The World Karate Federation (WKF) announced on 28 October a new project combining artificial intelligence and camera technology to support referees in kumite. The aim is to give officials an additional technological tool while preserving their authority over final decisions.

Several angles, automatic analysis

The system uses a set of cameras positioned around the tatami to capture the bout from different angles. AI analyses the footage to identify attacks and potential scoring actions, giving referees additional visual evidence.

Jogai in focus

One of the key applications is jogai, when an athlete steps outside the competition area: the system gives the precise position of athletes as they reach the edges of the tatami. It should also make video review more efficient by linking footage to the relevant moments of a bout in advance. In a sport where actions unfold in fractions of a second, the WKF sees it as a way to reach decisions faster and anticipate possible rule breaches.

First test in Venice

The project will be tested at the upcoming Karate One Youth League in Venice in December, a new stage in the WKF’s work on how technology can make karate events fairer and more efficient.

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Antonio Espinós: “an additional tool”

WKF President Antonio Espinós said: “The progress made in refereeing and the improvements to the assessment of the karate competition have been among the most important achievements of our sport over the last few years. The application of Artificial Intelligence can take this progress even further by giving our judges an additional tool in a lightning-fast sport like karate.”

He added: “Karate is a sport built on strong traditions and values, and we are proud of that heritage. At the same time, the WKF is firmly committed to combining those roots with modernisation and innovation. We want to make the most of the tools available to us to continue improving our sport, making it more accessible, more attractive, and ready for the future.”

Source: wkf.net, 28 October 2026. Photo: WKF.

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