The World Karate Federation (WKF) is the largest international governing body for karate, representing over 100 million practitioners in more than 190 countries. Founded in 1990, the WKF has played a key role in promoting and standardizing the sport of karate worldwide.
Origins of Karate
Karate has its origins in Okinawa, Japan, where it was developed in the late 19th century as a form of self-defence against armed attackers. Okinawa was a small island kingdom that was frequently invaded by larger powers, and the local people developed karate as a way to defend themselves.
Karate spread to Japan in the early 20th century, where it was further developed and popularized by martial artists such as Gichin Funakoshi and Masutatsu Oyama. It eventually spread to other parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and South America.
Founding of the WKF
The World Karate Federation was founded in Madrid, Spain, in 1990, with the goal of promoting and developing karate as a sport worldwide. The organization was formed by the merger of several existing international karate organizations, including the European Karate Union and the Pan-American Karate Federation.
The WKF was officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1999, which marked a major milestone for the organization. The recognition allowed karate to be considered for inclusion in the Olympic Games, which had been a long-standing goal of the WKF.
Structure and Governance
The World Karate Federation is governed by an Executive Committee, which is responsible for the overall management and direction of the organization. The Executive Committee is composed of a President, Vice Presidents, and several other members.
The WKF is divided into several regional organizations, including the African Karate Federation, the Asian Karate Federation, the European Karate Federation, the Oceanian Karate Federation, and the Pan-American Karate Federation. Each regional organization is responsible for overseeing karate activities within its own region, including competitions and training programs.
The WKF also has several standing committees that are responsible for specific areas of the organization's operations, such as the Technical Committee, the Marketing Committee, and the Anti-Doping Committee.
Activities and Programs
The World Karate Federation is involved in a wide range of activities and programs designed to promote and develop karate worldwide. These include:
Competitions: The WKF organizes and oversees several international karate competitions, including the World Karate Championships, the World Junior and Cadet Championships, and the Karate1 Premier League. These events attract some of the world's top karate athletes and provide a platform for showcasing the sport to a global audience.
Education and Training: The WKF offers a range of educational and training programs for karate instructors and practitioners, including coaching courses, referee courses, and instructor certification programs. These programs are designed to ensure that karate is taught and practised in a safe and effective manner.
Promotion and Development: The WKF works to promote and develop karate in countries around the world, with a particular focus on developing countries. This includes providing funding and support for training programs, competitions, and other karate-related activities.
Anti-Doping: The WKF has a strong commitment to anti-doping, and works closely with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to ensure that karate athletes compete in a clean and fair environment. The organization has a comprehensive anti-doping program that includes drug testing, education and awareness programs, and sanctions for athletes who violate anti-doping rules.