Karate is in the Olympic Games. The 129th session of the International Olympic Committee has decided to incorporate Karate at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. This decision represents an outstanding, and ground-breaking, moment for this ancient discipline.
Following years of hard work by the WKF, the hopes and dreams of millions of Karatekas has come true. Finally, the Karate family have fulfilled their dream of seeing this discipline at the Olympic Games. This will be accomplished in Tokyo, the capital city of the birth nation of the sport.
The IOC has described the decision as ‘the most comprehensive evolution of the Olympic programme in modern history’.
Since originating in Japan, Karate has never been contested at the Olympics. Its fellow home-grown Martial Art, Judo, first joined in 1964, when Tokyo last hosted the Olympics, and has been included from 1972 onwards.
“There couldn’t be a better place (than Tokyo) to begin our Olympic adventure,” said World Karate Federation president Antonio Espinos. “This will be a ‘fiesta’ for the entire Karate world.”
The qualification process will be decided by the WKF at their General Assembly before the World Championships in October.
WKF tournaments, including the flagship World Championships, feature five men and five women categories. This raises a concern among the governing body as to how they will install an Olympic qualification route and select the athletes who will compete at the event.
The IOC has added Karate alongside softball, surfing, climbing and skateboarding. The addition will add 18 events and 474 athletes to the games.
If you’re looking to stock up on some WKF Approved gear, please visit www.blitzsport.com. Approved Martial Arts equipment and clothing is compulsory for all competing in WKF competitions.
