPAIN RULE IN KATA  The individual Kata categories continued being monopolised by Spanish representatives. Just as it occurred last year in Montpellier, Sandra Sanchez and Damian Quintero claimed the two top spots on the final podium.  Sandra Sanchez of Spain extended her domination in Female Kata competition, as the continental champion in the 2016 and 2015 editions of the tournament achieved her third consecutive crown following her victory over Italy’s Viviana Bottaro. The 35 year-old World Ranking leader performed a flawless “Papporen” kata so to keep reigning in the category of choreographed movements.  “I am super thrilled for being again on top of the podium and for showing that all the hard work appears when you are on the tatami. I am glad that I could confirm that I am here, that I am working hard to win these championships and I hope to keep representing Spain for a long time!”, declared Sanchez.  With four gold medals in European Championships, Spain’s Damian Quintero proved right his nickname of “KingTero” and ruled the Male Kata category. Despite the support from the stands for his rival Turkish ace Ali Sofouglu, Quintero performed an exceptional “Chatanyara Kushanku” kata to claim his eight gold medal in continental championships, both in individual and team competitions.  “I am really happy for this new gold medal. My participation has been good, with some katas better than others. In the final bout I felt great, but you could feel the pressure here in Turkey, with the audience obviously supporting the local karateka. The tight result is good enough for me, you don’t always have to win 5-0!”, said Quintero.   SHOCKING MOMENTS IN KOCAELI  Serbia’s Jovana Prekovic produced one of the biggest shocks of the day since the first-time continental finalist defeated favourite and current World Championships silver medallist Lucie Ignace of France in Female Kumite -61kg. After finding herself 2-1 down in the scoreboard, Prekovic got an impressive late ippon to earn the gold medal.  Meanwhile, Kalvis Kalnins of Latvia used experience in his favour and took advantage of his first continental final in five years to defeat Marko Antic of Serbia so to claim gold in Male Kumite -60kg.   “My last final was in 2012 and it was very hard for me because I thought about stopping Karate after that. But after some years, I really wanted to win gold medal and this time I won,” said Kalnins.  TWO GOLDS FOR UKRAINE  In Female Kumite -50kg, Ukraine’s Kateryna Kryva claimed the throne of the category after defeating Duygu Bugur of Germany in a disputed final. The 25 year-old also was one of the stars of the day since in addition to earning gold in individual category, the 2016 Grand Winner also contributed to Ukraine’s victory in Female Team Kumite. These two gold medals, in addition to one silver and two bronzes place Ukraine in third place of the medal table and as one of the sensations of the tournament.  “I am so happy and I cannot believe what’s happened here. I am extremely happy for me, for my coach, for my team. There are no words to describe what I lived here today, only emotions. It’s crazy,” said the two-time gold medallist in this tournament Kryva.  Action will continue on Sunday with the final day of competition in Kocaeli.  Click here for more information on the EKF European Championships.  About Karate World TV Channel  The Karate World TV Channel gives fans around the world a front row seat to view all the Karate 1- Premier League events. By signing to the Karate World TV Channel, Karate fans will receive all the excitement of the 2017 Karate 1-Premier League in HD, including all five tournaments LIVE, On-demand event replays, Video On Demand and Exclusive Content.  Sign up for the Karate World TV (...)
2017-05-06

Viviana Bottaro leads Italian success in second day of #EuroKarate2017
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2017-05-05

Where to watch Karate European Championships
Karate fans may rejoice as they (...)
2017-05-04

New EKF Executive Committee meets for first time
The European Karate Federation (...)
2017-05-04

Turkish celebration in day 1 of Karate European Championships
It was an (...)
2017-05-04

EKF Congress re-elects Antonio Espinós as President
Antonio Espinós (...)
2017-05-03

European Karate elite ready to face momentous #EuroKarate2017
After many years (...)
2017-05-03

EKF Congress celebrates unprecedented growth for European Karate.
After being (...)
2017-05-03

EKF Executive Committee ushers in new era for European Karate
The Executive (...)
2017-05-02

2017 European Championships: Top Karatekas to watch in Male competition
The 52 (...)
2017-04-29

2017 Karate European Championships: Top female Karatekas to watch
As the start (...)
2017-04-27

WKF hosts key strategic meetings in Paris
World Karate Federation stakeholders (...)
2017-04-26

Countdown to big celebration of European Karate
The best Karatekas in Europe are (...)
2017-04-24

Top takeaways from Karate 1-Premier League in Rabat
After the thrilling events (...)
2017-04-18

WKF Executive Committee member Souleymane Gaye appointed FISU Technical Delegate for Karate
The International University Sports Federation (FISU) has decided to nominate WKF Executive Committee member Souleymane Gaye of Senegal as new Technical Delegate for Karate. Mr. Gaye, who also acts as Assistant General Treasurer at WKF main governing body will be in charge of overseeing the technical aspects of the Karate competitions at the main international events for youngsters at university level around the world.  With over 40 years of background in the sport, Souleymane Gaye will bring experience and insight knowledge to the organisation for a four year-term (2017-2021). Mr. Gaye has acted as Senegalese National Olympic Vice President and UFAK Vice President, among many other high-level positions, and currently is also the Chairman of the WKF Athletes Entourage Commission. The International University Sports Federation (FISU) is the institution in charge of propagating sport values and promote sports practice at university level. Karate debuted on the World University Championships in 1998. The next edition of the FISU World University Karate Championships will be held in 2018 in Kobe (Japan)  (Photo: Mr. Souleymane Gaye (right) with WKF President Antonio (...)
2017-04-18

Front-runners earn gold as thrilling Karate 1-Premier League in Rabat concludes
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2017-04-16

Rafael Aghayev takes spotlight in second day of action at Karate 1-Premier League Rabat
Five-time World champion Rafael Aghayev and Egyptian karatekas emerged victorious on the second day of competition at the Karate 1-Premier League in Rabat (Morocco). As the tournament heads to the title-deciding clashes on Sunday, favourites are looking to take gold in the thrilling fourth stop of Karate’s first-class international events.  As he made his first appearance in international season, defending world champion Rafael Aghayev confirmed his status of one of Karate’s biggest stars by claiming his sixth medal in Karate 1-Premier League events, a tally to add to his unprecedented five world crowns and ten continental titles. Much to Karate fans’ delight, the clash for gold in the Male Kumite -75kg category will feature the Azerbaijani superstar in one of the highlights of the last day of competition.  The always challenging task of getting in the way of Karate’s fan favourite Aghayev will fall on Majed Alkhalifah’s shoulder. The karateka from Saudi Arabia will try to defend his condition of 2016 Grand Winner so to produce the big upset of the tournament in order to earn his first title in major international tournaments.  Egyptian Karatekas continue shining  Extending a remarkable first day of competition, the Egyptian delegation kept on making an impact in Rabat. As a continuation to the three spots in the finals earned on Friday, Egypt managed to place two of their competitors - Yassmin Attia and Aya Shaaban- in the final of the the Female Kumite -55kg, thus making the bout an all-Egyptian clash. Twenty-three year-old Yassmin Attia has not won a Karate 1-Premier League title since her victory in Paris in 2015, while 20 year-old Aya Shaaban claimed gold in Karate 1-Premier League in Sharm El-Sheik last year in her first appearance in the top series of Karate competitions.  The third Egyptian karateka making it to the final today was Ahmed Elasfar who shocked and clinched the ticket to the bout for gold in the Male Kumite +84kg category. His rival will be Karate Star Enes Erkan of Turkey who reached his first final in over a year after defeating top favourites, among others, local hero Achraf Ouchen.  As Achraf Ouchen will fight for bronze on Sunday, Moroccan Karate enthusiasts will have more reasons to celebrate since local karateka Najlae Karachali qualified for the final of Female Kumite -61kg. The newcomer aims at her first medal in international competitions and she will face China’s Xiaoyan Yini.  Favourites making their mark  Front-runners also succeeded in thriving in Rabat. World Championships runner-up Aykhan Mamayev of Azerbaijan hopes to earn his first gold this year and will clash in the final of Male Kumite -84kg category with Turkey’s Gokhan Gunduz, who won his last gold medal in Karate 1-Premier League four years ago in Istanbul.  In Female Kumite -687kg Italy’s Silvia Semeraro set the course to continue her winning path in Rabat as the 2015 EKF Junior, Cadet and U21 champion qualified to fight for her second gold in two years at the event. Slovakia’s Miroslava Kopunova will be on the other side of the tatami aiming at her first gold in international competitions.  World Championships bronze medallist Dominika Tatarova of Slovakia and young newcomer Sofia Kloucha of France will clash for gold in the final of Female Kumite +68kg and complete the list of athletes succeeding in the thrilling event in Rabat.  Finals and bronze medal bouts will be held on Sunday. The last day of the event will be streamed live on Karateworld.tv. Click here for more information on the 2017 Karate 1-Premier League in Rabat.  About Karate World TV Channel  The Karate World TV Channel gives fans around the world a front row seat to view all the Karate 1- Premier League events. By signing to the Karate World TV Channel, Karate fans will receive all the excitement of the 2017 Karate 1-Premier League in HD, including all five tournaments LIVE, On-demand event replays, Video On Demand and Exclusive Content.  Sign up for the Karate World TV (...)
2017-04-15

Favourites off to flying start at Karate 1-Premier League in Rabat
The Karate (...)
2017-04-14

Achraf Ouchen on quest to defend Morocco’s hopes at Karate 1-Premier League in Rabat
At only 19 years old, Achraf Ouchen is one of the most promising karatekas in the world having earned five medals in eight major international competitions, includng the silver at the 2016 World Championships. This weekend, as the Karate 1-Premier League gets underway in Rabat, Ouchen not only has the goal of increasing his impressive tally of awards but also to demonstrate the progression of Moroccan Karate.   “It feels great to compete in my home country. I will do my best to give a good image of Moroccan Karate this weekend. My family, friends and all the supporters have big hopes and trust in me. I will give 100% to get the gold,” said the rising star.  Impressive performance at the 2016 World Championships  Achraf Ouchen will have the eyes of all Karate fans in Morocco set on him as he steps on the tatami of the Multi-purpose stadiums Prince Moulay Abdellah. The 19 year-old is the front-runner of a promising young generation of competitors who aim at causing a sensation at international Karate. As a matter of fact, Ouchen shocked rivals in the last World Championships, as the young Moroccan karateka made it to the final of the big Karate event. Ouchen presented an impressive performance in Linz eliminating top karatekas to make it to the title-deciding clash. In the bout for gold, Ouchen was defeated by Iran’s Sajad Ganjzadeh by split decision thus taking home a remarkable silver medal.  Now, as the 2017 Karate 1-Premier League reaches Rabat, the 2015 World Junior, Cadet and U21 champion hopes to continue his success at home. “This weekend at the Rabat Open my aim is to win the Gold Medal for the second time after my victory last year,” said Ouchen.  At the Karate 1-Premier League in Rabat last year, the fifth placed in the WKF World Ranking defeated Cameroon’s Etienne Martial Nonagni Bayomog so to earn his second gold at Karate1 Premier League events following his triumph in Sharm El Sheikh that year.   Ouchen set to continue leading way for young karatekas As a generation of young competitors is making their case for the domination of Karate at the world stage, Achraf Ouchen has the ambition to improve while setting his eyes on bigger goals. “My main objectives this year are the World Games in Poland, as well as the World Junior, Cadet and U21 in Tenerife. Also, I hope to win at the Junior & Cadet and U21 Mediterranean Championship that is going to be held in Morocco,” commented Ouchen.  In addition to his own personal quest to shine, the national champion who was the only Moroccan medallist at the 2016 World Championships has the responsibility to showcase the intentions of his country to make an impact at a global scale.  “Moroccan Karate is showing a clear improvement in Karate 1-Premier League and also in the World Championship. We are now a very well known country in Karate. It's definitely going on the right path and many more achievements are yet to come,” declared the 19 year-old athlete, who stressed the importance of hosting a Karate 1-Premier League at home.  “This event in Rabat is so important for Moroccan Karate because it gives a chance to Moroccan athletes to compete face-to-face with international champions. This raises the level of Moroccan Karate in the National tournaments,” said the World Championships silver medallist.  Achraf Ouchen will make his debut at Karate 1-Premier League in Rabat on Saturday morning in the elimination phase of the Male Kumite +84kg as he will face Poland’s Michal Babos in the first round.  Click here for more information on the 2017 Karate 1-Premier League in Rabat.  About Karate World TV Channel  The Karate World TV Channel gives fans around the world a front row seat to view all the Karate 1- Premier League events. By signing to the Karate World TV Channel, Karate fans will receive all the excitement of the 2017 Karate 1-Premier League in HD, including all five tournaments LIVE, On-demand event replays, Video On Demand and Exclusive Content.  Sign up for the Karate World TV Channel (...)
2017-04-13

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2017-04-12

WKF President meets HRH Prince Abdullah Bin Musaad Bin Abdulaziz in Saudi Arabia
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2017-04-11

Karate 1-Premier League in Rabat set to crown new Karate’s heroes
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2017-04-11

Grand Winners headline Karate 1-Premier League in Rabat
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2017-04-10

WKF President discusses future of Karate at SportAccord Convention
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2017-04-09

EKF and EUSA sign memorandum of understanding
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2017-04-09

Switzerland celebrate massive National Karate Day
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2017-04-08

Getting to know Karate Stars: Douglas Brose “breathing Karate” and hoping to live the Olympic dream
Two-time World Champion Douglas Brose has one goal: to succeed in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. The Brazilian Karate Star has the Olympic dream set on his mind, and imprinted on his body. Flaunting an Olympic rings tattoo on his leg, the current Pan American champion has devoted his life to Karate and is living first-hand the quest of the discipline to be included in the programme of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.  “I think my biggest achievement until today is that I can say that somehow I contributed to making Karate an Olympic sport,” said Brose who was present at the IOC session in Rio de Janeiro that confirmed the inclusion of Karate in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.  Douglas Brose speaks about the Olympic dream and about his life in Karate in a new episode of the “Getting to Know” series. The new installment of the series that brings Karate fans the chance to know more about the best Karatekas in the world features the 2014 and 2010 World Championships gold medallist, who tells the story of his strong bond with the ancient modality.  “I breathe Karate. I say that I train 24 hours a day as I am always thinking about Karate,” said the Brazilian hero, who started in the sport at seven years old because of his interest in martial arts movies.  “Karate is not only a sport, Karate is a martial art that teaches respect and discipline, and these are great things,” stated the second-placed at the World ranking of the Male Kumite -60kg category. Produced in outstanding quality by International Sports Broadcasting (ISB), the “Getting to know” series features top Karate idols in short documentaries that give a personal perspective on some of the best heroes of the sport. The “Getting to Know” series is available to a worldwide viewing audience on KarateWorld.TV.  The first episode had Spain’s Damian Quintero as the protagonist and the second part of the series highlights Brazilian ace Douglas Brose.  Watch "Getting to know Damian Quintero" HERE Watch "Getting to know Douglas Brose" HERE About Karate World TV KarateWorld.TV gives fans around the world a front row seat to view all the top Karate events. By signing to the Karate World TV Channel, fans will receive all the excitement of the 2017 Karate 1-Premier League in HD, including all five tournaments LIVE, On-demand event replays, Video On Demand and Exclusive Content.  Sign up for KarateWorld.TV  HERE Follow WKF on (...)
2017-04-07

Top takeaways from Karate 1-Premier League in Dubai
The 2017 Karate 1-Premier (...)
2017-04-05

Karate family joins #WhiteCard campaign
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2017-04-03

Sadriddin Saymatov continues streak while Karate Stars succeed at Karate 1-Premier League Dubai
Damian Quintero, Sandra Sanchez and Thomas Scott were among the big winners of the Karate 1-Premier League event being held this weekend in Dubai. The third stop of the first-class Karate event also saw how Uzbekistan's Sadriddin Saymatov won his third gold this year, thus taking a firm step towards becoming the biggest sensation of the tournament. After his victories in both Karate 1-Premier League Paris and Karate 1-Premier League Rotterdam, rising star Sadriddin Saymatov continued his demonstration of domination in  Male Kumite -60kg and won his third gold of the season after beating Turkey's Aykut Kaya. The young Uzbekistan karateka is the only competitor who has managed to win three golds this year, in such an excellent performance in only his second season participating at Karate 1-Premier League events, that the young athlete is set to earn the condition of the biggest shining star of the tournament this yearItaly and Spain triumph in Kata competitionThe Kata categories followed a similar pattern and crowned two of the main forces of international Karate in the modality of choreographed pattern of movements. While Italy dominated in the Team Kata competition, winning both golds in Male and Female tournaments, Spanish representatives prevailed in individual Kata division. Karate Star and 2016 Grand Winner Damian Quintero won his first gold of the season and confirmed his status of world ranking leader after beating Ali Sofouglu of Turkey in the final of Male Kata. The current European champion and World championship silver medallist demonstrated a remarkable ability to overcome difficulties and after failing to prevail in Paris and Rotterdam was crowned in Dubai as one of the top competitors of the Kata category. Also earning gold for the first time this season and also presenting a notable progression this year, Karate Star Sandra Sanchez of Spain dominated the Female Kata competition, The Spanish European champion beat Indonesia's Aprilia Krisda Putri in the final and earned her third medal this season after winning two bronzes in Paris and Rotterdam. Second gold for Ayumi UekusaWorld champion Ayumi Uekusa of Japan also become one of the biggest names of the event in Dubai after signing her second gold medal this season. The Japanese rising star, who prevailed in Rotterdam and achieved bronze in Paris continued her winning streak and beat Bulgaria's Aleksandra Stubleva in the final of Female Kumite +68kg so to state her domination of the category. Also with two golds this year, Azerbaijan's Iryna Zaretska continued her winning streak in Dubai. Following her victory in Rotterdam, the Azerbaijan favorite beat Grand Winner Elena Quirici of Switzerland to claim the top of the podium of Female Kumite -68 kg category. Thomas Scott shows power in DubaiAfter winning silver in Rotterdam, Karate Star Thomas Scott took the spotlight in Dubai and carried the USA flag to the top of the podium in Dubai in one of the highlights of the day. The Male Kumite -75 Kg final was a repetition of the bronze medal bout at the 2016 World Championships, but this time Thomas Scott avenged his defeat in Linz last October and defeated Italy's Luigi Busa. The captain of Team USA beat one of the front-runners of the category and took a step forward in his intention of reaching the first position at the world ranking, thus claiming his first gold medal in Karate 1-Premier League competitions in over a year, after his victory in the Paris event last year. Iranian delegation had plenty of reasons to celebrate on Sunday, as three of its representatives reached the top of the podium in Dubai. Sajad Ganjzadeh dominated the Male Kumite +84 category and defeated 2014 world champion Gogita Arkania of Georgia in the final while Saeid Ali Pour won his first gold this season in Male Kumite -67kg category. In women's competition, Fatemeh Chalaki claimed the third gold for Iran after defeating Russia's Valeria Finashkina in the final of Female Kumite -55kg. Another highlight of the day occurred in the Female Kumite -50kg category, as Karate Star Serap Ozcelik of Turkey clashed for gold against World Championships bronze medallist Bettina Plank of Austria. The gold medal went to the young Austrian competitor who defeated Ozcelik in an electric bout, so to continue her winning record in Dubai after her victory last year in the Emirate city.Anita Serogina of Ukraine also won gold and beat Grand Winner Ingrida Suchankova of Slovakia in Female Kumite -61kg category while Ivan Kvesic of Croatia prevailed in the Male Kumite -84kg category following his triumph over Russia's Ilya Granovesov. The action of Karate 1-Premier League will continue in two weeks when the bet karatekas in the world will travel to Rabat (Morocco) for the fourth stop of the first-class international Karate competition.    About Karate World TV Channel  The Karate World TV Channel gives fans around the world a front row seat to view all the Karate 1- Premier League events. By signing to the Karate World TV Channel, Karate fans will receive all the excitement of the 2017 Karate 1-Premier League in HD, including all five tournaments LIVE, On-demand event replays, Video On Demand and Exclusive Content.  Sign up for the Karate World TV Channel HERE About Karate 1 – Premier League  The Karate1-Premier League- is the most important league event in the world of Karate. It comprises of a number of the most prominent Karate competitions, with the cities of Paris (France), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Dubai (UAE), Rabat (Morocco) and Halle/Leipzig (Germany) acting as the stops of this year’s edition. The Karate 1-Premier League will also be one of the key elements in the road to the Olympic qualification since the points to be allocated in Karate 1-Premier League tournaments will play an essential role in the configuration of the World (...)
2017-04-02

Grand Winners and Karate Stars set course to finals at Karate 1-Premier League Dubai
Grand Winners Ingrida Suchankova and Elena Quirici, and Karate Star Thomas Scott were among the heroes taking the spotlight at the second day of action of the Karate 1-Premier League in Dubai. Saturday's thrilling route to finals in Dubai was also marked by shocking results. The final of Male Kumite -75kg will be one of the highlights of the last day of competition in the Emirate city. Two of the most skilled athletes of today’s Karate will clash for gold in an anticipated and spectacular bout. Karate Star Thomas Scott made it to his second consecutive final in Karate 1-Premier League this season after his silver in Rotterdam following a firm performance over the tatami. The captain of Team USA will fight for gold against one of the most renowned competitors, Italy’s Luigi Busa. The 2016 World Championships bronze medallist - who defeated Scott in the bout for bronze in Linz - reaches his first final in Karate 1-Premier League in over a year and aims at his fourth gold medal in the first-class series of international competitions. Time for Grand Winners to shineTwo 2016 Grand Winners caused a sensation in women’s categories. Ingrida Suchankova of Slovakia qualified for the last day of competition for the first time this season as the 2016 World Championships bronze medallist defeated rivals in the Female Kumite -61kg category in the quest to her fourth gold in Karate 1-Premier League. The other spot at the tatami in the final will be taken by also bronze medallist in Linz Anita Serogina of Ukraine, who has never won gold in Karate 1-Premier League. Also aiming for her first gold medal in Karate 1-Premier League, Grand Winner Elena Quirici demonstrated top form in Dubai and reached her first final in over a year in the Female Kumite -68kg category. The defending European Champion will clash against Azerbaijan’s Iryna Zaretska. The current EKF Junior, Cadet and U21 champion from Azerbaijan reaches her second consecutive final in Karate 1-Premier League after her victory in Rotterdam and hopes to defeat the continental title-holder in a bout for the domination of the category. Ryutaro Araga’s first defeat in nearly two yearsOne of the most shocking moments in day 2 in Dubai happened when top favourite and defending World Champion Ryutaro Araga of Japan failed to make it to the last day of competition. The Japanese Karate Star had earned two gold medals in the two first events of Karate 1-Premier League this year, and had always claimed victories in all his appearances in international competitions since his last defeat in Karate1 Premier League – Salzburg in November 2015. The surprising final of the Male Kumite -84 kg category will then have Russia’s Ilya Granovesov and Croatia’s Ivan Kvesic of Croatia as contenders. The Croatian karateka has not reached the final day of international events in over two years, while the promising Russian athlete won silver in Karate 1-Premier League Paris this year. Young karatekas making their mark The rest of the categories at stake on Saturday were characterized by the impact of young athletes who took their share of the spotlight at the event by reaching the final day of competition. In Female Kumite Kumite -55kg, 22 year-old Valeria Finashkina of Russia aims at her first gold in Karate 1-Premier League against Iran’s Fatemeh Chalaki who also has never reached the top of the podium at the event.  Meanwhile, 25 year-old Sajad Ganjzadeh of Iran completed the successful day of the Iranian delegation after qualifying for the final of Male Kumite 84+ kg in the quest for his second gold medal this season. Gogita Arkania of Georgia, who was World champion in 2014, improves his performance after his bronze in Rotterdam and hopes to earn his first gold medal in Karate 1-Premier League in more than three years. Showcasing a remarkable dominance on the Female Kumite +68kg category, 24 year-old Ayumi Uekusa of Japan stated her condition of defending World champion and reached the final of Karate 1-Premier League for the second time in a row this season following her victory in Rotterdam. The top Japanese karateka will have as rival 21 year-old Aleksandra Stubleva of Bulgaria who reaches the final of the tournament for the first time. Finals and bronze medal bouts will be held on Sunday. The last day of the event will be streamed live on Karateworld.tv. About Karate World TV Channel  The Karate World TV Channel gives fans around the world a front row seat to view all the Karate 1- Premier League events. By signing to the Karate World TV Channel, Karate fans will receive all the excitement of the 2017 Karate 1-Premier League in HD, including all five tournaments LIVE, On-demand event replays, Video On Demand and Exclusive Content.  Sign up for the Karate World TV Channel HERE About Karate 1 – Premier League  The Karate1-Premier League- is the most important league event in the world of Karate. It comprises of a number of the most prominent Karate competitions, with the cities of Paris (France), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Dubai (UAE), Rabat (Morocco) and Halle/Leipzig (Germany) acting as the stops of this year’s edition. The Karate 1-Premier League will also be one of the key elements in the road to the Olympic qualification since the points to be allocated in Karate 1-Premier League tournaments will play an essential role in the configuration of the World (...)
2017-04-01

Damian Quintero and Serap Ozcelik among the first finalists of Karate 1-Premier League Dubai
The third stop of the season of Karate 1-Premier League started in Dubai with an electric first day of competition. The anticipated quest to finals and some notable absences are setting the mood for the memorable weekend of the best Karate in the Emirate city.  The Kata categories and the first rounds of Male Kumite -60kg, Female Kumite -50 and Male Kumite -67kg are taking the stage in the first day of competition in Dubai. Top favorites confirmed their status and reached the final stages of competition. After his silver medal in Karate 1-Premier League Rotterdam, Karate Star and Grand Winner Damian Quintero of Spain demonstrated a sensational form in the first day so to qualify for the final of Male Kata following his series of victories by 5-0. Turkey's Ali Sofouglu will try to increase his tally of three golds in Karate 1-Premier League by facing the World ranking leader in the title-deciding bout. The final of Female Kata will also have Spanish presence, as Karate Star Sandra Sanchez also made it to the last day of competition. The European champion had a rocky start but managed to recover the winning mode to reach the final. On the other side of the tatami, the two-time bronze medallist in Karate 1-Premier League this season from Spain will find Indonesia's Aprilia Krisda Putri, who surprised and aim at her first gold in the event. Clash of titans in Female Kumite -50kg The Female Kumite -50kg will also have a final among two of the frontrunners of the category. Karate Star Serap Ozcelik of Turkey stated her condition of defending European championships runner-up and reached her first final this season after her bronze medal in Karate 1-Premier League Paris.  In one of the highlights of the last day, Ozcelik will clash against Austria's Bettina Plank. The World Championships bronze medallist from Austira got to the last bout of the category thus recovering from staying away of the podium in the first two events of the season. In his quest to become one of the biggest heroes of the Karate 1-Premier League this year, Uzbekistan Sadriddin Saymatov qualified for his third final of the season. The young karateka, who together with Ryutaro Araga is the only athlete with two gold medals this year will try to continue his winning streak against Turkey's Aykut Kaya. Two young karatekas who had never reached the last day of Karate 1-Premier League events will meet in the Male Kumite -67kg. Greece's Dionysios Xenos and Iran's Saeid Ali Pour will fight for gold so to demonstrate the rising force of young generations in international Karate. Two Italy vs Spain confrontations in both Female Team Kata and Male Team Kata complete the list of finalists of the thrilling first day in Dubai. The event is also being determined by some relevant late absences in the competition. Karate Star Rafael Aghayev will finally not take part in the tournament in Dubai. The five-time World champion, who recently posted a picture in social media of his new-born baby will not be able to defend the crown that he earned in last year’s edition of the event in Dubai. About Karate World TV Channel  The Karate World TV Channel gives fans around the world a front row seat to view all the Karate 1- Premier League events. By signing to the Karate World TV Channel, Karate fans will receive all the excitement of the 2017 Karate 1-Premier League in HD, including all five tournaments LIVE, On-demand event replays, Video On Demand and Exclusive Content.  Sign up for the Karate World TV Channel HERE About Karate 1 – Premier League  The Karate1-Premier League- is the most important league event in the world of Karate. It comprises of a number of the most prominent Karate competitions, with the cities of Paris (France), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Dubai (UAE), Rabat (Morocco) and Halle/Leipzig (Germany) acting as the stops of this year’s edition. The Karate 1-Premier League will also be one of the key elements in the road to the Olympic qualification since the points to be allocated in Karate 1-Premier League tournaments will play an essential role in the configuration of the World (...)
2017-03-31

Karate 1-Premier League Dubai preview: Time for Karate heroes to shine
Karate (...)
2017-03-30

Watch Karate 1-Premier League Dubai LIVE
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2017-03-29

Top Karatekas take new challenges on Karate 1-Premier League Dubai
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2017-03-27

Anti-doping activities increased at WKF
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2017-03-24

Top takeaways from Karate 1-Premier League in Rotterdam
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2017-03-22

WKF President meets Chilean Federation head
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2017-03-21

Kiyou Shimizu and Ryutaro Araga highlight Japan's authority at Karate 1-Premier League Rotterdam
The celebration of spectacular Karate being held this weekend in Rotterdam finished with the crowning of the new conquering heroes of the sport. Japan's Kiyou Shimizu and Ryutaro Araga led Japanese domination at the second big event of the season of international Karate as the birth nation of the sport prevailed with four gold medals. Two-time world champion Kiyou Shimizu extended her outstanding record and claimed her tenth gold medal in international competitions after dominating the Female Kata category. The Japanese Karate Star has not lost a bout in major tournaments since her debut in 2011 and consolidated her legend by beating Hikaru Ono in the all-Japan final of the competition. Fellow Japanese Star Ryutaro Araga also confirmed his status as one of Karate's biggest heroes after dominating the Male Kumite -84kg category. The defending world champion beat The Netherlands' Rene Small in the final and prevented locals from celebrating a gold medal for hosts. It is the seventh consecutive gold medal in international competitions for Araga who increases his unbeaten track of victories in over two years. Ayumi Uekusa, who defeated Grand Winner Anastasiya Stepashko of Ukraine in Female Kumite +68kg and Issei Shimbaba who beat Karate Star and Grand Winner Damian Quintero in Male Kata completed Japan's excellent performance in Rotterdam. French karatekas flex muscles in Rotterdam Alexandra Recchia regained the throne of Female Kumite -50kg category after beating Morocco's Aicha Sayah in the final. The French Karate Star demonstrated her top form throughout the competition and used her world champion condition to earn her first title of the season. Recchia's victory paved the way for a successful tournament for French delegation as the European country claimed seven medals. Steven Dacosta surprised upcoming hero Andres Madera of Venezuela in Male Kumite -67kg while Logan Da Costa shocked Karate Star Thomas Scott of the USA in Male Kumite -75kg to complete French golden track in Rotterdam. Young Karatekas take the spotlight in final dayRising figures of the sport took their share of prominence in the event following remarkable performances in the rest of the categories at stake. That was the case of Ukraine's Anzhelika Terluyga who won gold in Female Kumite -55kg, and China's Xiaoyan Yin who prevailed in Female Kumite -61kg. One of the biggest upsets of the tournament occurred in the Female Kumite -68kg category. World champion Alisa Buchinger could not earn her first gold medal of the season since Iryna Zaretska of Azerbaijan presented a surprising performance to defeat world title-holder in the final. Meanwhile, upcoming figure of the sport Sadriddin Saymatov of Uzbekistan continued his impressive gold in Paris in the first event of the season with another title after beating Kalvis Kalnins of Latvia in the final of Male Kumite -60kg. Jonathan Horne of Germany won his first gold medal this year as the European champion defeated Daniel Gaysinsky of Canada in the final of Male Kumite +84kg. Meanwhile, Morocco and Italy claimed gold medals of Team Kata categories. Click here for more information of the Karate 1-Premier League in Rotterdam. About Karate 1 – Premier League  The Karate1-Premier League- is the most important league event in the world of Karate. It comprises of a number of the most prominent Karate competitions, with the cities of Paris (France), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Dubai (UAE), Rabat (Morocco) and Halle/Leipzig (Germany) acting as the stops of this year’s edition. The Karate 1-Premier League will also be one of the key elements in the road to the Olympic qualification since the points to be allocated in Karate 1-Premier League tournaments will play an essential role in the configuration of the World ranking.  Follow WKF on Social Media: (...)
2017-03-19

Karate Stars and World Champions lead way in Karate 1-Premier League Rotterdam
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2017-03-18

Thrilling Karate 1-Premier League underway in Rotterdam
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2017-03-17

Dutch Karatekas hoping to shine at Karate 1-Premier League in Rotterdam
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2017-03-16

WKF President meets Honduras head of Sports
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2017-03-15

Get all the #Karate1Rotterdam action LIVE on karateworld.tv
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2017-03-14

World’s best going for gold at Karate 1-Premier League in Rotterdam
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2017-03-13

European Karate represented at EU Sport Forum
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2017-03-10

Karate Hall of Fame inaugurated in Okinawa
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2017-03-09

Small States of Europe Karate Federation reviews new measures in defining moment
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2017-03-08

New Karate World TV Channel launched
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2017-03-07

Getting to know Karate Stars: Damian Quintero from 'no good for Karate'� to chase Olympic dream
The first time that Damian Quintero tried to start training Karate, at five years old, he was discouraged to take the sport for being “too small”. Now, some 27 years later, the Karate Star leads the World ranking in Kata, is the defending European champion and World Championships runner-up, and acts as main contender in the quest to the Olympic dream.  “As stubborn as I am, I went back at six years old, to the same gym and to the same teacher and he finally accepted me into the school and that is where I began my life in Karate,” said the Spaniard.  This tale of Damian Quintero’s initiation in the ancient modality is only a part of the new series that brings Karate fans around the world the opportunity to get to know Karate Stars.  The first episode of new series which premieres on WKF YouTube channel features the 2016 Grand Winner, who tells the story of his first steps in the sport, as well as the main principles that rule his passion for the ancient modality.  The Olympic quest is also included in this exceptional feature, as Quintero voices the hopes and dreams of thousands of Karate athletes around the world. “I am setting my mind on that dream that all of us karatekas have, to compete in the Olympics Tokyo 2020”, said the Spanish Karate hero.  Produced in outstanding quality by International Sports Broadcasting (ISB), the series will present all top Karate idols in a brand new feature of the Karate World Channel.  Watch "Getting to know Damian Quintero" HERE About Karate World Channel  The Karate World TV Channel gives fans around the world a front row seat to view all the Karate 1- Premier League events. By signing to the Karate World TV Channel, Karate fans will receive all the excitement of the 2017 Karate 1-Premier League in HD, including all five tournaments LIVE, On-demand event replays, Video On Demand and Exclusive Content.  Sign up for the Karate World TV Channel HERE Follow WKF on Social (...)
2017-03-03

Massive celebration of National Karate Day in India
Over a thousand Karatekas (...)
2017-03-01

Rotterdam gets ready for record breaking Karate 1-Premier League
Karate fans are (...)
2017-02-28

Karate takes spotlight at Asian Winter Games JOC reception
Karate’s deep (...)
2017-02-24

WKF President meets IOC chief Thomas Bach
WKF President Antonio Espinós (...)
2017-02-23

EKF Executive Committee meeting held in Sofia
The European Karate Federation (...)
2017-02-22

French and Italian karatekas prevail at EKF Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships
(...)
2017-02-19

Demonstration of Karate abilities at EKF Junior, Cadet & U21 Championships
The (...)
2017-02-18

Top Kata and Kumite showdown at day 1 of EKF Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships
(...)
2017-02-17

European Karate’s rising stars to meet in Sofia
Over a thousand young Karatekas (...)
2017-02-16

Bulletin of 2017 Karate Junior, Cadet & U21 World Championships now online
The (...)
2017-02-15

2016 Karate World Championships Photo Book now available
The WKF is pleased to (...)
2017-02-14

WKF President visits sport leaders in Andorra
WKF President Antonio (...)
2017-02-13

Who will be European Karate’s future stars?
Europe’s most talented young (...)
2017-02-09

World Ranking update after Karate 1-Premier League Paris
The surprising 2017 (...)
2017-02-06

Top takeaways from Karate 1-Premier League in Paris
A record-breaking number of (...)
2017-01-31

Ryo Kiyuna and Ryutaro Araga lead Japanese success at Karate 1-Premier League in Paris
Japanese karatekas prevailed at the 2017 Karate 1-Premier League in Paris, and confirmed their outstanding level of performance with a final tally of 13 medals. The victories of heroes of the Asian country such as Ryutaro Araga and Ryo Kiyuna helped Japan to establish an impressive domination in the inaugural event of the season that also served to present new and promising names in international Karate. The preponderance of karatekas of the birth nation of the sport was especially remarkable in Individual Kata categories. The all-Japanese final of Male Kata proclaimed world champion Ryo Kiyuna as the biggest name of the category with his imposing victory over Issei Shimbaba, as all the positions of the final podium were occupied by Japanese karatekas. The trend of Japanese victories in both Individual Kata competitions that started in Linz continued in Paris since Hikaru Ono won gold in the Female Kata competition. The young karateka beat local heroine Sandy Scordo and got the best result of her career thus establishing her status as one upcoming athlete to watch. The gold medals in Team Kata competition went to the hands of Italian representatives, as the two squads of the European country topped both competitions. Italian ladies beat Germany in the final while “azzurri” sides ruled the Male Team Kata category with two trios of the souther European country clashing in the final. Ryutaro Araga extends dominationKarate Star Ryutaro Araga was crowned as one of the biggest names of the spectacular event. The Japanese hero extended his winning streak in Male Kumite -84kg to win his fifth gold medal in major international competitions. In Paris, the defending World Champion beat Russia’s Ilya Granovesov. The Japanese success was also confirmed in Female Kumite -50kg since Miho Mihara won the all-Japan final over Ayaka Tadano. Natsumi Kawamura completed the outstanding performance of athletes from the Asian country with her victory in Female Kumite +68kg over France’s Nadege Ait Ibrahim. Iran rise as leading nationFollowing a meritorious performance in the 2016 World Championships, Iranian athletes took the spotlight in Paris. Sajad Ganjzadeh continued his winning streak and after his victory in Linz three months ago, the world title-holder won gold in Male Kumite +84kg in a hard-fought bout against Tyron-Darnell Lardy of The Netherlands. Iranian promising karateka Taravat Khaksar earned her first gold in Karate 1-Premier League and beat Amy Connell of Scotland in Female Kumite -55kg thus completing the tally of golds for the Iranian delegation. New names to followThe elimination of top favourites and leading names in some of the categories represented the main highlight of the event and paved the way to glory for upcoming competitors in Paris. This is the case of Jovana Prekovic of Serbia who won gold in Female Kumite -61kg after beating European championships silver medallist Merve Coban of Turkey. In another of the title-deciding bouts with competitors debuting in the last day of competition at Karate 1-Premier League, Sadriddin Saymatov of Uzbekistan defeated Senthilkumaran Selvarajoo of Malaysia in Male Kumite -60kg.  Meanwhile, Andres Madera of Venezuela confirmed his progression and following his bronze medal at the World Championships, he won gold in Male Kumite -67kg by beating Rinat Sagandykov of Kazakhstan. Stanislav Horuna also took the highest position of the final podium since the Ukrainian fan favourite defeated Ahmed El Sharaby of Italy to win the Male Kumite -75kg. French celebrationThe delegation of the host country had a moment of pure joy during the last day of the competition in Paris when local heroine Alizee Agier got all the honours of the organising country with her victory in Female Kumite -68kg. The 2014 World Champion beat Iryna Zaretska of Azerbaijan in the final, in a celebration of French Karate. Watch all the action of the first class Karate international competition on Karate 1-Premier League Channel.  Follow WKF on Social Media: (...)
2017-01-29

Young karatekas show power of new generations in Karate 1-Premier League in Paris
Upcoming generations of karatekas kept making their case to dethrone the big favourites in day 2 of the Karate 1-Premier League in Paris. The surprises continued in the inaugural event of the season since World Champions and top ranked competitors strived to qualify to the finals. Alizee Agier of France, Sajad Ganjzadeh of Iran and Ryutaro Araga of Japan where among the favourites to reach the finals, while a new breed of young athletes stated their impressive progress on the tatamis.Local fans will have reasons to celebrate as one of the most revered competitors of the host country earned their qualification to the finals of the tournament. Alizee Agier made it to the title-deciding bout in Female Kumite -68kg, as the 2104 World champion edged out current World Championships silver medallist Katrine Pedersen of Denmark, and European champion Elena Quirici of Switzerland among others in an impressive performance. Iryna Zaretska of Azerbaijan will try to upset local fans by beating fan favourite in the final. The third-ranked in the WKF world standings reached the last round after beating French karateka Lamya Matoub in semifinals. France’s Nadege Ait Ibrahim followed Agier’s path and also qualified for the last day of competition in Female Kumite +68kg. The winner of the 2015 Karate 1-Premier League in Paris will try to repeat success in this first event of the year and she will face Natsumi Kawamura of Japan in the final. World Junior, Cadet and U21 champion Natsumi Kawamura is another member of the numerous representation of the birth nation of the sport in the last day of competition. First time is a charmThe Female Kumite -55kg category will present two young competitors fighting for gold for the first time in their careers. The 108th qualified in the world ranking Amy Connell of Scotland surprised by making it to the final in her first participation in Karate 1-Premier League competition. Meanwhile, Taravat Khaksar of Iran, who holds the 49th position in world ranking, will try to improve her best result of a bronze medal in the 2014 Karate 1-Premier League in Jakarta. Turkey’s Merve Coban came back after early defeats in her three last appearances in international events to regain the form that took her to win the silver medal in the 2016 European Championships in Female Kumite -61kg. Her rival in the last bout will be Jovana Prekovic of Serbia, who defeated French heroine Lucie Ignace in semifinals. The European Championships bronze medallist Prekovic reaches her first final in Karate 1-Premier League. Newcomers against favourites in Men’s categoriesIn Male Kumite -75kg Ukraine’s Stanislav Horuna will meet Ahmed El Sharaby of Italy in the final. The Ukrainian fan favourite achieved his best result after winning the bronze medal in 2014 World Championships and aims at his first gold in major international competitions after his triumph in 2014 Karate 1- World Cup in Lasko. His rival in the final Ahmed El Sharaby demonstrated top form, and will also participate for the first time in a final bout of the top series of international Karate events. Spectacular clashes were showcased in the Male Kumite -84kg. Karate Star Ryutaro Araga paved his way to continue his domination in the category with an impressive display of power and superiority. The defending world champion defeated 2014 world title-holder Gogita Arkania of Georgia and the 2016 world champion in Team Kumite Poorshab Zabihollah of Iran to reach his fifth consecutive final in major international competitions. Ilya Granovesov of Russia will try to stop Araga’s two-year winning streak after four unsuccessful appearances in Karate 1-Premier League events.Following his victory in the 2016 World Championships, Iran’s Sajed Ganjzadeh hopes to continue his winning streak in Male Kumite +84kg category. The defending world and Asian champion presented a powerful display after beating Karate Star and world ranking leader Enes Erkan of Turkey and fellow Iranian promising karateka Saman Heydari to qualify for the final. On the other side of the tatami, Tyron-Darnell Lardy of The Netherlands will try to produce another surprise in the tournament. The 39th ranked karateka reaches his second final in Karate 1-Premier League events after his silver medal in 2015 in Coburg (Germany) The action will resume on Sunday with the bronze medal bouts and the finals of all the (...)
2017-01-28

Japan dominate Kata competition of Karate 1-Premier League in Paris
The Japanese (...)
2017-01-27

Rising karatekas shock in first day of Kumite competition at #Karate1Paris
(...)
2017-01-27

World champion Ryo Kiyuna faces big challenges in Karate 1-Premier League in Paris
Will the champion be able to extend his impressive winning streak? or Will the Kata king be dethroned? As the historic 2017 edition of the Karate 1-Premier League in Paris gets underway in Pierre de Coubertin sports hall, Karate fans around the world set their eyes in one of the leading names of the tournament and top favourite in the French city, Ryo Kiyuna.  The defending Kata king faces his biggest challenge of the season in the inaugural event of the year. Barely three months after being proclaimed World champion for the second consecutive time, the question among fans is whether the Japanese Kata master will manage to extend his domination in the category.  “I am really looking forward to participating in my first Karate tournament of 2017. My expectations are very high ahead of this competition since I think I was able to improve my Kata performance since the last World Championships in Linz,” declared the defending champion.  At only 24, Kiyuna gave Japanese Karate plenty of reasons to celebrate when in 2014 he recovered the world crown of the traditional category of choreographed patterns of movements for the birth nation of the sport. After being in the hands of Venezuelan star Antonio Diaz in the 2010 and 2012 editions of the World Championships, and previously in possession of legend Luca Valdesi of Italy in the editions of 2008, 2006 and 2004, Ryo Kiyuna put an end to a 12 years of title drought for Japan in Individual Male Kata competition in World Championships. Two years later of his first World crown, the Japanese karateka repeated success in the 2016 World Championships when he beat Spain’s Damian Quintero in the Final in Linz.  This weekend, in the first big event after the memorable World Championships, Ryo Kiyuna aims at earning his sixth consecutive gold medal in Karate 1-Premier League competitions. The Kata hero hopes to maintain the unbeaten track in Karate 1-Premier League that he has been holding since 2012, and he will try to do so while keeping his trademark concentration. “I just want to go bout by bout. I keep my focus in every single match, and my main goal is to perform at my highest level in every single match, as I always try to do,” declared Kiyuna.   Last year the current World champion in Kata participated for the first time in the flagship event of international Karate in Paris, and claimed gold after beating fellow Japanese Issei Shimbaba in the final. This time, the Japanese fan favourite hopes to earn his eight medal in eight appearances in Karate 1-Premier League tournaments.  While the anticipated clashes for the medals happen on Sunday, fans attending live the Karate 1-Premier League in Paris or following the event in the new Karate 1-Premier League Channel will enjoy the purity and excellence of the defending World champion.  Click here for all the information on the Karate 1-Premier League in Paris.  Follow WKF on Social Media: (...)
2017-01-26

Where to watch Karate 1-Premier League in Paris
Fans wanting to catch all the (...)
2017-01-26

New features in improved and spectacular Karate 1-Premier League
Karate’s (...)
2017-01-25

Participation record set at Karate 1-Premier League in Paris
The Karate (...)
2017-01-23

WKF President meets WKF Athletes Commission Chairman
WKF President Antonio (...)
2017-01-22

Karate Stars build buzz ahead of Karate 1-Premier League in Paris
As the (...)
2017-01-17

WKF President visits United States Olympic Committee
WKF President Antonio (...)
2017-01-16

WKF Vice President Michael Kassis meets IOC Vice President John Coates
WKF Vice (...)
2017-01-15

Countdown to record breaking Karate 1-Premier League in Paris
The first major (...)
2017-01-13

Read the inspiring story of young Moldovan Karateka on Olympic.org
The official (...)
2017-01-12

Paris to host historic Karate 1-Premier League event
Featuring a record-breaking (...)
2017-01-10

Watch the documentary on World Championships "Karate Magic in Linz"
The (...)
2016-12-28

Documentary on Karate World Championships coming to Olympic Channel
The (...)
2016-12-26

French Federation President visits WKF
The French Karate Federation president (...)
2016-12-21

WKF President meets San Marino National Olympic Committee head Gian Primo Giardi
(...)
2016-12-19

#KarateValues and good deeds in social media: Franco Icasati’s story
It was yet (...)
2016-12-16

WKF President honoured at Al Ahli Club in Dubai
WKF President Antonio (...)
2016-12-15

Nippon Budokan: Ideal stage for Karate’s Olympic dreams
Martial artists around (...)
2016-12-13

WKF President leads meeting to outline Karate 1 –Premier League Dubai
The WKF (...)
2016-12-12

Nippon Budokan approved as Karate venue for Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
The (...)
2016-12-07

Karate included in 2018 Youth Olympic Games programme
The International Olympic (...)
2016-12-06

2017 WKF official calendar announced
Fans around the world will have plenty of (...)
2016-12-02

Ukraine’s success at Karate World Championships recognised by National Olympic Committee
The president of Ukraine’s National Olympic Committee Sergey Bubka officially welcomed a delegation of Ukraine’s Karate to congratulate them on their accomplishments on the recent World Championships held in Linz (Austria), as well as to extend his felicitations for the inclusion of the sport in the programme of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.  The ceremony took place in the National Olympic Committee headqquarters in Kyiv, and the delegation of Ukraine’s Karate was formed by World Championships medallist Anita Seriogina, her coach Oleksandr Tonkoshkur, and National Karate Federation President Sergiy Levchuk.  “I am sure dynamic and entertaining sport of karate worth its place at the Olympic Games. We have amazing experience of the inaugural European Games in Baku in 2015 where karate represented Ukraine side by side with the Olympic sports. I know your aim as a team is to qualify for Tokyo 2020, so I wish you all the best to achieve this goal,” stated Ukraine’s National Olympic Committee President Sergey Bubka in a statement.  Anita Serogina earned bronze medal in the Female Kumite -61kg category at the 23rd Karate World Championships held in Linz (Austria) and was the first ever Ukrainian to win a medal at European championships in the ancient modality.  “We start our road to Tokyo from a solid point and are looking forward to the future years to win the privilege to become a part of the Olympic Team for 2020,” said Sergiy Levchuk, Ukraine's Karate Federation (...)
2016-11-28

Asian young Karatekas shine at 2016 AKF Cadet, Junior & U-21 Championships
Japan (...)
2016-11-27

Asian rising stars to meet in Indonesia for thrilling event
The future of Asian (...)
2016-11-22

Social Media wrap-up of 2016 Karate World Championships
The 2016 Karate World (...)
2016-11-15

Fans hail MVPs’ success at 2016 Karate World Championships
As the memorable 2016 (...)
2016-11-09

Education on Anti-Doping in Karate World Championship in Linz
A successful (...)
2016-11-06

10 takeaways of 2016 Karate World Championships
The 2016 Karate World (...)
2016-11-02

Japan top medal table at memorable Karate World Championships
Outstanding (...)
2016-10-30

Karate heroes and rising stars being crowned at Karate World Championships
(...)
2016-10-29

Golden day for Alexandra Recchia and Japanese karatekas at World Championships
(...)
2016-10-29

New members of WKF Athletes Commission announced
Two new representatives of the (...)
2016-10-29

Lifetime dream come true for Refugee team at Karate World Championships
While (...)
2016-10-28

Karate’s leading powers reach finals of team competitions at World Championships
(...)
2016-10-28

Upcoming Karatekas amaze in day 2 of Karate World Championships
The second day (...)
2016-10-27

Suprises and emotion on first day of Karate World Championships
The 2016 edition (...)
2016-10-26

Antonio Espinós re-elected as WKF President for six-year term
Mr. Antonio (...)
2016-10-25

WKF signs landmark agreement with Olympic Channel
The World Karate Federation (...)
2016-10-25

The Karate World Championships begin with spectacular message of unity and Karate values
The Opening Ceremony of the 2016 Karate World Championships was staged in spectacular fashion at the Tips Arena sports hall in Linz (Austria) with a spectacular celebration of arts and Karate values. In front of a record-breaking number of 1024 registered athletes from 118 countries, the 2016 edition of the Karate World Championships was officially declared open by WKF President Antonio Espinós. The Opening Ceremony – a visual combination of dance, music and performing arts, all under the spell of the music of a live orchestra was aimed at showcasing Karate’s impressive values in a “trip through the world an Austria” entitled “Greeting the world”.The traditional parade of flags opened the event, as delegations of the 118 countries showed the pride of representing their nations in the biggest Karate competition. A dancing and musical performance to highlight the virtues of the region where this event is taking place followed, while Austrian tradition found their space in the representation later. One of the most memorable moments of the ceremony was the performance of local singer George Nußbaumer, who mesmerised the audience with his phenomenal voice in a series of musical numbers.  The combination of Karate and dance continued as karatekas doing Katas were mixed with classical dancers. Lastly, the time for speeches followed with the President of the Austrian Karate Federation, Georg Russbacher thanking all presents for the participation in the event. WKF President Antonio Espinós pointed out the importance of the anticipated event being the first World Championships after the decision to include Karate in the Olympic programme of Tokyo 2020 and appreciated the organisers’ work to prepare a historic event. Then, WKF President officially opened the 2016 edition of the Karate World Championships. The ceremony was wrapped up by the world premiere of the song “We are Karate”, composed and performed by Andie Gabauer.  With the chorus “We are Karate!” the ceremony came to an end, thus presenting the thrilling competition to start on Wednesday at (...)
2016-10-25

Excitement grows as start of Karate World Championships nears
The countdown to (...)
2016-10-24

Preview Linz 2016: Fierce competition under Rafael Aghayev’s domination in Male Kumite -75kg
As four-time World champion and one of Karate’s biggest star, Rafael Aghayev will take the spotlight of the 2016 Karate World Championships as soon as the Azerbajani hero will step into the tatami in Linz. Followed by legions of fans, the 31-year old athlete will gather much of the attention of the biggest Karate event in the quest to gold in Linz. Karate enthusiasts from around the world are looking forward to witnessing if the multi-medal winner manages to earn his fifth world crown, thus extending his legend as one of most outstanding Karatekas of all times. Flourishing extraordinary speed and impressive array of techniques, Rafael Aghayev showcases a spectacular list of honours after winning six medals in World Championships and no less than 18 medals in European Championships. Absent from the 2014 World Championships, the Azeri top karateka earned silver in his last appearance in the biggest Karate event in 2012. Previously, Aghayev had claimed gold in the 2006, 2008 and 2010 World Championships. While Aghayev’s career in international competition certainly is outstanding, his domination in the category is challenged by one of the most competed division of international Karate. A long list of first-class karatekas are lined-up to claim the title currently in Tani Ryuichi of Japan’s hand. As top candidate, USA’s Thomas Scott will try to win his first medal in World Championships. The world ranking leader has reached podium in all his appearances in major international competitions in nearly two years, and caused a sensation in one of top events of the season, the Karate 1-Premier League in Paris. The 2015 Pan American champion acts as one of USA’s hopes to end their medal drought in World Championships after finishing the 2014 tournament in Bremen empty handed and claiming two bronze medals in Paris in 2012. Current silver medallist Luigi Busa will try to climb one step further in the final podium, and use Tani Ryuichi’s absence in Linz to get gold in the event. The Italian ace has only competed in three major tournaments this year and has only the silver medal earned in Karate 1-Premier League in Paris to his count, so the 29-year old hopes to succeed in the biggest stage of the sport.  Other of 2014 medallists in action in Linz, Ukraine’s Stanislav Horuna will try to take their chances to claim the spotlight in the World Championships after his bronze in Bremen, so to increase his tally of ten medals in major international competitions. Top Turkey competitor Erman Eltemur also hopes to shine in Linz after his surprising gold medals in Karate 1-Premier League events in Istanbul and Rotterdam and his second position in the European Championships. Upcomers Seryozha Sargsyan of Armenia, Gabor Harspataki of Hungary, and Iran’s Aliashghar Asiabari represent the new breed of top karatekas in Linz, while Stefan Pokorny will lead hosts’ hopes in the event. Go to the World Championships section to find more information on Linz 2016. All the best photos and videos from on the tatamis and behind the scenes of the World Championships will be posted on the (...)
2016-10-24

Preview Linz 2016: All eyes on Giana Lotfy in Female Kumite -61kg
Few athletes (...)
2016-10-23

Preview Linz 2016: Continuity or revolution in Male Kumite -67kg
As disputed and (...)
2016-10-22

Karate World Championships to reach new heights with finals and bronze medal bouts streamed LIVE
If you won’t be able to make it to the Karate World Championships in person next week, but you are dying to see the best Karate action, don’t worry. All the final and bronze medal bouts are streamed LIVE on the internet.The Karate TV Pass features live action in high definition quality for fans around the world who do not have access to the TV broadcast. You can find here if the Karate World Championships are being broadcast in your country. The medal-deciding bouts begin on Saturday, with the first session from 9:30 to 14:00 (local times). The second session will be held from 15:30 to 20:00 (local time) and the third and last session starts on Sunday at 09:00 and ends at 14:00 (local time) with the medal awarding ceremony.      This unique opportunity for fans without access to TV broadcast is ready at one click away NOW. Two options are available for Karate enthusiasts: Pay-per-view per session, and full pass to all finals and bronze medal bouts. You can get access to all the excitement CLICKING HERE. The stream of both the finals and bronze medal bouts marks a first for the Karate World Championships as never before both stages of the competition are made available LIVE for fans around the world. As usual all the best photos and videos from on the tatamis and behind the scenes will also be posted on the WKF’s Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and (...)
2016-10-21

WKF participates in historic ASOIF meeting
WKF President Antonio Espinós (...)
2016-10-20

Preview Linz 2016: Crown up for grabs in Female Kumite -55kg
Surprises and a (...)
2016-10-18

Preview Linz 2016: Douglas Brose leads way in Male Kumite -60kg
As current world (...)
2016-10-17

Preview Linz 2016: Memorable duels expected in Female Kumite -50kg
Long-time (...)
2016-10-16

Preview Linz 2016: Clash of Titans in Male Kata
The crown of Male Kata (...)
2016-10-15

Watch Linz 2016 dreams materialise LIVE
The 2016 Karate World Championships will (...)
2016-10-14

Preview Linz 2016: Japan against the world in Female Kata
After winning five of (...)
2016-10-13

Record-breaking 2016 Karate World Championships on the horizon
The biggest (...)
2016-10-11

WKF President Antonio Espinós discusses Karate success during visit to EFE
WKF (...)
2016-10-10

Grand Winners of Karate 1-Premier League crowned
The Grand Winners of the 2016 (...)
2016-10-05

Karate 1-Premier League update after Okinawa event
After a thrilling season of (...)
2016-10-03

Japanese Karate show power at Karate 1-Premier League in Okinawa
It was an event (...)
2016-10-02

Japanese Karatekas dominate first day of Karate 1-Premier League in Okinawa
As (...)
2016-10-01

Thrilling finishing touch to Karate 1-Premier League season in Okinawa
After a (...)
2016-09-29

Karate 1-Premier League update after Hamburg event
Over a thousand competitors (...)
2016-09-27

Oceania honours top competitors in 2016 OKF Karate Championships
Top Karatekas (...)
2016-09-26

Promising Karatekas crowned at Karate 1-Premier League in Hamburg
Young and (...)
2016-09-25

Thrilling and surprising battle for gold at Karate 1-Premier League in Hamburg
(...)
2016-09-24

Karate 1-Premier League in Hamburg to start with participation record
Over a (...)
2016-09-23

Karate’s bright new future centre of discussion as top officials meet in Hamburg
(...)
2016-09-23

Luxembourg top medal table of Small States of Europe Karate Championships
The (...)
2016-09-23

Karate’s biggest heroes lead full line-up of stars in Karate 1-Premier League in Hamburg
A full list of the best Karate athletes in the world will be gathering this weekend in Hamburg for the ninth tournament of the Karate 1-Premier League. As the season of the first-class international Karate competition approaches its end and as the 2016 Karate World Championships are nearly one month away, top Karatekas around the world will meet in Hamburg in a showcase of high-class Karate with much at stake. The line-up of Karate Stars to compete this weekend in the Karate 1-Premier League in Hamburg is impressive, with current world champions and world ranking leaders fighting for gold in the German city. Top rivalries in Female categories  Alexandra Recchia of France headlines the Female Kumite -50kg category, and aims at her third gold medal in Karate 1-Premier League this season following her victories in the tournaments of Rotterdam and Paris. The French European champion will be one of the many top athletes to compete in Female category, in an anticipated quest to become the big star of the tournament. Italy’s Sara Cardin will also try to shine in Hamburg in her quest to her first gold medal in Karate 1-Premier League this year. Valeria Kumizaki of Brazil and Emilie Thouy of France among others will be some of the top rivals of the Italian World and European champion. World champion Giana Lotfy acts as leading name in Women's competition, as the Egyptian Karate Star seeks her third gold medal in Female Kumite -61 kg category this season after her triumphs in the events of Dubai and Sharm El-Sheikh. Meanwhile, the Female Kumite -68 kg category will be thrilling, with two-time 2016 Karate 1-Premier League gold medallist Vassiliki Panetsidou of Greece and World champion Alizee Agier of France as top contenders among others. Ayumi Uekusa of Japan leads the large representation of Japanese competitors in Hamburg, and she will try to extend her tally of medals in Karate 1-Premier League this season following her gold in Salzburg. Karate Stars set to shine in Male categoriesThe Male Kata category will present competitors to likely star in the forthcoming World Championships. Three-time 2016 Karate 1-Premier League gold medallist and defending European champion Damian Quintero of Spain will clash against Pan American and World champion Antonio Diaz in one of the most anticipated confrontations of the tournament. Fresh off his victory in Karate 1-Premier League in Fortaleza last weekend, Douglas Brose of Brazil sets his eyes to the World Championships by fighting for gold in the Male Kumite -60 Kg category in Hamburg. The Male Kumite -75kg will present a thrilling race to the top of the podium since the top headliners of the category will participate in Hamburg. Superstar Rafael Aghayev meets Turkey’s Erman Eltemur after their surprising clash in Istanbul, while Italy’s Luigi Brusa and Thomas Scott of USA will also aim for gold in the category.In Male Kumite 84+ Kg, Enes Erkan of Turkey defends his condition of current World champion and hopes to continue the success of the gold medal claimed in Karate 1-Premier League in Istanbul. The winner in the event Fortaleza last weekend Rodrigo Rojas of Chile and local hero Jonathan Horne top the list of candidates in this category. A record-breaking tally of 1164 participants from 72 countries are registered to participate in the anticipated Karate 1-Premier League in Hamburg this weekend. The host country presents the largest delegation with 114 competitors who will try to delight the home crowd. Jasmin Bleul in Kata, Noah Bitsch in Male Kumite -84 Kg and Jonathan Horne in Male Kumite 84+ Kg among others spearhead locals’ hopes in the tournament. Click here for more information on the Karate 1-Premier League in (...)
2016-09-21

Karate 1-Premier League update after Fortaleza event
The season of the (...)
2016-09-20

Brazilian Karatekas prevail in successful final day of Karate 1-Premier League in Fortaleza
Brazil finished in top position of the medal table of the 2016 Karate 1-Premier League in Fortaleza after completing a demonstration of domination in the final day of competition. The last day of the tournament also crowned Alisa Buchinger as one of the biggest stars of the eight event of the first-class international Karate event. Austria’s Alisa Buchinger stated her condition of World ranking leader in Female Kumite -68kg category following her victory in the Karate 1-Premier League in Fortaleza. The 24 year-old Karateka beat Silveira Brito of Brazil in the final thus claiming her third medal in Karate 1-Premier League this season following her gold medal in Salzburg and her bronze in Rotterdam. The European Championship runner-up confirmed her top form ahead of the upcoming World Championships in Linz where Buchinger will be the leading competitor of the host country. Rodrigo Rojas of Chile was the other non-Brazilian athlete to reach the top of the podium in the last day of competition after winning the Male Kumite +84kg category. The Pan American champion defeated Franco Recouso of Argentina in the final and earned his first medal in Karate 1-Premier League. The rest of the gold medals being awarded in the final day ended in the hands of representatives of the host country. Brazil's Isabela Rodrigues won in Female Kumite 68+kg, Adam Ramos prevailed in Male Kumite -84kg and local competitors claimed gold in Male Team Kata. Brazilian Karatekas finish the tournament with a tally of 34 medals, followed by Slovakia and Chile in the medal table. After the event in Fortaleza, top competitors set their eyes on the forthcoming Karate 1-Premier League to be held in Hamburg (Germany) next weekend. Click here for the summary of the first day of competition. Click here for all the information on the 2016 Karate 1-Premier League in (...)
2016-09-19

Douglas Brose leads Brazilian domination at Karate 1-Premier League in Fortaleza
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2016-09-18

Karatekas to continue quest for glory in Karate 1-Premier League in Fortaleza
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2016-09-14

Promising Karatekas shock at Mediterranean Karate Federations Union Championships
The Mediterranean Karate Federations Union Championships held this past weekend in Toledo (Spain) showcased the thrilling and arduous quest to success in this ancient discipline, as rising Karatekas surprised Karate Stars to win gold in the memorable competition. The event celebrated in the Spanish city featured World and continental champions and some of them suffered major upsets in the race to the top of the podium. Local star Sandra Sanchez paved hosts’ way to reign in the competition after prevailing in Female Kata category. The European champion defeated Margarita Morata in an all-Spain final and claimed her fifth gold medal of the season, thus confirming her condition of main front-runner of the category. Sandra Sanchez’s victory opened a triumphant journey for the local delegation, as Spain finished on top of the final medal table with a tally of 14 medals. Cristina Vizcaino in Female Kumite -68kg, Jose Manuel Carbonell in Male Kata, Spanish teams in Male Kata Female Kumite completed the golden list of winners for hosts in the event. Karate Stars crowned in Toledo While some of the favourites confirmed their status with impressive victories in Toledo, the event will go down in history for the surprising setbacks suffered by top Karatekas. Turkey’s Serap Ozcelik prevailed in Female Kumite -50kg and extended her winning streak after her triumph in Karate 1-Premier League in Istanbul last weekend. One of the anticipated highlights of the event, the repetition of the final of the European Championships between Ozcelik and France Alexandra Recchia did not occur as the French current continental gold medallist was defeated in the first bout of the pool phase by Morocco’s Aicha Sayah in one of the main upsets of the competition. Following Ozcelik's example, fellow Turkish star Enes Erkan also repeated his victory in Karate 1-Premier League in Istanbul with another triumph in Toledo. The current World champion beat Egypt’s Ossama Mansour in the final and claimed his second gold medal of the season. Karate Star Giana Lotfy confirmed her condition of favourite as well, and won in Female Kumite -61kg after beating fellow compatriot Hoda Moshraf in the all-Egypt final. The World champion earned her third gold medal in three appearances this season and showcased her domination in the category. After suffering bitter experiences in his two last appearances of the season following participation results in the European Championships and in Karate 1-Premier League in Dubai, Italian Star Luigi Busa reemerged and won in Male Kumite -75 Kg after defeating France’s Corentin Seguy. The French Karateka had surprised in semifinals with his victory over Turkey’s Erman Eltemur, who had recently caused waves after beating superstar Rafael Aghayev and earning gold in Karate 1-Premier League in Istanbul. Rising Karatekas put Karate Stars on a bindIn Female Kumite -55kg, Egypt’s Rousfelt Randa became one of the attention-grabbers of the event after her startling triumph in the category. The Egyptian athlete shocked with her victory over World and European champion Sara Cardin of Italy in the first bout of the competition. The Italian Karate Star recovered from the defeat to win bronze while Randa beat Cristina Ferrer in the final to complete a remarkable participation. Cardin was not the only defending World champion in trouble. France’s Alizee Agier could not confirm her status of World Championships gold medallist in Female Kumite -68 kg and was defeated by Spain’s Cristina Vizcaino. The young Spaniard went to win gold at home ground while Agier regained her poise to claim bronze. In Male Kata, European champion and main front-runner of the category Damian Quintero was also unable to shine in front of the local fans and was defeated by Morocco’s Bilal Benkacem in his second bout of the day. The Spanish Karate Star, who had earned medals in five out of his six appearances this season went home empty-handed in individual category, but led Spain to win gold in Male Team Kata. The list of winners in Toledo is completed with Masa Vidic of Croatia in Female Kumite +68kg, Marko Antic of Serbia in Male Kumite -60kg, Steven Dacosta of France in Male Kumite -67kg and Nuno Moreira of Portugal in Male Kumite -84kg. Click here for all the results and info of the Mediterranean Karate Federations Union (...)
2016-09-12

WKF present at Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro
The WKF consolidated its (...)
2016-09-10

First-class Karatekas to clash in Mediterranean Karate Federations Union Championships
Top Karate athletes from Mediterranean countries are gathered this weekend in Toledo (Spain) to quest for gold in the 25th edition of the Mediterranean Karate Federations Union Championships. Over 200 competitors from 14 nations are ready to shine in the competition being held this Saturday and Sunday in “Javier Lozano Cid” sports hall in the Spanish central city. Some of the biggest names in today’s Karate are travelling to Toledo for the high-class event. Local hopes are posed in Karate Stars Damian Quintero and Sandra Sanchez. The two Kata aces will try to extend their domination in the modality of choreographed patterns of movements, and hope to increase their impressive tally of medals at home ground. After her gold in Karate 1-Premier League in Istanbul last weekend, Sandra Sanchez has signed five medals this season, including her victory in European Championships. Meanwhile, Damian Quintero has collected an outstanding tally of five medals this year and competes in Toledo as current World ranking leader and European champion. In addition to local heroes, other Karate Stars will delight fans this weekend in Toledo. The Female Kumite -50kg competition will showcase one of the most sensational rivalries of today’s Karate between World ranking leaders, long-time adversaries and close friends Serap Ozcelik of Turkey and Alexandra Recchia of France. The two Karate Stars will try to repeat this weekend the memorable clash in the title deciding bout of the 2016 European Championships. The French idol beat Turkish heroine to win gold in one of the highlights and most heart-breaking moments of the competition held in Montpellier. In her quest to her second consecutive World title, Sara Cardin will try to continue showing her dominance of Female Kumite -55kg. Following her gold medal in European Championships, the Italian Karate Star takes part in her third international event of the season after earning the second position in Karate 1-Premier League in Dubai. Meanwhile, the Female Kumite -61kg category presents an anticipated quest to glory as World champion Giana Lotfy aims at her third gold medal of the season, and European champion Lucie Ignace of France also appears as frontrunner in the spectacular competition. Fresh of his surprising victory in Karate 1-Premier League in Istanbul last weekend, Turkey’s Erman Eltemur hopes to continue performing at the level that allowed the Turkish promising figure to beat superstar Rafael Aghayev. Italian ace Luigi Busa hopes to stand in his way in the quest to gold in Male Kumite -75 Kg category. One of the big winners of Karate 1-Premier League in Istanbul last weekend is also participating in Toledo. Karate Star Enes Erkan of Turkey claimed victory in the tournament held in the Turkish city and competes to rule Male Kumite 84+ Kg category and to earn his six medal of the season. The competition starts of Saturday morning with the Kata individual elimination competition. The first finals of Kata and Kumite tournaments will be held on Saturday at 18:00 while the last title-deciding bouts will be celebrated on Sunday at 13:00. The event is scheduled to end on Sunday afternoon. Click here for more information on the 2016 Mediterranean Karate Federations Union (...)
2016-09-09

Karate 1-Premier League update after Istanbul event
The 2016 Karate 1-Premier (...)
2016-09-06

History-changing moment, one month later
Millions of fans around the world (...)
2016-09-04

Turkey top medal table of Karate 1-Premier League in Istanbul
Local athletes (...)
2016-09-04

Local Karatekas and Karate Stars shine on opening day of Karate 1-Premier League in Istanbul
Serap Ozcelik of Turkey and Spain's Sandra Sanchez were crowned as big stars on the first day of the Karate 1-Premier League being held in Istanbul. Turkish Karatekas gave local crowd reasons to celebrate with four gold medals, while fan favourite Rafael Aghayev suffered the big upset of the day as the World and European champion lost his first bout of the season to end claiming the bronze medal. Turkey's Serap Ozcelik earned her third consecutive gold medal in Karate 1-Premier League events celebrated in Istanbul thus stating an impressive domination on the Female Kumite -50kg category in tournaments held at home ground. The Turkish Star beat Ukraine's Kateryna Kryva in the final to complete a perfect performance in Istanbul. Karate Star Sandra Sanchez of Spain won her fourth gold medal this season following her victories in Karate 1-Premier League tournaments in Dubai and Sharm El-Sheik and in 2016 European Championships so to extend her domination in Female Kata. The Spanish idol stated her condition of front-runner of the category for the upcoming World Championships after beating Negin Bagheri Bazardeh of Iran in the final. Erman Eltemur stars in the big upset of the dayAfter completing back-to-back victories in Karate 1-Premier League in Dubai and in 2016 European Championships this season and demonstrating an outstanding domination of the Male Kumite -75 Kg category, superstar Rafael Aghayev arrived in Istanbul to continue showcasing his status of leading force in today's Karate. However, the Azerbaijan idol lost his first bout in almost two years after being defeated by Turkey's Erman Eltemur. The local hero clashed against the World and European champion in a disputed and sensational kumite in the pool phase. The European championships silver medallist of Turkey avenged his defeat against Aghayev in Montpellier by earning a tight victory 4-3. Azerbaijan's star recovered to claim bronze medal, while Eltemur beat compatriot Sabir Ahmet Uygur in the final. Turkish fans had more reasons to celebrate in the first day of the seventh event of Karate 1-Premier League in Istanbul, as Muhammet Ali Yilmaz in Male Kumite -67 kg and Ali Sofuoglu in Male Kata also claimed gold. Chinese Taipei's Tzu Yun Wen in Female Kumite -55 Kg, Slovenia's Tjasa Ristic in Female Kumite -61kg and Abdullah Alharbi of Saudi Arabia in Male Kumite -60kg also reached the top of the podium in the opening day in Istanbul. The action will continue on Sunday with the finals of the rest of the categories. Click here for results and more information on the Karate 1-Premier League in (...)
2016-09-03

Istanbul ready to welcome thrilling Karate 1-Premier League
The countdown to the (...)
2016-09-01

Karate present at 2016 International Munich Marketing Symposium
The Ludwig (...)
2016-08-30

Karate Stars to shine in Karate 1- Premier League in Istanbul
Nearly 500 (...)
2016-08-29

Pan American upcoming stars crowned in PKF Junior, Cadet & U21 Championships
The (...)
2016-08-28

Inclusion of Karate in Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games celebrated in United Arab Emirates
During his visit to United Arab Emirates, WKF President Antonio Espinós participated in the celebrations staged in the Asian country to commemorate the decision of the International Olympic Committee to include Karate in the programme of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. The ceremony was attended by UAE Secretary-General of The General Authority for Youth and Sports Welfare, Ibrahim Abdul Malik Mohammed, WKF Vice-President and UAE Karate Federation President Nasser Abdulrazaq Alrazooqi, and WKF President Antonio Espinós. The 129th Session of the International Olympic Committee held in Rio de Janeiro decided to incorporate the sport of Karate in the programme of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in a ground-breaking moment for this ancient (...)
2016-08-25

Registration open for 2016 Karate World Championships
As the 2016 Karate World (...)
2016-08-23

Top officials at venue of 2017 Commonwealth Karate Championship
The ninth (...)
2016-08-22

Countdown on to Karate 1-Premier League in Istanbul
Top Karatekas from around (...)
2016-08-18

Japanese Karatekas top World University Karate Championship
Japan claimed the (...)
2016-08-14

Rising stars crowned at World University Karate Championship
The future stars of (...)
2016-08-13

Karate continues celebrating historic moment
The world of Karate keeps showing (...)
2016-08-11

Favourites shine on day one of World University Karate Championship
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2016-08-10

Top Karatekas elated by inclusion of Karate in Olympic Games
As the 129th (...)
2016-08-09

Young Karatekas aim for glory at World University Karate Championship
Hundreds (...)
2016-08-09

HISTORIC DECISION: KARATE IN THE OLYMPIC GAMES
Karate is in the Olympic Games. (...)
2016-08-03

WKF President Antonio Espinós: We have the vocation to be Olympic sport
WKF (...)
2016-08-03

A moment of great joy for Karate
As millions of Karate fans around the world (...)
2016-08-03

WKF President Antonio Espinós: After so many years we hope that we will be able to give great news to the world of Karate
The Karate world is living with excitement and anticipation the hours ahead of the upcoming historic moment for the sport. The 129th Session of the International Olympic Committee will decide on Wednesday on the inclusion of Karate in the programme of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in a memorable event for the ancient discipline. As Karate fans around the world are looking forward to the decision of the IOC Session, the delegation of the World Karate Federation in Rio de Janeiro epitomizes the hopes and dreams of millions of Karatekas worldwide. "We are very thrilled about the decision tomorrow. The world of Karate is expecting this moment. We still have to wait, but after so many years, and after such a long process we think that we finally will be able to give the world of Karate great news," said WKF President Antonio Espinós. "We have to keep on working and we want to send a message of optimism; let's hope that tomorrow we will give such great news for the Karate world," declared the head of the World Karate Federation after attending the second day of the IOC Session. The feeling of anticipation is spreading around the world, and the possibility of seeing Karate in the Olympic Games is particularly taking Japan by storm. The birth nation of this ancient discipline may also become the stage where Karate's Olympic dream will come true. "The WKF started in Budokan in Tokyo in 1970. That means that 50 years later, half a century later the world of Karate will witness Olympic Karate at the same venue where it was born. This is very, very important for Karate, as Karate was born in Japan and spread all over the world; at last it all comes to close the circle in Tokyo 2020," said WKF General Secretary Toshihisa Nagura. The 129th IOC Session is set to make the decision on the new sports for Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games early in the afternoon on Wednesday. Watch the (...)
2016-08-02

Young Karatekas in Rio ready to live Olympic dream
It's an inspiring lesson for (...)
2016-08-02

Karate family ready to live memorable day
The family of Karate is set to live (...)
2016-08-02

Karate in Rio to experience historic moments
The Karate family sets their eyes (...)
2016-08-01

Say “Oss!” for Karate
The Karate family is hoping to live memorable moments in (...)
2016-07-29

Countdown on to 2016 Karate World Championships
The big Karate event of the year (...)
2016-07-22

WKF launches modern and updated website
The World Karate Federation unveiled a (...)
2016-07-19

Karatekas find new challenges in Finals period
For a great number of Karate (...)
2016-07-18

Karate’s influence at early ages featured in massive event
The World Karate (...)
2016-07-07

New Zealand Karate President Leo Donnelly appointed Ombudsman of New Zealand
New (...)
2016-07-04

Memorable celebration of Youth Karate concludes in Umag
After a week full of (...)
2016-07-03

WKF Karate 1 Youth Cup underway in Umag
After four thrilling days of trainings (...)
2016-07-01

Celebration of Youth Karate continues in Umag
The WKF Youth Training Camp & (...)
2016-06-30

Hundreds young Karatekas enjoying WKF Youth Training Camp
The long-awaited (...)
2016-06-28

WKF Youth Training Camp & Karate 1 Youth Cup to start in Umag
The big (...)
2016-06-27

WKF Youth Training Camp & Karate 1 Youth Cup to showcase Karate’s impressive impact among youngsters
The World Karate Federation hosts once a year the event that commemorates Karate’s impressive influence in younger generations. Over a thousand happy young faces in tiny Karategis will congregate for a week in Umag (Croatia) in the ninth edition of the WKF Youth Training Camp & Karate 1 Youth Cup. The coastal city in Istria is the idyllic stage where young Karate enthusiast from all over the world will showcase their passion for the sport. The 2016 edition of the event will gather no less than 1,249 participants from 56 countries and five continents. This tally represents once again an increase over the previous years thus confirming the importance of youngsters in Karate worldwide.  One innovation this year is the opening of the event to younger categories. The age range of competitions have being extended so to give children aged ten to thirteen the opportunity to be part of this memorable event. Therefore, nearly 400 Karatekas under 14 years old will be attending the anticipated Youth Camp and CUp in the Istrian city. The future Karate stars will enjoy practice of the sport, competition, sessions with Karate legends and many other cultural and recreational activities, as well as sharing their fascination for the sport with many other young athletes from five continents. For the young and hopeful attendees, it is the event of a (short) lifetime and a week to remember for many years to come. Not only children travelling to Umag will put into action the abilities that they have been working hard to develop, while having the unique opportunity to do so in front of some of the biggest stars of the sport such as world and continental champions Rafael Aghayev, Douglas Brose, Rika Usami, Luca Valdesi, Davide Benetello and Predrag Stojadinov; but youngsters participating in the event will also live firsthand and at a global scale what most of them have already experienced in dojos around the world: the many benefits of Karate at early ages.   “The camp has become extremely important for Karate, as hundreds of young Karatekas from all over the world have the possibility to know one another, interact, make friends and practise the sport in sessions being taught by the best athletes and trainers of the last generations,” said Karate legend, Chairman of the WKF Athletes Commission and one of the instructors in Umag Davide Benetello. Karate and youth have gone hand in hand together ever since this ancient discipline was born centuries ago, and many of its fundaments have been tailored to increase its efficiency among youngsters. Events as the WKF Youth Training Camp & Karate 1 Youth Cup assess the magnitude of youth Karate as well as WKF’s mission to make the development of the sport in younger generations its main purpose. “The increasing number of participants in the Youth Camp & Youth Cup represents the evidence of the importance of youth for WKF. Our intention has always been to work hard to further expand our sport among youngsters, as two-thirds of our practitioners are children,“ declared WKF President Antonio Espinós. “Not only Karate is a well established discipline, with great and ancient tradition, but also our sport has an impressive youth component. In almost any country in the world Karate has a strong reputation as one of the most praised, benefitial and demanded sports for children. It is a point of pride for all of us who love Karate to see how popular it is in younger ages as well as the enthusiasm and fascination for the sport that thousands of young karatekas show when they wear their karategis in dojos, schools or recreational centers around the world ,” added Mr. Espinós. As over thousand young Karatekas are getting their karategis ready for a memorable week, the world of Karate sets its eyes in an event to manifest once more WKF’s and (...)
2016-06-21

Davide Benetello: “The WKF Youth Camp & Karate 1 Youth Cup has become extremely important for Karate”
Over a thousand young Karatekas are looking forward to participating in the big event of the year for under age Karate: the 2016 WKF Youth Camp & Karate 1 Youth Cup to be held next week in Umag (Croatia). While the hopeful participants are counting the days to live an unforgettable experience, one of the most experienced and successful voices of Karate reflects on the magnitude of this event. “The camp has become extremely important for Karate, as hundreds of young Karatekas from all over the world have the possibility to know one another, interact, make friends and practise the sport in sessions being taught by the best athletes and trainers of the last generations,” said Karate legend Davide Benetello. The former World champion is one of the six first-class instructors who will provide youngsters with valuable experiences and top-level knowledge to help them continue their progress in the sport. In addition to Davide Benetello, the 2016 Youth Camp and Cup will be headlined by Karate heroes such as Douglas Brose, Rafael Aghayev, Luca Valdesi, Rika Usami and Predrag Stojadinov.“This year the WKF and the Croatian Federation have truly exceeded in managing to bring in Umag over 1000 athletes and the best possible instructors of the world,” commented the three-time European Champion. Unique opportunity For the young Karatekas travelling to the coastal city in Istria the WKF Youth Camp and Youth Cup represents a unique opportunity to share their enthusiasm for the sport while improving their techniques with some of their idols. Organisers, instructors, coaches and authorities of the sport are confident that the future Karate stars will go back home with a baggage full of memorable moments. “The best lesson that every participant in WKF Youth Camp will take home is that they will have the chance to train and learn some of the little secrets of the greatest champions, as well as having the opportunity to meet other athletes from 60 different nations,” commented Benetello, who is the chairman of the WKF Athletes Commission. In his case, the Italian star has plenty of lessons to pass on, like his passion for the sport. Benetello described his first days in Karate as “a mix of emotions that made me fall in love with all that I was learning every day.”With three medals in World Championships and 14 medals in European Championships under his belt, Davide Benetello will also try to transmit some of the expertise and competitive nature that made him world champion in 1994, among many other honours. “All my sporting career has always been focused in the extreme respect of my opponent and of the rules while trying to show a spectacular Karate,” commented the member of the WKF Executive Committee. "Dive in Karate with your heart and soul"As a thousand young Karatekas will be in Umag celebrating the sport, hundreds of thousands youngsters will continue to showcase the many benefits of Karate at early ages in dojos around the world. Many more are even considering to start wearing the karategi for the first time; for those youngsters, the Italian star has a message: “To young people who are thinking about practising Karate I tell you: dive with your heart and soul into a world that will make you grow in all aspects of your life. To start practising Karate will be one of the most adult and greatest decisions you can make, “ said the Jesolo-born former World champion. If that were not enough, Benetello has even more incentives to take on Karate. “With the decision of the Executive Committee of the IOC to support the proposal to include Karate in the Olympic programme of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, now you, young Karateka may have the chance to compete on the Olympic tatami!”While that moment arrives, Karate legends and participants in Umag alike can’t wait for the start of the event to capture the attention of the (...)
2016-06-20

WKF President meets Belgian Federation president in Madrid
WKF President Antonio (...)
2016-06-17

Meet the instructors of WKF Youth Training Camp & Karate 1 Youth Cup
Hundreds of (...)
2016-06-16

Croatia to host big celebration of Youth Karate
Hundreds of aspiring Karatekas (...)
2016-06-13

President of Dutch federation pays visit to WKF headquarters
WKF President (...)
2016-06-10

Successful SEAKF Championship and Congress
The city of Port Dickson in Malaysia (...)
2016-06-08

Karate Stars thrilled by the defining moments for the sport
It was an (...)
2016-06-07

Turkey tops the medal table of European Karate Championships for Regions
Host (...)
2016-06-05

Turkey to host European Karate Championships for Regions
The city of Kocaeli in (...)
2016-06-04

Two successful continental championships feature Karate’s worldwide dimension
(...)
2016-06-03

The WKF one step closer to Tokyo 2020
The World Karate Federation reacted with (...)
2016-06-01

Brazilian Karatekas dominate in last day of Pan American Championships
Karatekas (...)
2016-05-29

Karate Star Douglas Brose leads home success in Rio de Janeiro
Brazilian (...)
2016-05-28

Antonio Diaz domination and big surprises in first day of Karate Pan American Championships
Karate Star Antonio Diaz cemented his status as one of the greatest Karate athletes of his generation after claiming his ninth consecutive continental title and 14th overall crown in the 2016 Karate Pan American Championships being held in Rio de Janeiro. The Venezuelan hero’s outstanding victory represented one big highlight of a first day of competition that produced plenty of big surprises. Mexican Karatekas are leading the action in the 2016 Karate Pan American Championships after the inaugural day, as representatives of the North American country top the podium of the event thus far with six medals. Merilella Arreola in Female Kumite -61kg and Jessica Paola Padilla in Female Kumite -68kg led the way for their country’s success by claiming gold in two categories that registered all-Mexican finals. However, the big star of the first day of the event was Venezuela’s Antonio Diaz. The 35-years old Karateka gained the status of legend of the sport with his triumph in Rio de Janeiro. In the quest to his ninth consecutive Pan American crown, the Caracas-born Kata King showed a remarkable domination in the competition, and beat fellow countrymen Cleiver Casanova in the final. The gold medal in Rio de Janeiro is the 14th overall title and the second crown this year after the gold in Karate 1-Premier League in Salzburg for the Shito-ryo star. Day of surprisesSome of the aspirants to shine in Rio de Janeiro suffered shocking defeats and proved how difficulty it is to succeed in first-class international competitions such as the Pan American championships.Local hopeful Wellington Barbosa had to settle with the silver medal after losing the final of Male Kumite +84kg against Chile’s Rodrigo Rojas. Meanwhile, young upcoming Brazilian hero Hernani Verissimo achieved his first triumph in major international competition following his surprising victory in Male Kumite -75kg. The 21-years old athlete upset Karate Star Thomas Scott in semifinals and beat Venezuela’s Alexander Rafael Nicastro Ochoa in the final to earn the first gold medal for the host country. The Female Kata competition was a repetition of the final of the 2015 edition of the continental championships. Team USA Sakura Kokumai met in the title-deciding clash with Maria Dimitrova from the Dominican Republic, just as it happened in the competition celebrated last year in Toronto. The same result persisted and the Hawaii-born Karateka claimed her fourth gold medal in Pan American championships increasing her tally after her victories in 2015, 2013 and 2012. The action continues in Rio de Janeiro on Friday with the thrilling second day of competition. Click here for more information on the 2016 Karate Pan American championships. Follow the action of Pan American Karate Championships on WKF Social Media. Karate fans are invited to participate in the excitement using the hashtag (...)
2016-05-27

Karate Star Thomas Scott expects great things to happen
Most Karatekas go into (...)
2016-05-26

WKF statement on Olympic qualification process
Ahead of the decision to be taken (...)
2016-05-25

Brazilian Karatekas aiming for home gold
Karatekas defending the national motto (...)
2016-05-24

Pan American champions to be crowned in Rio de Janeiro
After the outstanding (...)
2016-05-23

Moroccan Karatekas thrill crowd in Karate 1-Premier League in Rabat
The Karate (...)
2016-05-22

Karate 1-Premier League update after Rabat event
Karate fans had the opportunity (...)
2016-05-22

Local Karatekas capture medals at Karate 1-Premier League in Rabat
After a (...)
2016-05-21

Top Karatekas go for gold at Karate 1-Premier League in Rabat
The 2016 Karate (...)
2016-05-20

Karate 1- Premier League heading to Rabat
Following the first five thrilling (...)
2016-05-16

WKF to open the participation of refugees in 2016 Karate World Championships
(...)
2016-05-12

French and Spanish Karatekas top final podium of Karate European Championships
(...)
2016-05-09

Sara Cardin proclaimed queen and icon of European Karate in Montpellier
The 2016 (...)
2016-05-08

Karate heroes confirm star status in Karate European Championships
Montpellier, (...)
2016-05-07

Spain and France lead way in team competitions at Karate European Championships
(...)
2016-05-06

Local heroes take the spotlight in first day of Karate European Championships
(...)
2016-05-05

French hopeful Vu Duc Minh Dack aims at finishing career with gold at Karate European Championships
When the referees raised the flags and declared the winner of one of the semifinals of the Male Kata competition at the 2016 Karate European Championships, the crowd attending the event in Montpellier roared in excitement. One of the local fan favourites had just achieved the cherished goal of qualifying for the final of the tournament. It was a momentous accomplishment for French Karate idol Vu Duc Minh Dack. The 33 years-old Karateka had been left out of the finals of the last two editions of the European Championships, in which the French Karate athlete had claimed two bronze medals. Performing at home in front of family and friends, Vu Duc Minh Dack managed to reach the title-deciding clash of a continental championship for the second time in his twelve-years-long career. Being in the final was the perfect farewell celebration for the Montpellier resident. “This is like a dream. It was very difficult for me to get here, and I wasn’t even sure that I would be taking part of this tournament. So, to finish my career with a medal is like a dream come true. It will be even better if it is gold!,” said Vu Duc Minh Dack. Representing his nation at home ground is not always easy, Vu Duc Minh Dack claims, but he didn’t feel the pressure this time around. “For me this competition is very special. My family cannot always be with me in the tournaments, but they all will be here for these finals, so I really hope that I can finish with a gold medal”, he added. Tough final against Damian Quintero It will not be smooth ride towards gold for French hopeful, as Vu Duc Minh Dack will clash with world ranking leader and current European champion Spain’s Damian Quintero. “I am sure that it will be very difficult because Damian Quintero is a very good competitor. It will be a good final,” declared the Gojo Ryu practitioner. The two Kata kings from the neighbouring countries - and owners of the two top posititions of the world ranking - have met in a final once this season, in the Karate 1-Premier League in Rotterdam. Last year, in the only occasion in which Vu Duc Minh Dack reached the final of Karate 1-Premier League events, Damian Quintero was also waiting in the final. Both encounters ended with triumph of the Spanish ace (5-0). Vu Duc Minh Dack expects the situation to be different this time. “I have the public and my family at my side. I hope that I can get a gold medal,” Vu Duc Minh Dack said. If the New Caledonia-born athlete reaches the top of the podium, it will be his fourth gold medal in major international competitions in 12 years, following his victories in 2014 Karate 1-Premier League in Almere, the 2013 Karate 1-Premier League in Salzburg, and the 2012 Karate 1-Premier League in Netherlands. Competing at home in his last major international tournament, the 2016 Karate European Championships will be an event to remember for Vu Duc Minh Dack, (...)
2016-05-05

European Karate family stands united ahead of bright future of the sport
EKF and (...)
2016-05-04

French and Spanish Karatekas set to clash for gold in Kata competitions of Karate European Championships
The Senior Karate European Championships are underway in Montpellier with a thrilling first day of tournament. The Individual Kata competition opened the action in the French city, as favourites confirmed their status by qualifying to the finals of the events. The finals of Kata categories will register a showdown among French and Spanish representatives. In Male Kata, Karate Star Damian Quintero earned a spot in the gold medal clash for the sixth consecutive time following his triumph over Italy’s Mattia Busato, thus opting to claim his third gold medal in the category. “I am very happy that I made it to my sixth final. We had done a very intensive preparation for our first big goal of the season, which is the European Championships and I am glad that I could qualify to fight for the gold medal,” said Damian Quintero. The current European champion will clash in the title-deciding day against local hero Vu Duc Minh Dack. The 2015 European championships bronze medallist qualified for the final after beating world runner-up Ilja Smorguner from Germany, and paved the way to the medals for representatives of the host country. The French delegation closed the Kata competition with yet another chance to reach gold since local heroine Sandy Scordo also earned a spot the final of Female Kata. The current world runner-up upset Turkey’s Dilara Bozan to reach her fourth final in senior continental championships. “I feel great! I have gone through an intensive preparation and I managed to put in place all that I have been working on. This morning I made Katas that really helped me get into the competition and they gave me good feelings and good energy. After the team competition, I will start focusing on the individual final and I hope that I will perform well in front of my friends and my family,” said Sandy Scordo. The final of the Female Kata competition will be one top highlight of the event, as French favourite Scordo will meet Karate Star Sandra Sanchez. The title-defending Karateka from Spain won her ticket to the final after defeating Puleksenija Jovanoska from FYR of Macedonia and will try to sign her third gold medal of the season in top competitions following her victories in Karate 1-Premier League events in Dubai and Sharm-El Sheikh. The action continues in Montpellier Arena with the first rounds of Male and Female Kumite categories. Watch the full interviews of Damian Quintero and Sandy Scordo on WKF's YouTube Channel. Follow the action of European Karate Championships on WKF Social Media. Karate fans are invited to participate in the excitement using the hashtag (...)
2016-05-04

Karate Stars seek to extend domination in 2016 Karate European Championships
(...)
2016-05-03

Catch all the action from 2016 Karate European Championships LIVE
The big event (...)
2016-04-29

Karatekas get ready for 2016 Karate European Championships
As the countdown for (...)
2016-04-27

Top Karatekas to meet in 2016 Karate European Championships in Montpellier
The (...)
2016-04-26

Dr. János Mészáros re-elected as President of the Hungarian Karate Federation
(...)
2016-04-26

Karate 1-Premier League update after Salzburg event
The 2016 Karate 1-Premier (...)
2016-04-22

Successful weekend for Japanese Karatekas in Karate 1-Premier League in Salzburg
(...)
2016-04-19

Antonio Diaz, Kiyou Shimizu and Japanese Karatekas shine in Karate 1-Premier League in Salzburg
Karate Stars put the finishing touch on the Karate 1-Premier League held this weekend in Salzburg, as favourites reached the top of the podium in a thrilling last day of competition. The quest to glory ended with the crowning of top Karatekas who continued extending their domination in the tournament. Venezuela’s Antonio Diaz upset Spain’s Damian Quintero to claim the gold medal of the outstanding Male Kata competition. The Pan American champion and the European champion demonstrated their condition of two of the biggest Karate Stars of the moment by presenting a sensational performance in the title-deciding encounter in Salzburg. After an impeccable record during the previous rounds, the two-time world champion Antonio Diaz managed to get the edge in his Anan-Ni Kata, and signed his first gold medal in Karate 1-Premier League tournaments since 2014. Kiyou Shimizu's domination in Female Kata Karate Star Kiyou Shimizu won her fifth gold medal in five international competitions in Female Kata, and increased her impressive career in major Karate events. The world champion maintained her unbeaten record in the category after defeating Emiri Iwamoto in the all-Japan final of the competition in Salzburg, thus confirming her status of leading force of the sport. Local fans lived a memorable moment for Austrian Karate when Alisa Buchinger won the Female Kumite -68kg category. The Salzburg born athlete used the home crowd factor to beat Belgium’s Luana Debatty in the final, and signed her second medal in Karate 1-Premier League this season. However, the representation of the host country could not add more gold to their tally. Austria’s Bettina Plank lost against Ayaka Tadano from Japan in Female Kumite -50 Kg, and Thomas Kaserer could not use the support from the stands in his favor to defeat Brazil’s Vinicius Figueira in Male Kumite -67 Kg. Success of Japanese Karatekas The Japanese delegation closed a successful performance in Salzburg, as five representatives from the Asian country claimed gold in their categories. World runner-up Ryutaro Araga topped a powerful demonstration in Male Kumite -84 Kg and claimed his second gold medal this season following his triumph in Karate 1-Premier League in Paris.    The Male Kumite -75Kg competition also lived an all Japan-final since Daisuke Watanabe beat Ken Nishimura in a disputed clash, while Ayaka Tadano won in Female Kumite -50Kg and Ayumi Uekusa claimed gold in Female Kumite 68+ Kg, in an impressive demonstration of Japanese Karatekas in Salzburg.  Peru’s Alexandra Grande in Female Kumite -61 Kg; Brazil’s Valeria Kumizaki  in Female Kumite -55Kg; Serbia’s Marko Antic in Male Kumite -60 Kg, Serbia’s Slobodan Bitevic in Male Kumite 84+ Kg, and the teams of Slovakia and Hong Kong in Female and Male Kata completed the list of winners of the thrilling fifth event of the 2016 Karate (...)
2016-04-17

Local heroes reach finals of Karate 1-Premier League in Salzburg
Title (...)
2016-04-16

Linz looking forward to host the 2016 Karate World Championships
WKF President (...)
2016-04-15

Karate 1-Premier League underway in Salzburg
Salzburg is hosting this weekend (...)
2016-04-15

Finals of Karate 1-Premier League in Salzburg live on TV and YouTube
As top (...)
2016-04-13

Top Karatekas to cause a sensation at Karate 1-Premier League in Salzburg
(...)
2016-04-12

Karate 1-Premier League in Dubai crowns top Karatekas
Rafael Aghayev and Damian (...)
2016-04-10

Serbia and Croatia triumph in the International Golden Belt tournament in Cacak
(...)
2016-04-10

Karate Stars lead way in Karate 1-Premier League in Dubai
Top favourites (...)
2016-04-09

Dubai to host thrilling Karate 1-Premier League event
The Al Ahli Club in Dubai (...)
2016-04-08

Plenty of action in Karate 1-Premier League in Dubai this weekend
Top Karatekas, (...)
2016-04-07

Live stream set for Finals of Karate 1-Premier League in Dubai
The World Karate (...)
2016-04-06

Karate Stars to shine in Karate 1-Premier League in Dubai
Top Karatekas from (...)
2016-04-04

Karate 1-Premier League in Salzburg open to worldwide viewing audience
As (...)
2016-04-01

WKF President attends inauguration of elite Karate training centre in Rabat
WKF (...)
2016-03-22

Dutch heroes delight home crowd in Karate1-Premier League in Rotterdam
Local (...)
2016-03-20

French Karate stars take the lead in Karate1-Premier League in Rotterdam
The (...)
2016-03-19

Karate1-Premier League in Rotterdam features top Karate athletes in anticipated quest to glory
Following the spectacular tournaments in Paris (France) and Sharm El-Sheikh (Egypt), and only one week after the Karate1-World Cup in Laško (Slovenia), top competitors from around the world gather this weekend in Rotterdam to clash for glory in the third event of the 2016 Karate1-Premier League. More than 700 karatekas are expected to showcase their abilities throughout the competition in the Dutch city. No less than 61 countries will be represented in the tournament scheduled to start on Saturday morning, as Germany, with 68 competitors and France with 61 athletes will present the largest delegations. The 43 Karatekas from the host country hope to use the home ground factor in their quest to the top of the podium. Among the 778 competitors, elite karatekas and world champions will try to confirm their star status in the thrilling event, thus ensuring spectacular moments to be staged in Rotterdam this weekend. Turkish star Serap Ozcelik acts as world champion in Female Kumite-50kg, while France’s Alizee Agier aims at the title in Female Kumite -68kg. World runners-up from France Sandy Scordo in Female Kata and Emilie Thouy in Female Kumite -55kg, as well as Silver medallist Malaysia’s Syakilla Salni Jefry Krishnan in Female Kumite -61kg are also some of the leading names in women’s competition. In the men's tournament, two world champions will seek to extend their domination in Rotterdam. Brazilian Douglas Brose and Turkish Enes Erkan intend to delight Karate enthusiasts as main contenders in Male Kumite -60kg and Male Kumite +84kg respectively. World runners-up Ilja Smorguner in Male Kata, and local star Geoffrey Berens in Male Kumite -60kg are also shortlisted to shine in the competition, among many others. The Lotto Dutch Open in Rotterdam continues the tradition of the European country as host of Karate1-Premier League tournaments following the events celebrated in the cities of Almere in 2015 and 2014, and Dordrecht in 2013. Click here for more information on the 2016 Karate1-Premier League in Rotterdam (...)
2016-03-18

WKF Vice-presidents Béchir Cherif and Mohamed Tahar Mesbahi present in IOC President’s visit to Tunisia and Algeria
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach visited Tunisia and Algeria as a part of a three-day visit to North African countries in order to share the solidarity of the Olympic Movement with the high state authorities of the African nations as well as to extend his support to athletes and sport representatives in the region. IOC President held discussions with political leaders about how sport can prevent young people from taking the wrong path, as Mr. Bach participated in an encounter where the whole family of Tunisian sport was gathered. This meeting was also attended by NOC President Mr Mehrez Boussayene, and by WKF 3rd Vice-president Mr Béchir Cherif.During his visit, IOC President met young athletes at the ceremony of the laying of the first stone of the future headquarters of the national Olympic committee, and took part in the gala dinner that represented the end of his visit to the North African country. IOC President in AlgeriaIn the second part of his journey, Mr. Bach travelled to Algeria where he was joined by top sports and government officials of the country. A gala was held to commemorate the unity of sport in the country, and it was attended by Algerian Sport Minister Mr El Hadi Ould Ali, National Olympic Committee President Mr Mustapha Berraf and IOC Honorary Member and ACNOA President General Lassana Palenfo, as well as by WKF Vice-president and Vice-President of the CSSA Mr Mohamed Tahar Mesbahi. During his visit, President Bach was accompanied by the Deputy Director General for Relations with the Olympic Movement Mr Pere Miro; IOC Honorary Member in Algeria Mr (...)
2016-03-16

Croatia, Austria and FYR of Macedonia top the podium at 2016 Karate 1-World Cup
(...)
2016-03-14

Slovenia to host thrilling Karate 1-World Cup event
With more than 500 athletes (...)
2016-03-11

WKF President Antonio Espinós meets with top officials in Dubai
The President of (...)
2016-03-08

Mission to Panama
WKF Vice-president William Millerson visited Panama in (...)
2016-03-01

WKF to take Karate 1-Premier League to new levels
It was a game-changing (...)
2016-03-01

Local heroes dominate in Karate1-Premier League in Sharm El-Sheikh
The elite of (...)
2016-02-28

Top Karate athletes ready to shine in Karate 1-Premier League event in Sharm El-Sheikh
After the outstanding first tournament of 2016 Karate1-Premier League- celebrated in Paris in January, elite Karate athletes from around the world make their way to Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh to compete in the second meeting of the year of the most prominent international Karate event.   Up to 400 competitors from 25 countries are gathering this weekend in the city on the coast of the Red Sea to participate in the quest for glory. Four continents are being represented in the tournament, as high class Karate action will take over the venue of the International Sports Development Center in Sharm El-Sheikh. The event starts on Saturday morning with the Elimination rounds of Individual Kata and will run until Sunday afternoon, when the finals and awarding ceremonies will be held.  The hopes of the host country will be posed in local Karate heroes such as Giana Lofty in Female Kumite -61kg or Magdy Hanafy in Male Kumite -67kg, among many others. Meanwhile, stars as World Champion Serap Ozcelik from Turkey, World Championship runner-up Syakilla Salni Jefry Krishnan from Malaysia or Bronze medalists Rocio Sanchez and Jagoba Vizuete from Spain will defend their status in this thrilling second stop of the ten events that constitute the 2016 Karate1-Premier League.  The tournament being developed this weekend represents the second edition of a Karate1-Premier League- competition being held in Sharm El-Sheikh. The Egyptian city hosted a thriving event last year, as the organizing nation topped the final list of honors with a total of 23 medals.  Click here for more information on the Karate1-Premier League- in Sharm El-Sheikh, including Live (...)
2016-02-26

WKF President in the inauguration of the monument in honour of Matteo Pellicone
(...)
2016-02-18

43rd European Junior & Cadet and 8th U21 Championships
The 43rd European Junior (...)
2016-02-07

Mohammed Jahangir elected Associate General Secretary of the Pakistan NOC
Again (...)
2016-02-03

WKF workshop with IPC Medical and Scientific Director Piet van der Vliet
In the (...)
2016-01-27

The 20th Edition of « Open de Paris », Karate1 Paris 2016
The first 2016 Premier (...)
2016-01-24

Second Day Karate1 Premier League Paris 2016
Kumite For the second day of (...)
2016-01-23

First day in Karate1 Paris 2016: Kata competitions
Kata competitions The (...)
2016-01-22

Karate1 Premier League Paris 2016 (20th Edition)
The new Premier League season (...)
2016-01-20

The IOC President Mr. Thomas Bach visited Ukraine.
On the 16th of December, the (...)
2015-12-17

Karate1 Okinawa 2015, the last Karate1 tournament of this year
The last Karate1 (...)
2015-11-29

Recognition for Service to Sport to Mr. Terry Connell
At a glittering sporting (...)
2015-11-25

WKF attends for the first time the IPC General Assembly
Since the WKF was (...)
2015-11-23

WKF EC Meeting
The WKF Executive Committee met in Jakarta on the 11th of (...)
2015-11-19

Japan first nation on World Cadet, Junior & U21 Jakarta 2015
The World Karate (...)
2015-11-15

The 9th World Junior, Cadet & Under 21 Karate Championships 2015 is open.
Today, (...)
2015-11-12

Celebration in Tokyo
Last 30th of October 2015 the Japan Karatedo Federation (...)
2015-11-03

AASC General Assembly 2015
Last Monday 19th October 2015, the Elective General (...)
2015-10-21

Karate1 Premier League Salzburg 2015
Since 2011, Austria Karate Federation (...)
2015-10-18

Mediterranean Championships 2015 in Alexandria
Last 3-4 October the (...)
2015-10-09

Symposium in Tokyo “Karate for the Paralympic Games”
The WKF and the Japan (...)
2015-10-07

KARATE PROPOSED BY TOKYO 2020
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Organising Committee (...)
2015-09-28

Karate1 Premier Coburg (Germany): The Second tournament on new Karate1 season
(...)
2015-09-27

African Games Brazzaville 2015
Between the 2nd and the 19th of September the (...)
2015-09-25

8th Commonwealth Karate Championships, New Delhi
The 8th Commonwealth Karate (...)
2015-09-21

AKF Congress and Championships, Yokohama 2015
The AKF annual Congress took place (...)
2015-09-09

Karate1 Premier Istanbul (Turkey)
For the fifth time, Turkish Karate Federation (...)
2015-09-06

PKF Junior, Cadet and U21 Championships
The XXVI PKF Junior, Cadet and U21 (...)
2015-09-04

EQUATORIAL GUINEA JOINS THE WKF
The WKF welcomes its new member federation from (...)
2015-08-28

Karate presentation for Tokyo 2020 additional sports programme
The presentation (...)
2015-08-07

Pan Am Games Toronto 2015 is closed
Karate competition during the XVII Pan (...)
2015-07-27

XV Pacific Games 2015
The 2015 Pacific Games were held from 4th to 18th July in (...)
2015-07-18

The Japanese Diet members support Karate for Tokyo 2020
All-Party (...)
2015-07-16

ASIAN KARATE FEDERATION TRAINING CAMP 2015 - Pattaya/Thailand
The Asian Training (...)
2015-07-15

Mr. Ger Bruin, member of the Dutch Karate Federation, passed away last 1st July 2015.
From the WKF we would like to express our condolences to the family and friends of an important member of the Dutch Karate Federation, Mr. Ger Bruin, who passed away last 1st July (...)
2015-07-14

10th Championships of UFAK Zone 4
Recently, the 10th Championships of UFAK Zone (...)
2015-07-13

William Millerson is elected as ACODEPA Vice-president
Mr William Millerson, (...)
2015-07-10

2015 WKF Youth Camp and Karate 1 Youth Cup
From 30th June until 4th July, the (...)
2015-07-10

Netherlands NF President at WKF Headquarters
Last Tuesday, 7th July, President (...)
2015-07-09

WKF is a recognised Paralympic Sport
On 12th June, 2015 the WKF could celebrate (...)
2015-06-29

Toru Arakawa
It is with deep sorrow that the WKF informs that Mr Toru Arakawa, (...)
2015-06-29

Order of the Rising Sun awarded to the President of the Thailand Karate Federation
The WKF would like to congratulate Mr Bhirombhakdi Chutinant, President of the Thailand Karate Federation, who was bestowed the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette from the Emperor of Japan for the contribution in promoting Karate and enhancing the cordial relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and Japan. The ceremony was held on Tuesday 23rd June 2015 with the presence of H.E. Shiro Sadoshima, Ambassador of Japan in (...)
2015-06-25

Appointment of Mr Nagura at the JOC
WKF General Secretary, Mr Toshihisa Nagura, (...)
2015-06-25

Karate competition on 1st European Games is closed.
The 1st european games was (...)
2015-06-14

East Asian Karate Federation Championships 2015
The 5th East Asian Karate (...)
2015-06-10

13th EKF Championships for Regions
On the increase this year, the 13th EKF (...)
2015-06-10

Balkan Championships for children 2015
The 20th Balkan Karate Championships for (...)
2015-06-08

WKF supports activity in Coimbatore, Tamilnadu (India)
Karate Association of (...)
2015-06-05

11th King Mohamed VI International Karate Open
The 11th Tournament HM the King (...)
2015-06-03

Marius Vizer resigns as President of SportAccord
Marius Vizer has resigned as (...)
2015-06-02

Results of Karate1 Premier League São Paulo 2015
For the first time, Karate1 (...)
2015-06-01

UFAK Zone 6 tournament in Johannesburg
UFAK Zone 6 held its annual karate (...)
2015-06-01

Olympic Fest 2015 in Moldova
On May 23, Moldova celebrated the International (...)
2015-05-28

Karate1 Premier League Sao Paulo 2015 (Brazil)
The first Karate1 (...)
2015-05-25

Elections of the Austrian Karate Federation
The annual elections of the Austrian (...)
2015-05-20

WKF President visits Riyadh
The WKF President travelled to Riyadh in Saudi (...)
2015-05-19

Karate shines at the European Evening of Sport in Brussels
It was a premiere for (...)
2015-05-18

HKF President becomes Vice-president of the Hungarian Olympic Committee
Dr. (...)
2015-05-13

Karate Demo in Sochi - SportAccord Convention
During the recent SportAccord (...)
2015-05-08

Final list for Baku 2015 European Games qualification
The 1st European Games (...)
2015-05-06

Interviews of Rika Usami and Giorgina Xenou
To better understand the role of the (...)
2015-05-04

World Junior, Cadet and U21 Championships, 12-15 November, Jakarta (Indonesia)
(...)
2015-04-30

New ambassador to Tokyo 2020: Xenou Geogia-Archontia
With the support of the (...)
2015-04-22

Qualification for Baku 2015 European Games
Karate competition in Baku 2015 (...)
2015-04-15

Nordic Championships 2015
Every year during the second weekend in April the (...)
2015-04-14

Fruitful Olympic Campaign in Tokyo
Mr.Espinos met important people such as (...)
2015-04-06

Meeting between Prof. Dr. Uğur Erdener and President Antonio Espinos in Istanbul
IOC Executive Board member, World Archery and Turkish Olympic Committee President Prof. Dr. Uğur Erdener and World Karate Federation President Antonio Espinos met on the occasion of European Karate Federation’s 50th Senior Championships being held in İstanbul.    Esat Delihasan, President of the Turkish Karate Federation, was also present at the meeting where the development of karate sport in the world and in Turkey was discussed. Professor Erdener expressed his pleasure with the European Karate Federation’s choice of İstanbul to host the 50th year celebrations. Antonio Espinos responded by saying that Turkey had already deserved well to host and organize this great event with its recent accomplishments in karate and with its contributions to the (...)
2015-03-26

Results of the 50th EKF Senior Championships in Istanbul (Turkey)
During 4 days (...)
2015-03-23

First results of European Senior Championship 2015
First results of European (...)
2015-03-21

50th EKF Senior Championships in Istanbul
The registration of athletes for the (...)
2015-03-18

European and Pan American Senior Championship, an objective, the Games qualification
Next week, two continental events will be played. These competitions are an important objective for athletes because they are an important step for future qualifications.   From 19 to 21 March the XXIX Pan American Adult Karate Championship will be held in Toronto (Canada) and will qualify for the 2015 Pan American Games. The Pan American Games are the world’s third largest international multi-sport Games; they are only surpassed in size and scope by the Olympic Summer Games and the Asian Games.In 2015, Toronto will be the proud Host City of the Pan Am Games. The Pan Am Games take place from July 10 to 26. 277 athletes from 22 countries will compete for 18 titles of continental champion.   More information about the XXIX Pan American Adult Karate Championship: www.sportdata.org/wkf/set-online/veranstaltung_info_main.php?active_menu=calendar&vernr=21       From 19 to 22 March the 50th EKF Senior Championship will be held in Istanbul (Turkey) and will qualify for the 1st European Games. The European Games is a multi-sport event for athletes from all over Europe and is held every four years. The Games are owned, organised and regulated by the European Olympic Committees. In 2015, Baku will be the proud Host City of the 1st European Games. Competition take place from June 12 to 28.  495 athletes from 47 countries will compete for 18 titles of continental champion.   More information about the 50th EKF Senior Championships: www.sportdata.org/wkf/set-online/veranstaltung_info_main.php?active_menu=calendar&vernr=34       For the planet karate, two important events ... both competitions with a twofold objective: a continental medal and qualification for the (...)
2015-03-15

Dubai Open 2015
The 4th Al-Ahli Dubai Open took place recently in Dubai with an (...)
2015-03-09

8th Commonwealth Karate Championships, New Delhi (India)
Welcome all (...)
2015-03-06

Results of Karate1 Premier League Sharm El-Sheikh
For the first time, Egypt has (...)
2015-03-01

Karate1 Premier League Sharm El-Sheikh
  For the first time, Sharm (...)
2015-02-26

WORLD SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS 2016 IN LINZ (AUSTRIA). 25-30 OCTOBER 2016
WORLD (...)
2015-02-19

WKF implements the revised 2015 World Anti-Doping Code
The new WKF Anti-Doping (...)
2015-02-19

Results of Karate1 Premier League Almere 2015
The Lotto Dutch Open - Karate1 (...)
2015-02-15

Results Day 1 - Karate1 Almere 2015
Results of first day (...)
2015-02-14

Karate1 Premier League Almere, The Lotto Dutch Open 2015
The Lotto Dutch Open - (...)
2015-02-11

The 42nd EKF Junior & Cadet & U21 Championships is closed
During 3 days (6-8 (...)
2015-02-10

Results Day 3 - 42nd EKF Junior & Cadet & U21 Championships
Results Day 3 - 42nd (...)
2015-02-09

Results Day 2 - 42nd EKF Junior & Cadet & U21 Championships
Results 2nd Day (...)
2015-02-08

Results Day 1 - 42nd EKF Junior & Cadet & U21 Championships
Results 1st Day (...)
2015-02-07

Results Day 2 - 42nd EKF Junior & Cadet & U21 Championships
Results Day 2 - (...)
2015-02-07

42nd European Junior & Cadet & U21 Championships
The 42nd European Junior, Cadet (...)
2015-02-06

Stjepan Celan, re-elected as President of the Croatian NF
The Croatian Karate (...)
2015-02-02

Toshihisa Nagura, WKF General Secretary - Interview
My current goal as the WKF (...)
2015-01-28

Top karatekas of the World expected for the Premier League Paris
The new Premier (...)
2015-01-23

WKF President visits JOC, TOCOG and Nippon Budokan
On January 9, 2015, the WKF (...)
2015-01-19

WKF President Espinós visits MEXT Minister Shimomura and Tokyo Governor Masuzoe
(...)
2015-01-16

JKF President Sasagawa Visits MEXT Minister Shimomura and Submits Petition for Inclusion of Karate as Official 2020 Olympic Event
On December 25, Japan Karatedo Federation (JKF) President Takashi Sasagawa paid a visit to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and directly submitted a written petition to Minister Hakubun Shimomura with a fervent appeal that karate be included as an official event in the 2020 Olympics to be held in Tokyo. The petition was drawn up by World Karate Federation (WKF) President Antonio Espinós and JKF President Takashi Sasagawa. Talks between Minister Shimomura and President Sasagawa with the accompanying JKF officials went very amiably from beginning to end. Minister Shimomura eagerly asked for details about the current state of karate activities and responded with a robust pledge of full support if karate became an official Olympic event. Minister Shimomura expressed a keen interest in President Sasagawa’s noting that athletes with disabilities have been able to compete in karate events at world tournaments from early on, and with the inclusion of karate as an official sport, the discipline could be featured in not only (...)
2014-12-29

Karatedo into the Olympics - letter of request to Mr Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan
On December 22, 2014, six officials visited the Prime Minister's official residence and submitted a letter to Mr Shinzo Abe, the Prime Minister of Japan, to address a petition to the IOC and JOC for the inclusion of Karatedo as an official sport in the coming 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games: Mr Takashi Sasagawa (JKF President), Mr Toshihisa Nagura (WKF General Secretary), Mr Yoshihide Suga (Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Federation for the Promotion of Karatedo, the Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan), Mr Wataru Takeshita (APFPK General Secretary), Mr Masahisa Sato (APFPK) and Mr Hiroyoshi Sasagawa (APFPK). The meeting was fruitful and congenial. Mr Sasagawa and Mr Nagura explained the attractions and advantages of Karatedo as an Olympic sport. They informed the Prime Minister of the efforts by the JKF to promote Karatedo in collaboration with the WKF, IF recognised by the IOC. Prime Minister Abe was pleased to hear from them and assured them that he understood the situation very well.  Please see the letter of request to Mr Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of (...)
2014-12-26

15th Balkan Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria
Last 13-14 December the Balkan (...)
2014-12-22

Premier League 2015 - Egypt and Brazil join the WKF Premier League
The calendar (...)
2014-12-19

Closing 2014 with good news
It was really delightful news for us to hear that (...)
2014-12-17

The WKF welcomes the National Federation of Kosovo
The World Karate Federation (...)
2014-12-15

WKF visits Montenegro
The WKF President Antonio Espinós visited (...)
2014-12-04

WKF visits Baku 2015
WKF President, Mr Antonio Espinós, and EKF General (...)
2014-12-02

WKF Meeting at the International Bank of Azerbaijan
On the 19th of November the (...)
2014-11-28

WKF and SportAccord’s Doping-Free Sport Unit (DFSU) joint efforts on anti-doping education at World Karate Championships
SportAccord’s DFSU participated in WKF’s continuous efforts to keep karate free of doping through education and prevention, on the occasion of the recent WKF World Championships in Bremen, Germany.  The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)’s Outreach model was used as the core element of the programme to raise awareness among athletes. In addition to the anti-doping educational material provided, Athletes were encouraged to participate in a multilingual Play True Quiz and test their knowledge by answering 10 multiple choice questions. The one-day activity was hosted by the WKF Athlete’s Commission which shared its booth with the DFSU. Thanks to the active support of the Chair Davide Benetello and Member Tessy Scholtes, the “Say No to Doping” message was strongly reinforced as a direct and clear stance from the Athletes themselves to their peers. The DFSU also took part in the WKF coaches accreditation seminar held in Bremen. In line with the 2015 World Anti-Doping Code principles focusing on Athletes’ entourage, WKF makes doping-free sport a key topic in its coaches accreditation system, considering that coaches’ involvement in promoting doping-free sport values, keeping  athletes informed on anti-doping and aware of the (...)
2014-11-21

Online Signature-collecting Campaign for Karate into the Olympics 2020
Looking (...)
2014-11-18

Athletes Commission in Bremen
During the World Senior Championships 2014 in (...)
2014-11-13

New WKF Executive Committee
During the WKF Congress that was held in Bremen on (...)
2014-11-08

The WKF President visits Poland
On 22nd of October 2014, the President of the (...)
2014-10-28

WKF at the KEIO University in Tokyo
Mr. Tsunekazu Takeda (IOC member / JOC (...)
2014-10-24

16th Balkan Senior Championships
Last 18-19 October the 16th Balkan Senior (...)
2014-10-24

The WKF President meets West Asian Karate in Dubai
The WKF President Mr. Antonio (...)
2014-10-23

The WKF President visits the Prime Minister of the Republic of Macedonia
The WKF (...)
2014-10-21

Karate 1 - Grand Winners 2014
The Karate 1 event in Salzburg on 11-12 October (...)
2014-10-15

Meeting with the representative of DPR Korea Karate Federation in Incheon
The (...)
2014-10-14

WKF Delegation at the Asian Games, Incheon
During the Asian Games in Incheon, a (...)
2014-10-13

Karate is recognized as a subject of Olympic movement in Ukraine
7 of October, (...)
2014-10-13

Karate 1 – Grand Final in Salzburg (11-12 October)
On 11th and 12th of October (...)
2014-10-09

1st Championships of the Small States of Europe
The Small States of Europe (...)
2014-10-09

Mediterranean Championships, Bar 2014
On 13th and 14th September the 6th (...)
2014-10-07

Athlete safety in Karate
The Kumite discipline in Karate, as a competition (...)
2014-10-06

Sir Craig Reedie at the British Open 2014
(By Mr Terry Connell, President of the (...)
2014-10-01

Karate at the 17th Asian Games Incheon 2014
Karate will take part of the 17th (...)
2014-09-30

Karate Premier League Hanau 2014: Another record of participation this year
Less (...)
2014-09-26

WKF President meets members in Oceania
(By Makarita Lenoa, WKF (...)
2014-09-18

Meeting of the WKF with Japan Olympic Committee President Mr. Tsunekazu Takeda
(...)
2014-09-06

Karate 1 Premier League, Istanbul
This weekend Turkey will welcome the best (...)
2014-09-05

WKF Executives visited the Memorial of Gichin Funakoshi in Okinawa
Mr Antonio (...)
2014-09-05

23rd Mediterranean Senior Karate Championships
A few months after the World (...)
2014-09-05

XXV Pan American Karate Championships Junior & Cadet and Under 21 - LIMA 2014
On (...)
2014-09-03

Karate 1 Premier League Okinawa – 30 & 31 August 2014
Japan will organise for (...)
2014-08-29

José Antonio Méndez visits WKF Headquarters
WKF General Secretary José (...)
2014-08-21

Pan American Sports Festival
The first edition of the Pan American Sports (...)
2014-08-18

Coupe Internationale Mohamed VI, Casablanca
The Royal Moroccan Karate Federation (...)
2014-07-31

THE WKF VISITS THE IOC
A WKF delegation visited the IOC headquarters in Lausanne (...)
2014-07-31

Karate will take part in the Pan American Sports Festival 2014
In anticipation (...)
2014-07-24

Michael Kassis Visit to India
He also met the Special Commissioner of Delhi (...)
2014-07-21

7th WKF Youth Camp
The seventh edition of the WKF youth Camp has now finished. (...)
2014-07-11

9th World University Karate Championship, Bar
A total of 350 athletes from 41 (...)
2014-07-01

Karate 1 Premier League/ Jakarta - 20 & 21 June 2014
The 3rd Karate1 - Premier (...)
2014-06-19

WKF President visits the Romanian NF
WKF President, Antonio Espinós, paid (...)
2014-06-17

9th FISU World University Karate Championship
Bar, Montenegro, will be the host (...)
2014-06-17

2nd African Youth Games
The 2nd edition of the African Youth Games has been held (...)
2014-06-13

Russian NF President visits WKF HQ
The President of the Russian Karate (...)
2014-06-13

RIP Yousef Al-Harbi
The WKF and the Kuwait Karate Family regret to inform on the (...)
2014-06-11

Georgia Prime Minister receives 3rd Dan
H.E. the Prime Minister of Georgia, Mr (...)
2014-06-09

YouTube views have reached the 10 million mark!
Launched in August 2012, the (...)
2014-06-06

115 teams ready for European Karate Championships for Regions
As a European (...)
2014-06-05

I Gala for the Recognition of the Karate Masters
Last Saturday 31st May 2014, (...)
2014-06-04

Karate at the Olympic Fest 2014
Olympic Fest 2014 is a project approved by the (...)
2014-06-02

Visit to the Saudi Arabian NOC President
On 28th of April, the WKF President, (...)
2014-05-29

PKF Senior Championships
A total of 17 countries, including 235 athletes will be (...)
2014-05-29

RIP Robbie Smith
It is with deep sorrow that we advise the Karate community of (...)
2014-05-28

World Karate Federation and SportAccord announce agreement on anti-doping services
Starting at the beginning of 2014, the World Karate Federation (WKF) and SportAccord have signed an agreement for the provision of anti-doping services by the SportAccord Doping – Free Sport Unit (DFSU). It includes the administration of WKF anti-doping program by the DFSU staff in the areas of athletes whereabouts, testing, therapeutic use exemptions, results management, and education.   “The WKF is very proud to cooperate with SportAccord and its Doping-Free Sport Unit (DFSU) on anti-doping matters. Especially, at this very important period of time where we are preparing to implement the revised World Anti-Doping as of 1 January 2015,  this collaboration will definitely help our organization to optimize our efforts in keeping Karate clean”, says WKF President, Antonio Espinós, "As SportAccord Vice-president it is also a pleasure to see the increasing added value and support that SportAccord is offering to its IFs members, in this case through the DFSU". “One of SportAccord’s main objectives is to support our Members. We are very honoured by the trust WKF has in us and happy to provide a tailored anti-doping service package in strict confidentiality, in compliance with the WKF anti-doping rules and the World Anti-Doping Code”, says Marius Vizer, SportAccord President. About SportAccord: Established in 1967, SportAccord is the union for 109 International Sports Federations and organisations. Its’ mission is to unite and support its’ members, providing them with added-value platforms and services; while continually striving to influence positive change in the sports community and society as a whole. Activities include the organisation of Multi-Sports Games (World Combat Games, World Mind Games, World Beach Games, World Urban Games); doping-free sport services; the .Sport project, the Sports Hub, new information technology and media services; sports’ social/environmental responsibility and integrity initiatives; and the International Federations recognition process, all created and implemented on behalf, and to the benefit of SportAccord’s members. The SportAccord Doping-Free Sport unit provides free assistance to all Members and at-cost services and administrative support to more than 30 (...)
2014-05-22

Cup of the General President of Youth Welfare in Riyadh
WKF President, Mr. (...)
2014-05-20

CISA CONVENTION 2014, Island of Sal
Between the 1st and the 3rd of May, the WKF (...)
2014-05-12

49th European Senior Championships - Men's Team Final has masterfully closed the championships
The 49th European Seniors Karate Championships, that started Thursday in Tampere, Finland, ended off by a fight particularly disputed in male kumite team between Azerbaijan and Turkey. The suspense was sustained until the decisive 5th fight, after four fights of top-level and very high intensity (7-7, 0-8, 7-0, 3-6, 7-2). Before that, both finals in kata team opposed Spain and Italy (like in individual kata categories). After two lost finals against Italy in both individual categories, Spain didn’t hesitate to take its revenge by winning the two team finals. Both nations confirmed their status of dominant European nations in this discipline.In kumite, Turkey appeared as the dominant nation in this championship, one year before their own European Championship that will take place in Istanbul next March. List of today's medalists: Female Kata Team1/ SPAIN2/ ITALY3/ CROATIA3/ BELARUSMale Kata Team1/ SPAIN2/ ITALY3/ FRANCE3/ CROATIAMale Kumite Team1/ AZERBAIJAN2/ TURKEY3/ NETHERLANDS3/ GERMANY Final Medal Table1/ ITALY (4 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze)2/ TURKEY (3 gold, 3 silver, 3 bronze)3/ SPAIN (2 gold, 2 gold, 3 bronze) You will find all information (detailed results, medal table,…) in the dedicated page of (...)
2014-05-04

49th European Senior Championships – 13 out of 16 European titles have been distributed
After the first day of finals, 13 categories have already found their European Champions. Only one reigning champion keeps his European title, Enes Erkan in kumite male over 84Kg. All other categories have rewarded a champion different from the last edition. The finals have been extremely disputed and most of the 43 countries have been represented in today’s fights, either in fights for bronze or for the title. At the end, we have European Champions of 8 different nationalities.The 3 remaining categories will fight tomorrow. Finals will be broadcasted live on the official youtube channel (except for countries where we have a TV partner).You will find below the list of today’s medalists: Female Kata 1 BOTTARO VIVIANA ITALY 2 MARTIN_ABELLO YAIZA SPAIN 3 BOZAN DILARA TURKEY 3 SCORDO SANDY FRANCE Female Kumite -50Kg 1 OZCELIK SERAP TURKEY2 PLANK BETTINA AUSTRIA3 BOUDERBANE SOPHIA FRANCE3 ALIYEVA NURANA_ AZERBAIJAN Female Kumite -55Kg 1 CARDIN SARA ITALY2 WARLING JENNIFER LUXEMBOURG3 THOUY EMILIE FRANCE3 MELNYK ZHANNA UKRAINE Female Kumite -61Kg 1 LENARD ANA CROATIA2 CVRKOTA SANJA SERBIA3 MAKSIMOVIC JELENA MONTENEGRO3 SEROGINA ANITA UKRAINE Female Kumite -68Kg 1 SHEROZIYA INGA RUSSIA2 COBAN MERVE TURKEY3 TUBIC IVONA CROATIA3 VIZCAINO_GONZALEZ CRISTINA SPAIN Female Kumite 68 Kg 1 CLAVIEN FANNY SWITZERLAND2 AIT_IBRAHIM NADEGE FRANCE3 KUUSISTO HELENA FINLAND3 PALACIO_GONZALEZ LAURA SPAIN Female Team Kumite 1 TURKEY2 FINLAND3 UKRAINE3 CROATIA Male Kata 1 BUSATO MATTIA ITALY2 QUINTERO_CAPDEVILA DAMIAN_HUGO SPAIN3 DACK VU_DUC_MINH FRANCE3 YAKAN MEHMET TURKEY Male Kumite -60 Kg 1 PAVLOV EMIL MACEDONIA2 LIDEGAARD CASPER DENMARK3 GOMEZ_GARCIA MATIAS SPAIN3 BERENS GEOFFREY NEDERLANDS Male Kumite -67 Kg 1 THOMAS JORDAN ENGLAND2 ALIYEV NIYAZI AZERBAIJAN 3 TADISSI YVES_MARTIAL HUNGARY 3 SCOGNAMIGLIO MAURO ITALY Male Kumite -75 Kg 1 BUSA LUIGI ITALY2 HORUNA STANISLAV UKRAINE3 DONA DAVY FRANCE3 YAGCI SERKAN TURKEYMale Kumite -84 Kg 1 TZANOS GEORGIOS GREECE2 GUNDUZ GOKHAN TURKEY 3 MUHOVIC MERIS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA3 PETERSEN TIMOTHY NEDERLANDS Male Kumite 84 Kg 1 ERKAN ENES TURKEY2 ATAMOV SHAHIN AZERBAIJAN3 BITEVIC SLOBODAN SERBIA3 HORNE JONATHAN (...)
2014-05-03

European Senior Championships – List of finalists is known
482 athletes from 44 (...)
2014-05-02

"European Karate Championships: Follow Finals session live!”
For the 3rd edition (...)
2014-04-28

49th European Senior Championships
8 reigning European Champions headline the (...)
2014-04-25

2014 SportAccord Convention
The WKF was present in the annual SportAccord (...)
2014-04-23

Mr. Nagura visits the WKF HQ
The WKF Executive Committee member Mr. Toshihisha (...)
2014-04-18

WKF Delegation visits Kuwait
A WKF delegation, headed by the WKF President, (...)
2014-04-04

The International Police Sports Union (USIP)
A WKF delegation attended the (...)
2014-04-01

Karate supports Peace & Sport campaign
Launched by the UN at the initiative (...)
2014-03-31

Japanese Embassy Cup in Almere
For the third time in a row, the Dutch Karate-do (...)
2014-03-14

Karate 1 World Cup Thermana - Laško Slovenia
On 15th & 16th March, the (...)
2014-03-11

VISIT OF MR. ANTONIO ESPINOS TO EGYPT FROM 3rd TO 5th MARCH 2014
Dr. Ayman Abdel (...)
2014-03-10

KARATE1 Premier League - Lotto Dutch Open 2014 - Almere Netherlands
For the (...)
2014-03-07

The President of the Venezuelan Karate Federation is elected on the board of the NOC
Mr. Arturo Castillo, President of the Venezuelan Karate Federation, has been recently elected as Treasurer of the National Olympic Committee of his country. In his new role, Mr. Arturo Castillo looks forward to developing the sport of karate more than ever in the spirit of the Olympic (...)
2014-03-07

1st Asian Karate Clubs Championships
On the 20th, 21st and 22nd of February, the (...)
2014-02-27

41st Cadet/Junior and 6th Under21 European Karate - Lisbon, Portugal
We would (...)
2014-02-13

3rd INTERNATIONAL KARATE OPEN AL-AHLI DUBAI 2014
The third edition of the Dubai (...)
2014-02-06

Baku 2015 has approved the Sports Qualification document for Karate
The (...)
2014-01-30

The WKF President visited India
The WKF President Antonio Espinós visited (...)
2014-01-29

JKF Vice-president receives the Order of the Rising Sun
A reception for the (...)
2014-01-20

KARATE 1 PARIS 2014: REGISTRATION ARE OPEN
The Open Karate Premier League of (...)
2014-01-10

PREMIER LEAGUE PARIS 2014 FINALS BROADCASTED LIVE ON SUNDAY
The Premier League (...)
2014-01-06

27th SEA GAMES, MYANMAR 2013
Karate has been one of the feature sports for more (...)
2014-01-03

WKF supports the launch of the Peace and Sport “Adapted Sport Manual”
This (...)
2014-01-03

GALA OF THE SPANISH OLYMPIC COMMITTEE
On Wednesday, 18th December the (...)
2013-12-26

WADA WHEREABOUTS APP FOR SMARTPHONES NOW AVAILABLE
In its ongoing effort to (...)
2013-12-13

12th SENIOR ASIA CHAMPIONSHIPS & 13th JUNIOR AND CADET ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
The (...)
2013-12-06

Olympic Course of Ukranian Karate
They discussed about the Ukrainian karate (...)
2013-12-05

WKF Executive Commitee meeting Guadalajara, 6th November 2013
Last 6th November (...)
2013-12-05

Premier Leage and Youth World Cup in Salzburg 2013 - Available on the YouTube Channel
Starting tomorrow and running through the weekend, The Karate1 Premier League and Youth World Cup in Salzburg is the last competition of 2013.  With 850 ahtletes registered, coming from 50 ries, the Austrian Open promises to be an amazing competition.  Follow the competition through: The Youtube channel : A live video stream of all Tatamis will be provided.   DIRECT LINKS: - Country - Entry - Statistics - Entries - (...)
2013-12-05

PREMIER LEAGUE 2013 GRAND FINAL IN SALZBURG
  With a record breaking (...)
2013-12-05

SportAccord World Combat Games
Karate awarded athletes from all over the world (...)
2013-11-04

WORLD JUNIORS & CADET KARATE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2013
It is for me and for all of the (...)
2013-10-29

Karate in the 2015 European Games
The WKF President Antonio Espinós, in (...)
2013-10-29

PREMIER LEAGUE – NEW RECORD AT THE GERMAN OPEN
  54 nations from all five (...)
2013-10-25

3er Islamic Solidarity Games in Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia
From the (...)
2013-10-25

7th African Junior & Cadet Championships. Tunis
The African Championships have (...)
2013-10-25

WKF Women Sports Comminssion seminar in Japan
Mrs. Carmela Diaz, WKF Women (...)
2013-10-25

ANTONIO ESPINOS NEW VICE-PRESIDENT OF SPORTACCORD
At the recommendation of the (...)
2013-10-25