There are several karate federations in the world, each with its own vision and approach to karate. Here is a list of the main karate federations:
1. World Karate Federation(WKF)
The World Karate Federation, or WKF, is the international governing body recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the management of sport karate. The WKF organizes the World Karate Championships every two years and also supervises karate competitions at the Olympic Games. It has over 190 member nations.
2. National Federations
The National Federation is the governing body of karate in the country. It is affiliated to the WKF and organizes national and regional karate competitions throughout the country. The national federation also oversees the training and certification of karate instructors in France.
3. Pan-American Karate Federation(PKF)
The Pan American Karate Federation (PKF) represents karate throughout North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. It works to promote karate in these regions and to organize high-level karate competitions.
4. Union of African Karate Federations(UFAK)
The Union of African Karate Federations (UFAK) is the organization representing karate across the African continent. It works to develop karate in Africa and to support African karate athletes, coaches and officials.
5. European Karate Federation(EKF)
The European Karate Federation (EKF) is the organization representing karate in Europe. It promotes karate in Europe and organizes high-level karate competitions on the continent.
6. Asian Karate Federation(AKF)
The Asian Karate Federation (AKF) is the organization representing karate in Asia. It works to develop karate in Asia and support Asian karate athletes, coaches and officials.
7. Oceania Karate Federation(OKF)
The Oceania Karate Federation (OKF) is the organization representing karate in Oceania. It promotes karate in Oceania and organizes high-level karate competitions in the region.
8. World United Karate Federation(WUKF)
The World United Karate Federation, or WUKF, is an international organization that promotes karate worldwide. It works with athletes, coaches, referees and national organizations to develop karate in all its forms. WUKF organizes international competitions, including world and European championships, and supports the development of karate at all levels, from grassroots to elite. WUKF is dedicated to inclusivity and equity, offering opportunities for karatekas of all ages, skill levels and backgrounds.
9. Japan Karate Association(JKA)
The Japan Karate Association, or JKA, is one of the oldest and most respected karate organizations in the world. It is based in Tokyo, Japan, and focuses on promoting the Shotokan style of karate. JKA organizes tournaments, clinics and instructor training courses worldwide.
10. Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation(SKIF)
The Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation (SKIF) is one of the largest Shotokan karate organizations in the world, and was founded by master Hirokazu Kanazawa.
Hirokazu Kanazawa was a student of Shotokan style founder Gichin Funakoshi, and is renowned for his fluid, powerful technique and deep understanding of karate philosophy. After serving as chief instructor of the Japan Karate Association (JKA), Kanazawa founded SKIF in 1978.
SKIF is renowned for its detailed technical approach and profound Budo philosophy. Kanazawa’s technical principles are based on combining dynamic, explosive movements with gentle, fluid ones. He also integrated the use of breathing and ki (energy) into karate practice.
The federation is present in over 130 countries, and is recognized for its instructor training program and globally consistent grading system. SKIF tournaments are renowned for being fair and well-organized, and the federation regularly organizes international clinics where members have the opportunity to train with top-level instructors.
In short, SKIF Kanazawa is an organization that embodies the spirit of traditional karate while adapting to the changing world of martial arts.
11. International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Federation(IOGKF)
The International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Federation, or IOGKF, is a worldwide organization dedicated to preserving the Goju-Ryu style of karate as taught in Okinawa, the birthplace of karate. The IOGKF organizes training events and competitions worldwide.
12. World Shotokan Karate-Do Association(WSKA)
The World Shotokan Karate-Do Association, or WSKA, is an international organization focusing on the Shotokan style of karate. It organizes world championships and provides guidelines for Shotokan teaching and practice worldwide.
13. International Kyokushin Karate Organization(IKO)
The IKO is one of the world’s leading karate federations. Founded in 1964 by Masutatsu Oyama, its aim is to promote and develop Kyokushin karate worldwide. The IKO is renowned for its intensive training, demanding competitions and commitment to the values of karate, including discipline, respect and the pursuit of excellence.
14. World Kyokushin Karate Organization(WKO)
The World Kyokushin Karate Organization is an international federation that promotes and regulates the practice of Kyokushin karate throughout the world. Founded by Masutatsu Oyama in 1964, the WKO is committed to upholding the fundamental principles of Kyokushin, such as discipline, intense training and respect for opponents. The WKO regularly organizes high-level competitions, such as the World Championships, offering Kyokushin practitioners a platform to demonstrate their talent and determination.
Each karate federation has its own rules and regulations concerning competition, training and teaching. It’s important for karatekas to understand the differences between these organizations so they can choose the one that best suits their goals and approach to karate. There are other organizations around the world, of varying sizes. We’ve listed the most popular ones here.