About WKF

The World Karate Federation (WKF) is the international governing body for sport karate, recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Headquartered in Madrid, Spain, the WKF oversees karate competitions around the globe, including kata (forms) and kumite (sparring), and is responsible for the official rules, rankings, and standards used in international events.

The WKF’s origins trace back to 1970 with the creation of the World Union of Karate-do Organizations (WUKO), which was formed to unify the many national karate bodies under a single competitive framework. With karate rapidly spreading worldwide, WUKO sought to standardize rules and coordinate global championships. It earned IOC recognition in 1985 and was later renamed the World Karate Federation in 1990 to reflect its growing international influence.

Since then, the WKF has expanded to include over 200 national federations. It organizes major events such as the World Karate Championships, Karate 1 Premier League, Youth League, and Series A. In 2021, karate made its long-awaited Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games under WKF governance—a milestone for the sport, even though it was not included in the Paris 2024 programme.

Today, the WKF continues to lead the development of karate as a global sport. It promotes inclusivity through Para-Karate and supports grassroots growth alongside elite-level competition. As the sport evolves, the WKF remains committed to securing karate’s place on the world stage and in future Olympic Games.