Karate Discussion Thread

[phelps 8,337]

in the end we still managed to win the most medals of all and to finish 2nd in the overall medal table, but the trick is that we won mainly kata and team medals, which are difinitely a lot less significant than the individual kumite's (only exception, the team kumite, which is always very prestigious)

 

so, we can't be really satisfied with the final results of this championship (and we also did worse than last year, which is not a good sign, given that in the past copuple of years we're in descending route)

[phelps 8,337]

2025 Karate 1 Premier League (Stage #4,  Rabat)

 

Results Recap

 

https://www.wkf.net/files/pdf/championships/RESULTS_K1PL_RABAT(2).pdf

 

 

Highlights, Part #1

 

Highlights, Part #2

[phelps 8,337]

World Karate Federation Announces Extension of Agreement with Grup Mediapro and New YouTube Strategy

 

The World Karate Federation (WKF) has announced a significant evolution in its global media strategy, combining an expanded international TV distribution plan with a new approach to digital content on YouTube 

 

The initiative aims to strengthen the visibility of karate worldwide and meet the growing demand for accessible, high-quality sports content from younger and digitally engaged audiences.

 

To continue expanding the sport's significant reach, especially among younger audiences who form the core of Karate’s global following, the WKF will introduce a hybrid distribution system.

 

This approach mirrors the direction taken by other major sports organisations, including the International Olympic Committee.

 

The hybrid model allows broadcast television and digital platforms to coexist, offering fans more ways to follow their favourite athletes and events.

 

As a result of this strategy, the WKF will strengthen its presence on YouTube, where its channel, @WKFKarateWorldChamps, is already one of the most viewed and engaged platforms in the wider sports ecosystem.

 

Starting January 2026, all major WKF competitions will be completely available on the channel.

This includes Karate 1–Premier League, Karate 1–Series A, Karate 1–Youth League, World Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships, Karate World Cup, and the Qualification and final phases of the World Individual Championships.

 

By expanding its digital catalogue, the WKF aims to continue making @WKFKarateWorldChamps the leading global reference point for karate, offering fans a complete and easily accessible home for the sport’s most important competitions.

 

WKF President Antonio Espinós said: “The tremendous popularity of karate around the world confirms that the WKF is a modern organisation that continues to adapt its vision to the times and continues to maximise the outstanding values and legacy of the sport.

With this strategy, we not only continue to reach new audiences but also extend the impressive following that karate already has among young people even more. Our goal is to serve the global karate community with the best possible viewing experience, across both traditional and digital platforms.”

 

Extension of Strategic Agreement with Grup Mediapro

 

The WKF and Grup Mediapro have confirmed the extension of their collaboration agreement for the 2026–2027 cycle.

 

This follows the successful partnership launched in 2023 to elevate WKF’s premier events during the 2024–2025 period.

 

With the new extension, Grup Mediapro will continue to manage audiovisual production, content creation, and live coverage of the WKF’s main events across the next two years.

 

Ongoing Global TV Distribution

 

Building on this agreement, the WKF will maintain the distribution of medal bouts from its major events through established television networks around the world.

 

WKF competitions are currently broadcast in 30 key territories.

These include Australia, through Fox; Italy, via Rai and Sky; and the MENA region, through SNRT, among others.

 

This continued presence on leading broadcast platforms ensures that karate remains accessible to traditional viewers and reinforces the sport’s position in developed TV markets.

 

With the extension of its partnership with Grup Mediapro, the continuation of global TV coverage, the launch of a hybrid media model, and the expansion of full-event access on YouTube, the WKF is reinforcing its commitment to innovation and global fan engagement.

[phelps 8,337]

Karate 1 Serie A 2026

 

The international karate season begins in Tbilisi,  Georgia, where Karate One – Series A will take place from January 9 to 11, marking the opening event of the year for global karate.

 

As the first stop of the 2026 Karate One – Series A season, the tournament brings together emerging and established karatekas in an open competition designed to support athlete development and offer valuable points toward the WKF World Ranking.

 

The event holds added significance as it will debut the new visual identity of the World Karate Federation across all Karate One events, setting a fresh standard for the season ahead.

 

With strong international participation expected, Karate One – Series A Tbilisi will set the tone for a year of high-level competition and continued growth for the sport worldwide.

 

WHAT

 

The Karate One-Series A Tbilisi is the first event of the 2026 season.

 

It opens a thrilling season of Karate One -Series A events that will continue with the tournaments in La Coruna,  Spain (24-26 April), Guadalajara,  Mexico (16-20 July), and Salzburg,  Austria (2-4 October).   

 

The Karate One-Series A is a series of top international tournaments held worldwide, aimed at providing competitors with even more opportunities to enhance their positions in the WKF World Ranking.

 

Furthermore, the Karate One – Series A serves as an additional platform to showcase the prestige of Karate’s major events and the sport’s global development.

 

WHERE

 

The tournament will be held at the New Sports Palace of Tbilisi.   

 

The 2026 event represents the second time that Tbilisi hosts a Karate One-Series A event, after the successful tournament of 2025.

 

Tbilisi also hosted the 2024 edition of the EKF Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships.

 

WHEN

 

The event is scheduled from January 9 to 11.    

  

The first day of competition on Friday will comprise the categories of Male and Female Kata, Female Kumite +68kg and Male Kumite +84kg.

 

The second day on Saturday will have the categories of Male and Female Team Kata, Female Kumite -50kg and -55kg, and Male Kumite -60kg and -67kg taking the stage.

 

The third day on Sunday will put the highlight on the categories of Female Kumite -61kg and -67kg, and Male Kumite -75kg and -84kg.

 

The Finals and Bronze medals will be held at the end of each competition day.

WHO    

 

Over 1200 athletes from 77 countries have registered to participate in the event.

 

This tally continues the participation records at the Karate One-Series A tournaments.

 

Over 1000 athletes from 83 countries participated in the 2025 edition of the event in Tbilisi.  

 

The powerhouse nation of Iran presents the largest delegation with 159 athletes.

 

Top countries of Italy, with 80 athletes and Turkiye, with 79 athletes also concur with large delegations.   

           

HOW

 

Athletes are free to register at Karate One-Series A events, as long as the total number of 96 competitors per category in Kumite and 128 entries in Kata is completed.

 

The tournament follows a knockout competition system.

 

WATCH IT LIVE!

 

The 2026 Karate One-Series A Tbilisi in full is available LIVE on the WKF YouTube channel.

 

https://www.youtube.com/@WKFKarateWorldChamps

[phelps 8,337]

Karate 1 Serie A 2025

 

Stage #1 ( Tbilisi)

 

Results Recap

 

https://www.wkf.net/karate1/championship/!/419/2026-karate-one-series-a-tbilisi?section=results 

 

(choose your category in the page that opens)