Big news from the World Karate Federation (WKF)! The Executive Committee has officially approved the 14th edition of the World Youth Championships, a flagship event bringing together the finest young karate talent from around the globe. Mark your calendars: October 14–18, 2026, in Bielsko-Biała, Poland!
Event Overview: Youth, Passion & Excellence
The 2026 World Youth Championships will feature three major age categories:
- Cadets (14–15 years)
- Juniors (16–17 years)
- Under 21 (18–20 years)
Organized by the Polish Karate Union and strongly supported by the local government—particularly Mayor Jarosław Klimaszewski—the event promises to be one of the most professionally executed editions to date.
The venue, the Zbigniew Pietrzykowski Spectacle and Sports Hall, will serve as the battlefield where future karate champions will showcase their skill, spirit, and determination.
Competition Format
From Wednesday, October 14, at 8:00 AM, the action will begin with:
- Individual & Team Kata
- Individual Kumite
The grand finale will take place on Sunday, October 18, with medal matches (bronze and gold) across three tatamis, highlighting the best of global youth karate.
Accompanying Events: More than Just a Tournament
In addition to the thrilling competition, the WKF has also planned a series of important events:
- 🏛️ WKF Referee Course – For aspiring world-level judges and those upgrading their qualifications.
- 🗳️ WKF Reporting-Election Congress – A crucial session for the election of new Executive Committeemembers, shaping the future of global karate leadership.
- 🎉 Official Opening Ceremony & Gala Dinner – A prestigious occasion to welcome international delegations and honor the martial art.
Cultural Enrichment: Karate Meets Polish Heritage
As 2026 marks the year when Bielsko-Biała becomes the Polish Capital of Culture, the championship experience will be enriched with cultural highlights, including:
- 🎶 A special concert celebrating the Podbeskidzie region and Polish cultural heritage, hosted in one of the city’s iconic institutions.
This thoughtful integration of sport and culture reflects the WKF’s vision of karate not only as a discipline of combat but as a vehicle for unity and expression.
Supporting Female Athletes
Particular attention will be paid to female athletes—with dedicated efforts to ensure top-tier conditions for accommodation, training, and competition. Working closely with coaches and national federations, the organizers aim to foster a safe, empowering, and respectful environment for all participants.
Conclusion
The countdown has officially begun. Bielsko-Biała 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark event in the history of youth karate—uniting athletes, coaches, referees, and fans in a celebration of sport, respect, and international friendship.
Whether you’re a competitor, an official, or a fan of martial arts, this is one event you won’t want to miss!
Stay tuned for more updates, and let the road to WKF World Youth Championships 2026 begin!