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.
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 world of karate mourns the loss of one of its most esteemed figures, Antonio Oliva. With his passing, the Spanish and international karate community bids farewell to a true legend whose legacy will forever resonate in the hearts of karate worldwide.
Antonio Oliva stands as one of the pillars that built Spanish karate, symbolizing resilience, dedication, and excellence. As one of the three Spanish-born karatekas to have achieved the prestigious 10th dan, his impact on the sport is unparalleled.
A trailblazer in every sense, Antonio Oliva was the epitome of karate excellence. He etched his name in history as the first-ever national champion, holding the title uninterruptedly from 1970 to 1975. As a competitor, Antonio Oliva’s prowess was unmatched. Leading Spain to victory as a coach, he secured gold in the team category at the 1980 World Championship, leaving an indelible mark on the global stage.
Seguis leyendo Karate family mourns passing of pioneer and coaching icon Antonio Oliva
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
The World Karate Federation (WKF) President, Antonio Espinós, engaged in a pivotal meeting with the President of the Chinese Karate Association (CKA), Zhang Zhi, during the Karate 1 Youth League event held in Fujairah, UAE. This encounter aimed at fostering collaboration and exploring opportunities to extend the progress of Karate in China even more.
The meeting, also attended by Asian Karate Federation (AKF) President and WKF Vice President Major General Nasser Alrazooqi, alongside AKF CEO Vincent Chen, provided a platform to discuss the progress of karate in China and strategize on potential areas of cooperation between the WKF, the AKF, and the CKA.
WKF President Antonio Espinós said:
«It was a pleasure to meet with President Zhang Zhi and engage in constructive discussions about the growth of karate in China. Our aim is to explore avenues for collaboration that will not only benefit the Chinese Karate Association but also contribute to the global development of our sport.»
“I would also like to express my appreciation to AKF President Major General Nasser Alrazooqi for facilitating this meeting. The continuous development of karate in China is of utmost importance to the WKF and the AKF, and we look forward to a prosperous collaboration.»
Seguis leyendo Progress of Karate in China at Heart of High-Profile Meeting in Fujairah
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