The 2024 UFAK Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships are set to take place in Tunis, Tunisia, from September 2 to 8. This prestigious event will gather the best young Karate athletes from across the continent, highlighting the growing popularity of Karate among youngsters in Africa.

For the first time since 2020, the UFAK Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships will be held as a stand-alone competition as over the past three years, the age-group tournament was combined with the senior championships. The age-group tournament was last held separately in Tangier, Morocco, in 2020. That edition saw participation from 300 athletes representing 21 countries, with Morocco emerging as the dominant force, clinching 15 gold medals. Egypt and Algeria followed in the medal tally, showcasing the competitive spirit and high level of talent among the young Karatekas.

The most recent joint continental championships were held in Casablanca, Morocco, last year, with the UFAK Senior Championships being held together with the African Games earlier this year. The 2023 UFAK Championships brought together 400 athletes from 24 countries. Once again, Morocco topped the medal table, securing 17 gold medals, followed by Egypt and Tunisia.

Seguis leyendo Top Young Karate Talents to Shine at 2024 UFAK Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships in Tunis →

Kakeru Nishiyama of Japan has solidified his status as one of the top Male Kata athletes, winning his second consecutive Grand Winner award at the Karate 1 Premier League in Casablanca this week.

This season, Nishiyama has demonstrated unparalleled skill and consistency, clinching gold at all three events and qualifying for the final of #Karate1Casablanca on Sunday.

Nishiyama, the current continental champion and a bronze medallist at the World Championships, has steadily climbed to the number one position in the world rankings in kata. His journey to the pinnacle of the sport began in the Okayama prefecture, where he was born and started practising karate at the age of five, inspired by his father, also a karateka.

“I was attracted to karate for its silent and steady toughening-up exercises,” he has commented. Seguis leyendo Kakeru Nishiyama: Grand Winner, Kata hero and Firefighter Extraordinaire →

The karate competition of the African Games in Accra, Ghana, reached its second day, featuring intense showdowns and skilful displays. This event, the pinnacle of karate in the continent, also serves as the platform to crown the champions of Africa.

Male Kata: Karim Ghaly Claims Victory for Egypt

In the Male Kata category, Karim Ghaly of Egypt showcased his mastery, clinching the gold medal. Ghaly’s precision outshone his opponent, Adam Rchouq of Morocco, securing victory with a score of 42.00 to 39.60.

Women Team Kata: Egypt Triumphs Over Morocco

Egypt continued its dominance in the Women Team Kata, where they faced off against Morocco. With synchronized movements and impeccable technique, the Egyptian team secured the win with a score of 41.70 to 39.90, solidifying their status as champions.

Seguis leyendo Karate at the African Games: Egypt and Algeria Shine on Day Two →