KARATE IN OLYMPICS
Many within the United World Karate Federation have contributed immensely towards the development of karate in many parts of the world, those that are currently involved with our organization have good reputations and are practicing karate-ka and still training everyday and developing instructors and students in their respective dojo, cities, provinces, countries and continents, besides the development of karate world-wide. other organizations similar to ours are run by karate politicians who have long traded their karategi for a business suit. What we see today is many decision-makers in karate are those that were last on dojo floor about two or three decades ago and many that are involved from a karate prerspective are only worried about the sporting aspect and have discarded the benefits of karate as martial art are not even promoting karate as a martial sport, but just a sport with no human face, winning at all cost and transforming karate into a game of tag. They are rarely seen in a dojo, prefer to go to meeting through the world paid by others and issue of corruption and manipulation rampant in world karate, but their dojogi’s are firmly to small, relegated to the heap of forgotten apparel and they will profess to be the true leaders of karate world-wide.
It has come to the notice of our organization that the President of the World Karate Federation has now sent a letter to all the WKF members to refrain from being associated with any style organization as these style organization are against the ideals of the World Karate Federation, and therefore a National Federations must only be involved in the WKF and only the WKF. The ruling will now affect many full time karate instructor, if accepted by the National Federation, and will definitely jeopardize the ability to make a livihood. This cannot be right as many style organization are private organization have their own culture and origins and nothing to do with the WKF.
This is the reason the United World Karate Federation was created to be different, not interfering with personal preference, not calling any karate practicing or loving person dissent, not interfering in styles and not interfering in dojos or countries. We only want unified karate and the development of our sport, styles, athletes and members throughout the world working in harmony.
Karate is today a universal sport practiced and enjoyed in possibility all countries under the United Nation, it is the property of all human beings and on one can attempt to take this away from us, it is the effort of every single karate person that has made this a universal sport, we must preserve its origins, we must preserve it’s history, we must preserve it’s benefits, we must protects its legacy but most of all we must protect its us ablility to be practiced and developed unhindered throughout the work with no imposition that it belongs to anyone group, it belong to everyone, who dares to practice and enjoy it.
The United World Karate Federation commits itself to fight for all these values and will continue with its quest to develop karate for all without interverence, discrimination, bullying, determining what is best for karate practitioners and lovers and most of all to unite in our passion to preserve karate for the future, we are not in opposition to WKF’s quest for OLYMPIC recognition or participation, but rather want a unified world organization towards a unified, developed, prepared and participating structure that bring the qualities of BUDO back into karate-do respect, dignity, loyalty, sincerity and human development, we train everyday we sweat everyday. We have not interest in the Olympic Games as we believe karate values will be destroyed once karate is an Olympic Sport, but also realize that many want karate to be an Olympic sport so they can use this to improve their personal capital worth and take themselves to greater sporting heights, this is their objectives and we respect this. Karate is made of many different people from many parts of the world, but one thing is certain we all speak the same language -KARATE, our preferences are different and this is understandable.
It is imperative that karate as an art and as a sport is preserved for the future generation. Today we have noticed that many older masters that trained with the founders of the so-called Ryu-Ha (Styles) are either incapacitated or have passed on. These masters have laid a solid foundation for us to build on and each one had or has his own peculiar preferences in their way and presentation of their respective arts, in many cases this was handed down from father to son and then to future generation in a family as inheritors of a particular styles. In the past 10 years many prominent karate masters have left us and we have seen break away from the original when the founder of inheritor has passed, this has also happened in the multi-style, multi competition based organizations as well, and this is proliferating karate and it is not good for the sport, for its future.
After 20 years of unselfish contribution towards karate unity within many karate structures and after getting back karate’s recognition in the International Olympic Committee, after karate lost their recognition, in 1988, after the World Union of Karate organization (WUKO), now World Karate Federation, failed to unite karate world-wide. The IOC 1010st Session in Monte Carlo made it very ceratin that all karate should be united into one organization, it was the IOC that gave the name World Karate Federation and not WUKO, so in fact WUKO usurped the name of united karate and this was a very illegal undertaking by the European Mafia of the WKF, the chief architect of this illegal aaction was the current President Antonio Espinos, his partner in crime George Yerolimpos and their merry men.
This the false history as published in the WKF website:-
“History
After several decades of rapid worldwide growth, several competitions started to attract karate athletes from several countries during the 1960s.
The different styles of karate, diversity of the rules and lack of unified protocols that govern any type of competition indicated a need to create an international governing body comprising unitedNational Karate Federations that could start to address these issues from a unified global perspective.
Ryoichi Sasakawa, President of the Japan Karate Federation (JKF) and Jacques Delcourt, President of the European Karate Union (EKU) jointly proposed a series of meetings that would produce not only the first amalgamated international rules for sport Karate, but also the establishment of the World Union of Karate Do Organizations (WUKO) on October 10, 1970.
Tokyo was the site where WUKO was inaugurated and where the first WUKO World Championships were held. Portland, Oregon hosted the first meeting of the fledgling WUKO Directing Committee, the objective of which was to lay the foundation for the future of unified sport Karate.
National Karate Federations recognized by their National Olympic Committees and Highest Sport Authorities soon became members and thus WUKO became the most important world governing body for Karate.
The integration of several new organizations during the 1990s saw WUKO membership increase to 150 National Federations. Therefore, a new name that would more accurately reflect the size and scope of the organization was needed. The name of the first International organization representing sport Karate was thus changed to World Karate Federation (WKF) on December 20, 1992.”
From this the WKF is trying to erase very important historically issues that is deliberately left out of all its publication as the current President wants “fill” glory for where karate is today, but unfortunately history is something that is there for all to see and it is very foolhardily for Mr. Espinos to want to write his own history for karate. What is aslo very evident that he has changed the constitution of the WKF to retain himself as President for life as the dictates ONLY allows those that are in the Executive for 8 consecutive year can ONLY qualify to be president. He has conveniently eliminates all of those that had this criteria besides some of his lackeys. It is really amazing what is happening in the World Karate Federation, Why is the IOC not putting an inquiry into Karate? As has been the case with Athletes and Soccer.
See legal attack by WKF on WUKO
It seems the WKF is not over destroying all karate further by spending money on irrelevant court action instead of using the money to develop karate world-wide and to unite karate instead of dividing it further and in our opinion is is what is destroying the image of karate, as we have more conflicts and less dialogue between groups.
History of Karate-do from 1990 to 2015
We have read the “new” created history of the unification of karate and the WKF Presidents role in this historic and defining moment in karate’s history, it is really not good human etiquette, when someone wants to rewrite history to make himself prominent and deletes the efforts of all other who shouldered the burden towards this road of giving dignity to World karate. You can see from the photos in this article there is no Antonio Espinos in these photo, that is because he was not there during the historic signing of the Osaka declaration, it was this historic meeting between two Presidents Delcourt (deceased) from WUKO and Nishiyama (deceased) from ITKF, together with their chosen representative Imtiaz Abdulla (active), Taikichi Mano (deceased) from WUKO.WKF and Rajeev Sinha (active) and Michel Crowe (retired) from ITKF, who were entrusted to get karate unified and accepted by the IOC again in 1995, thus the formation of the Joint Working Commission (JWC), when karate presented its best chance to be readmitted (Karate was removed from the IOC in 1988, due to no unity between the WUKO and the ITKF) into the IOC, as the World Karate Federation (WKF), actually speaking WKF is a merger of the WUKO and ITKF, organizations governing General Karate (WUKO) called K karate in the IOC statutes and Traditional Karate called T karate under the same statutes, so the WKF is a unification of traditional and general karate, but this is far from the truth. In 1994 in Kota Kinabalu, Imtiaz Abdulla was voted with absolute majority at the WUKO/ WUKO Congress as WUKO/WKF Vice President for Traditional karate and Antonio Espinos was voted unanimously as General Vice President so they had the same equal status in the WKF/WUKO. Previously, in 1989 the IOC drafted a set of statutes, drafted by its legal commission under the leadership of Keba Mbaye (Head of IOC Legal Commission) from Senegal, called the Principles of the101st Session decision which the IOC resolved that only in unification can karate be admitted into the Olympic Movement, as a provisional member then, as a full recognition sport and then as a candidate to be included in future Olympic Games, for Karate Unification both side had to fulfill certain fundamental issues before recognition will be given back to karate, for its inclusion in the Olympics. A clearly spelt out process of how and what needs to be achieved was presented to karate and then it was all systems go.
Sosai Kunio Tatsuno then appeared on the scene in 1994 as a very charismatic personality that was once a karate-ka and had just taken the sokeship of Seishinkai, a respected organization created by Shogo Kuniba who was a colleague of Mr. Ryoichi Sasagawa (non karate-ka) the founding president of the JKF, who was a prominent political and business figure in Japan, Tatsino was asked my Mr. Jacques Delcourt to assist in the unification of karate with the ITKF and Nishiyama in particular, Tatsuno needed this as he wanted to clean up his past image and saw this as an opportunity to redeem himself in Japan and make a name for himself in the world of Karate. Unfortunately he was naive and inexperienced and required much advised and schooling on matters of world karate politics, he then entrusted the advised of Imtiaz Abdulla and both gentlemen traveled throughout the world lobbying IOC members and karate leaders to give karate a chance of one day getting KARATE TO THE OLYMPICS. Little did they realise that this not what European Karate under the leadership of Delcourt and Espinos wanted, they wanted total power and at all cost without unification. They used this occasion, Tatsuno’s resources and this effort to get the IOC to return the provisional recognition, and when this was achieved the true objectives of what their intention was, was revealed, dirty politics, money and greed was the agenda. In 1998 a grueling election was held in Brazil where the incumbent President Delcourt decided to retire, due to an investigation in France about embezzlement of funds from the French Karate Federation and the contestation for President was between Antonio Espinos, Giuseppe Peliconne, and Imtiaz Abdulla this represented the group that wanted unity (Imtiaz Abdulla) and those that opposed unity (Antonio Espinos), it was a very clear position that the elections in Brazil were rigged from the start, the votes we loaded on the Espinos side, and candidates were paid for voting for Espinos, it was amazing that many countries that were not members we immediately given membership and allowed to vote. The voting audit committee was lead by Jacques Delcourt and his cronies thus ensuring a win by all cost. This resulted in Espinos purging all those that were a treat to him and the road is littered with corpses of this targeted and ruthless agenda of removing all records and all memory of anyone who was part of the unification or had anything to do with it. Thus today we read a history that is distorted and written to propagate a theory that it was Espinos and ONLY Espinos that got karate to the Olympic road. This is far from the truth.
For nearly 20 years, Imtiaz Abdulla and Rajeev Sinha, have been a part of the unification process where they relentlessly worked to unify world karate, but were always betrayed and sinister forces and methods used to derail this noble and important process for ALL karate in the world. As responsible and dignified persons with world repute and experience they decided after giving karate 20 years of getting Karate to the Olympics which failed, to recommit themselves together with Sosai Chodoin the person that sponsored Mr. Kunio Tatsuno, and encouraged him to fight and push for karate’s acceptance into the Olympic movement, their efforts where successful but high-jacketed by the Delcourt and Espinos camp, it becomes our responsibility to bring the truth before the next generation and to create a new clean structure to get karate unified, developed and presented for a pure and professional acceptance into the future Olympic Games with everyone from ALL karate formats competing just like Judo has managed to achieve.
With the historic signing of the WKF-ITKF Joint Statement led by Hidetaka Nishiyama (Chairman, ITKF) and Mr. Jacques Delcourt President of WUKO.WKF) at a duly constituted meeting in Osaka, Japan in 1996 for the unification of karate into one federation administrating all karate, the JWC (Joint Working Committee) was established with Mr. Kunio Tatsuno as its convener and Mr. Mr. Imtiaz Abdulla (WKF Vice President), Mr. Takaichi Mano (WKF General Secretary), Mr. Rajeev Sinha, ITKF Director) and Mr. J. Michael Crowe (ITKF General Secretary) as JWC Members. This JWC was recognised by the IOC and given the task of unification of world karate.
But there is a question as to why did Karate fail to make it to Olympics despite hard work of JWC who worked unanimously under the principles of 101st session document of the IOC?
Because ITKF was not ready for the dirty tricks of the WUKO European members and the Japanese were supporting the European Agenda, tis started a new partnership between Espinos and Sasagawa to protect their personal interest in karate world-wide. they will do anything to destroy United Karate and this is why the United World Karate Federation was created to stop this agenda and to unite all karate irrespective of origin.
Allow me to take this opportunity in wishing all UWKF members a Happy New Year, as a person that has always supported justices and fairness for all human beings and having martial arts (Budo) as my foundation I will fight for karate unity for all karate-ka world-wide for a better World for all through karate-do. As you are all aware our motto is the U.D.P.P.P – Unity of all karate-do in one organization, Development of all human beings, Prepare all karate-ka for competition and life, Participate with fairness and dignity, Professionalism always doing your best even if you lose, but never give up. Peace is something we all cherish as human beings and karate-do is for the weak to protect themselves against the powerful. This is why we as the United World Karate Federation must always look after the weak and always challenge the powerful so that they don’t hijack our sport and art for selfish needs. I have mentioned many times on my TV program, JPR Television that karate world-wide must unify into one big fair non discriminatory all inclusive World Karate Structure. It is unfair what the World Karate Federation has done and it is very sad that we have no leaders in karate in Japan to challenge this unfortunate and very disturbing situation. But this will not be for long as we have to find that leader to get karate unified and presented for all karate and all karate competition formats in one organization. As you may be aware the United World Karate Federation is the predecessor of the United World Karate Association created by me in 1992, to get karate into the future Olympic Games, it was together with Chairman Abdulla and some other members that we got all karate together with the assistance of Kunio Tatsuno, someone I supported a lot, to unify karate according to the dictates of the International Olympic Committee in 1996 just before the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, USA. After much deliberations and sometimes very sensitive negotiation we all managed to get the Osaka Declaration done. We really anticipated many good things to come out of this historic undertaking, but to all our disappointed, and after 20 years karate, still has not united and ONLY 20% of karate is in the WKF and the majority outside. This cannot be right!!
This is why after so many years of allowing the WKF to right the wrong, of the last two decades we are pushing again for karate to be united, it will be first prize if we can unify ALL karate including the WKF into ONE World Karate Structure, I am also disappointed in the leaders of Japanese Karate that have allowed this situation to get to where it is today. As the President of the IMOTO KAI Gi which includes Kanazawa Hirokazi, Higaonna Morio, Taro Arakawa who passed away in June 2015 after a long illness and we send our deepest and profound sympathy from all our members to his family and his many students, we are also sad to mentioned that we lost our eldest brother in karate, Kenei Mabuni Sensei who was at a ripe age of 97 when he passed away, we also send our deepest sympathy to the Shitokai and all his students, he was a loyal member of the Imoto Kai Gi and we will really miss his knowledge and presence. Also in our Imoto Kai Gi for Full Contact is Sugihara Masayasu a very prominent and dedicated karate-ka who is now based in Okinawa and has branches all over Japan and world-wide. All these individuals have dedicated their lives to the development and unity of karate-do throughout the world and have promoted their respective styles with distinction. We appreciate all of their contribution and we salute them for this enormous effort.
Karate is now a universal sport, although refined in Okinawa exported to mainland Japan and then to the world, karate can really say it belongs to the world as a gift from the Okinawan people, a peace-loving people with great passion to preserve their heritage which is now our heritage. Today we have many high ranked karate-ka that have also unselfishly promoted karate and its heritage, history and culture throughout the world. In fact many westerners are now more dedicated than even some Japanese and we appreciate all their efforts in making karate a universal sort and art. Ilja Yorga , Patrick McCarthy, Bob Taiani, Imtiaz Abdulla, our hard working Executive Chairman who I support fully as a brother and partner, Rajeev Sinha, and many others have contributed with excellence and budo spirit in everything they have done over many years. I must especially thank our Executive Chairman for really not giving up and totally focused and dedicated in getting karate unified, this has been a 20 year journey. When many would have decided to give in to the humiliation he suffered in the WKF he did not give up and pushed for the truth, dignity and fairness, through many barriers to get United World Karate Federation to where it is today.
Now we are in 2016 twenty years since we signed the Osaka Declaration and we are now more committed than ever to get karate unified, developed, prepared and let everyone participate in our sport and art. We also will be introducing Professional Karate this year in India and I want to thank Rajeev Sinha for this initiative in making this a reality. We will be having our Presidential Board meeting in Tokyo Japan, where the UWKF Executive Board will meet with the Shihan Dai and the Imoto Kai Gi to discuss and to explore the future of karate world-wide. This is a defining moment for all of us and we will keep you informed of the outcome. One thing is certain we have to take karate back from the “karate mafia” who are bent on destroying the history, culture and efforts of the past to control the future for themselves, we will not allow this to happen. I will not let this happen!!! this is why we are meeting to plan and strategize the way forward for all karate. This Presidential meeting was requested by our Executive Chairman as he felt it important for us all to meet to together get karate back to the karate people.
2016 also sees the introducing of the World Cup in Dubai another first and the team challenge in South Africa, a Japanese team will participate at this event, this will be a yearly event used to test and improve karate technically.
In conclusion, I want to thank you all for really putting UWKF on the map and in such a short time really shaking the world of karate and to give karate a better future through unity, development, preparation and participation in all karate formats, all styles in one organization, for those that have not joined this movement you are welcome to join through your respective national federations, lets forget the past and always remembers the preservation of the old ways with improvement of the future is out motto, it is now up to all of us to get karate to where it needs to be. This year will see the IOC vote in August 2016 for karate’s inclusion into the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games, although we are all excited about this fact, as it was this group that laid the foundation for this to happen in 1996, we must also push for total unity in karate so all karate loving people can be part of this achievement not just the 20% who are members of WKF. Lastly, I want to send a message to Mr. Antonio Espinos and all those in the WKF you cannot say you represent karate if you leave out 80% of karate outside, we ask that you also use this time to unify all karate into one organization, or we will have to change things to make this happen. You have to leave your selfish agenda at the dojo door and put you ego in your pocket and let the 101st Session dictates of the IOC be implemented with all karate enjoying the success of Olympic recognition as we did in 1996 and its inclusion possibly in 2016. This is your duty and the responsibility that was bestowed onto you as President of WKF, it is not yours only but belongs to all karate, it is for all karate people in the World.
We can be partners or opponents it is up to you to decide and we are prepared for both...!
Preamble
1. Definition
2. Aims
3. Structure
4. Membership
5. Participation in Competitions and Medical Codes
6. Official Languages
7. UWKF Governing Bodies
8. Ordinary Congress
9. Extraordinary Congress
10. Provisions common to discussions and decisions at Ordinary and Extraordinary Congresses
11. Executive Committee
12. Bureau
13. President
14. Vice Presidents
15. General Secretary
16. General Treasurer
17. Technical Directors
18. Place of performance of UWKF Tasks
19. Events organized and recognized by the UWKF
20. The spirit of UWKF Karate
21. Accounting period
22. Income and Expenses
23. Audit of Accounts
24. Grades and “Dan” Ranks
25. UWKF Honors and Awards
26. Amendments to the Statutes
27. Specific Regulations
28. Expulsion ‐Resignation ‐Suspension
29. UWKF Arbitral Tribunal
30. Disciplinary Commission of the first instance
31. Disciplinary Appeal Commission
32. Ethics Commission
33. Rights related to the UWKF events
34. Dissolution
PREAMBLE:
The United World Karate Federation of is composed of National, Continent, Regional and Continental
UWKF Karate members.
Each Continental, Continent, Regional and National Federation of member must be recognized as the sole authority to represent its Continent, Region or National in all karate sporting activities bodies by its sports Committee, which itself is duly recognized by the National Government
The major development of UWKF Karate World-wide made it necessary to create National Federations. These Federations are in charge of implementing the policy of the United World Karate Federation in the Continent, Continent, Regional and National sporting structures
UWKF Karate was created in 2004 by unification of all karate styles namely Shotokan, Goju Ryu, Shito Ryu, Wado Ryu and Full Contact with three distinct karate formats namely Traditional Karate, General Karate and Full Contact into International Karate Federation as a united federation representing all karate. UWKF Karate is a highly codified sport in which the mind controls the expression of the body and is a sport which contributes to educating individuals.
Beyond competitions and combat, UWKF Karate involves technical research, practice of katas, kata analysis and application, physical preparation and sharpening of spirit.
As a discipline derived from ancestral traditions of karate-do from Okinawa and Japan, UWKF Karate adopts the principles of Okinawan and Japanese Karate Budo manner, and development as an eminently modern and progressive activity.
The United World Karate Federation of was incorporated in Tokyo Japan on the 10th March 2015, previously known as the United World Karate Association founded in 1992, as a Non-Profit Organization (NPO) for the unity, development and preparation of karate-ka to create a better life for all its members and supporters.
ARTICLE 1 – DEFINITIONS
1.1 STATUTES
The “Statutes” shall mean all provisions contained in this document, which have been duly approved, together with any addendums and/or appendices which may complete, amend or substitute for this document. The Preamble constitutes an integral part hereof. These Statutes replace the previous statutes.
1.2 UWKF
The United World Karate Federation of (hereinafter referred to as the “UWKF”), is a not for profit Association founded for an unlimited period of time. Its seat is in South Africa or as determined by the Congress.
The UWKF is a non-political organization. It shall not discriminate on the grounds of race, religion, gender or political opinion.
In the UWKF Statutes, Regulations and Decisions, the masculine gender is used to designate all private individuals, but shall encompass both males and females, unless there is a specific provision to the contrary.
1.3 CONTINENTAL, CONTINENT, REGIONAL AND NATIONAL FEDERATION OF SOUTH AFRICA
The term “Continental, Continent, Regional and National Federation” shall refer to a Member of the UWKF.
Each National Federation is a member of one of UWKF Karate recognized Continents, Regions.
Each Continental, Continent, Regional and National Federation of becomes a member of the UWKF or loses such membership per decision of the NEC.
The liability of Continental, Continent, Regional and National Federation as members of the UWKF is limited.
All Continental, Continent, Regional and National Federation of undertake to contribute to the assets of the UWKF.
In the event the NPO is wound up, all Continental, Continent, Regional and National Federation of which are members at that time and for one (1) year afterwards, agree to pay the debts and liabilities of the NPO contracted before they cease to be members, as well as the costs, charges and expenses of winding up. For the adjustment of the rights of the contributors among themselves, such amount as may be required must not exceed ten Euros (________ €).
The term “Continental, Region and National Member” shall refer to the Continental, Continent, Regional and National Federation of karate structure accepted by UWKF of a single member per Continent, Region or National Federation which are Members of the UWKF.
Membership shall be granted to and withdrawn from each Continental, Continent, Regional or National Federation per decision of the NEC.
The decisions of the NEC to recognize a structure as a Continental, Continent, Regional or National Federation or to withdraw from a structure its capacity of Continental, Continent, Regional or National Federation must be made based on the capability of this structure to ensure the function of a Continent, Continent, Regional or National Federation in the interest of the sport of UWKF Karate.
The main criteria used to assess the capability of the structure to act in the interest of UWKF Karate shall be the number of unified UWKF National Federations and spread of karate throughout in the Continental, Continent, Regional and National Federation which are members of the structure claiming to have the capacity of Continental, Continent, Regional or National Federation status.
Each Continental, Continent, Regional or National Federation is made up of the relevant countries, except in the case of exceptional derogations authorized by the NEC.
Continental, Continent, Regional or National Federations are in charge of implementing the policies of the UWKF.
The liability of Continent, Regional or National Federations as members is limited.
All Continental, Continent, Regional or National Federations undertake to contribute to the assets of the UWKF.
In the event the NPO is wound up, all Continental, Continent, Regional or National Federations which are members at that time and for one (1) year afterwards, agree to pay the debts and liabilities of the NPO contracted before they cease to be members, as well as the costs, charges and expenses of winding up. For the adjustment of the rights of the contributors among themselves, such amount as may be required must not exceed ______________( $).
1.5 MEMBERS
A “Member” shall mean any independent person, dojo, continent, region or National Federation which country or structure is recognized the United Nations can become of UWKF and which has a flag and National anthem.
1.6 PRESIDENT
The term “President” shall mean the President of the UWKF. The President represents the organization in all matters concerning the UWKF with all parties and stakeholders.
1.7 VICE PRESIDENT
The term “Vice President” shall mean one of the Vice Presidents of the UWKF representation the five (5) Continents and represents the UWKF in all matters concerning the Continent.
1.8 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The term “EXECUTIVE Director” shall mean EXECUTIVE Directors of the UWKF. The EXECUTIVE Director is responsible for all operations of the UWKF and represents the UWKF in all legal, financial, and operational issues concerning the UWKF.
1.9 GENERAL TREASURER
The term “General Treasurer” shall mean the General Treasurer of the UWKF. The General Treasurer is responsible for all issues concerning the financial aspects of the UWKF including, financial management, financial contractual issues and any aspects relating to any financial nature.
1.10 BUREAU
The term “Bureau” shall mean the Bureau of the UWKF. It is comprised of the President, The EXECUTIVE Director and the General Treasurer
1.11 GENERAL SECRETARY
The term “General Secretary” shall mean the 5 (five) General Secretary of the UWKF. The General Secretary shall be responsible for the 5 Continents and shall be responsible for the administration of the Continent and shall assist the EXECUTIVE Director in the execution of all operations in the Continents as required by the UWKF.
1.12 DISCIPLINARY COMMISSION OF THE FIRST INSTANCE
The “Disciplinary Commission of the first instance” shall mean the Disciplinary Commission of the first instance of the UWKF. The Disciplinary Commission of the first instance shall be responsible for all disputes and shall implement the rules and regulations of the UWKF.
1.15 EC
The “EC” shall mean the Executive Committee of the UWKF. It shall be comprised of the President, Vice Presidents, EXECUTIVE Director, General Secretaries of the 5 (five) Continents and the General Treasurer. The EC shall also be include the Shihan Kai representing the 5 (five) Styles. The Chairman’s of the 3 (three) competition formats shall also be part of the EC.
1.16 CONGRESS
The “Congress” shall mean the Congress of the UWKF representing all Continents, Regions and National Federations, held either on an ordinary or an extraordinary basis.
1.17 GENERAL HEADQUARTERS
The “General Headquarters” shall refer to the administrative headquarters of the UWKF, where the administrative tasks of the UWKF are performed, the location of which shall be decided by the President of the EC.
1.18 HEAD OFFICE
The “Head Office” shall refer to the registered head office of the UWKF, the location of which shall be decided by the EC.
ARTICLE 2 ‐ AIMS
The UWKF has the following aims, without this constituting an exhaustive list:
– to promote cordial and friendly relations between its members, to uphold proper operating procedures of the member Federations i.e. Continent, Continent, Regional and National Federations to lead and organize UWKF Karate activities throughout the World.
– to protect the interests of UWKF Karate throughout the World.
– to organize UWKF events, to supervise events organized by its members and to participate in the organization of recognized and endorsed Olympic events.
– to develop the practice of UWKF Karate throughout the World for all categories of the population.
– to establish rules for practicing UWKF Karate and the rules applicable to Continental, Continent, Regional and National competitions organized or recognized by the UWKF.
– to improve the quality of UWKF Karate training, history and cultural development.
– to supervise the awarding of grades, including “dan” ranks, and their compliance with UWKF rules.
– to promote the ideals and objectives behind the Sports Accord or Olympic movement.
ARTICLE 3 – STRUCTURE
3.1 COMPOSITION OF THE UWKF
The UWKF is composed of the Members of Continent, Continent, Regional and National Federation.
3.2 STATUS OF MEMBERS
The Statutes and Regulations of Member of Continent, Continent, Regional and National Federation must be in compliance with the UWKF Statutes and all other Regulations and Decisions of the UWKF, as well as with the principles of the Sports Accords and the Olympic Charter. The election of the members of the National Executive Committee must comply with the same conditions.
The Statutes and Regulations of the Continent, Regional or National Federations must be in compliance with the UWKF Statutes and the By-laws decided by the EC.
The EC must be informed of the dates and places of congresses held by the Continent, Continent, Regional or National Federations one-hundred and eighty (180) days prior to the date such congresses are held.
In the event of an objection to the date and/or places of these congresses expressed by at least 1/3 of the member countries of a Continent, Continent, Regional or National Federation by way of registered letter sent to the General Secretariat of each Continent and the EXECUTIVE Director of the UWKF within 45 days of the date on which the notice to attend a Congress was sent, the Bureau of the UWKF shall be responsible for arbitrating the objection and informing the Continent, Continent, Regional or National Federation concerned of its decision for the purposes of having that decision applied.
In the event that a dispute or dysfunction is brought to the attention of the UWKF President or another subject, which is detracting from the correct functioning of an UWKF member structure, an UWKF representative appointed by the UWKF President can lead investigations which will be exposed to the UWKF EC. The EC will be able to take any measure necessary for an appropriate functioning.
3.3 AUDITING OF THE USE OF FUNDS
Any Continent, Continent, Regional or National Federation which receives UWKF funds may be audited by the UWKF as regards the use of these funds. For this purpose, their accounts shall be sent to the General Treasurer each year and must be available at all times to the auditors appointed by the UWKF.
3.4 REMITTAL OF AWARDS
All Continental, Continent, Regional or National Federations which organize a competition, for which prize money or an award will be given, must file a declaration with the UWKF regarding the origin of the funds allowing such prize money or award to be remitted and must further accept to allow the UWKF to verify the truthfulness of such declaration.
3.5 COMMUNICATION OF INFORMATION
The Continent, Continent, Regional or National Federations shall communicate to the UWKF: the agenda and the minutes of their ordinary and extraordinary congresses.
The Continent, Continent, Regional or National Federations shall submit an annual report on all activities and the development of UWKF Karate on their continents to the UWKF. This report must indicate the number of UWKF Karate-ka and clubs per Federation, the number of black belts.
ARTICLE 4 ‐ MEMBERSHIP
4.1 APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
Only one Federation of per country including all 5 (five styles) and 3 (three) competition formats may become a member of the UWKF.
In accordance with the Sports Accord, IOC rules, Continent, Continent, Regional and National Olympic Committees can recognize as members of their NOC only the Federation recognized by the Continent, Continent, Regional and National Sporting Structures in the Federation for the disciplines for which they are responsible.
4.2 PROCEDURE
Any Continent, Continent, Regional and National Federation which would like to join the UWKF must apply for membership in writing with the UWKF General Secretary of the respective Continents and also the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.
The statutes of the Continent, Continent, Regional and National Federation of must mandatorily be attached to the membership application and must absolutely provide that this Continent, Continent, Regional and National Federation agrees to comply with the Statutes and all regulations and decisions of the UWKF.
An opinion from the Continent, Continent, Regional or National Federation to which this Federation belongs, giving reasons for its opinion, must also be sent in with the membership application.
4.3 DEFENSE OF MEMBER FEDERATIONS OF THE UNITED WORLD KARATE FEDERATION
The UWKF is dedicated to defending Member Federation from all attacks against democratic processes they may suffer in the area of elections held by Member Federation and their participation in competitions.
4.4 ASSOCIATED MEMBERS
At Continent, Continent, Regional or National Federation’s request, territories which do not correspond to the definition of a Continent, Continent, Regional and National member (1.5. A “Member” shall mean an independent person, dojo, region or National recognized by the UWKF and which has a flag and a Continent, Continent, Regional and National anthem) can be appointed associated members of the United World Karate Federation of and, if permitted in the Continent, Continent, Regional or National Federations Statutes, have the full‐fledged status of a Federation member and take part in all the sport events and the democratic life of the Federation
To present this candidacy to the UWKF EC, the Continent, Continent, Regional or National Federation should have the written approval of the other members in the Continent, Continent, Regional or National members on which the territory depends. If the territory is situated on another Continent, Region or National, a possible refusal must compulsorily be accompanied by the motivations which have led to this refusal.
For this candidacy to be accepted, the concerned territory should meet the other conditions apart from Continent, Regional and National sovereignty, as defined for the other members of the UWKF. (Article 1.5).
Associated members will be able to attend, without voting power, the UWKF congresses.
They will be able to participate in the UWKF official competitions only with the approval of the Continent, Continent, Regional and National Federation of and only if the participation quota is not filled by the Continent, Regional and National Federation of South Africa.
The points scored on the ranking list on this occasion will be attributed to the member Federation and to the Continent, Regional and National Sporting Structure they depend on for the Sporting selections.
Each Continent, Regional or National Federation that has co‐opted associated members has to inform the UWKF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR by filling in the UWKF appropriate identification sheet.
5.1 ATHLETES’ RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE
To be eligible to participate in the Multi Sports Games, Olympic Games, National Championships, Zonal Championships, Continent, Regional and National Competitions and Competitions held under the supervision of or recognized by the UWKF, a UWKF Karate-ka must comply with rules of the UWKF and the Sports Accords and the IOC.
5.2 ANTIDOPING
The UWKF shall comply with Olympic Movement Medical Code and the World Antidoping Code (the rules of which are attached hereto as an appendix).
ARTICLE 6 – OFFICIAL LANGUAGES
6.1 OFFICIAL LANGUAGES
The official languages of the UWKF are English. All official documents of the UWKF must be published in this Language. Congresses, meetings and sessions must be held in this Language. All correspondence sent by Member UWKF must be written in English. In the event of a discrepancy in interpretation between the Languages, the original language in which the document was written shall prevail.
6.2 SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION
Simultaneous interpretation must be asked for 6 months before Congresses
ARTICLE 7 – BODIES OF THE UWKF. SIGNING AUTHORITY.
7.1 BODIES OF THE UWKF
Bodies of the UWKF are:
– the Congress, is the supreme body of the Association. The Ordinary Congress is held every four years and is governed by Articles 8 and 10 hereafter. Powers of the Congress are listed at article 8.3. The Extraordinary Congress is governed by Articles 9 and 10 of the Statutes.
– the Executive Committee (“EC”), governed by Article 11 of the Statutes and whose powers are listed at article 11.1.
– the Bureau, governed by Article 12 of the Statutes and whose powers are listed at article 12.1.
– the Statutory Auditor, when required by law.
7.2 SIGNING AUTHORITY
The joint signature of the President, EXECUTIVE Director and the General Treasurer is required for the UWKF to be bound.
The EC may designate other persons, whose joint signature is binding upon the UWKF.
ARTICLE 8 – THE ORDINARY CONGRESS
8.1 MEETINGS
The Congress shall be held every two (2) years in the pre-Olympic and post-Olympic years at a place designated by the EC.
The Congress must be held at the same time as another UWKF event in the same city.
When choosing the place where the Congress will be held, an equitable rotation amongst the different Continent, Regional or National Federations shall be taken into account.
8.2 ADDITIONAL CONGRESS MEETINGS
Additional Congress Meetings may be held, however, if the NEC deems it necessary.
8.3 POWERS
The Congress shall have the power to:
a) define, orient and control the general policies of the UWKF.
b) approve the Minutes of the preceding Congress.
c) approve the reports of the President which shall be valid as the EC Report, as well as the reports of the EXECUTIVE Director and General Secretaries and the General Treasurer.
d) approve, amend or reject the accounts of the previous accounting period and the budget
for the accounting period to come.
e) hear the reports of the Vice Presidents and the Directors.
f) elect every four (4) years the members of the EC for a four (4) year term of office, with the
exception of the UWKF Vice Presidents who shall automatically assume this office in
their capacity of Presidents of their Regional or National Federations.
g) ratify the appointment by the President of one (1) or two (2) additional members to the EC.
h) ratify expulsions decided by the EC of one of the EC members.
i) decide on the expulsion of an EC member if requested by at least one-third (1/3) of the
Regional and National Federation of of three (3) different Regional or National
Federations.
j) approve the Statutes and the Regulations, with the exception of Technical Regulations and anti‐doping Regulations and make all necessary amendments thereto.
k) decide on sporting and technical issues and issues related to refereeing, UWKF Karate training, development and promotion.
l) decide on disputes relating to a Regional and National Federation capacity to be a member of the UWKF or to the power of a representative of a Continent, Regional and National Federation.
m) decide in the last resort on all issues relating to the aims of the UWKF.
n) decide on all proposals submitted by Member Continent, Regional and National Federation Continent, Regional or National Federations and the EC.
o) decide on any other issues set down on the agenda.
8.4 PROPOSALS OF MEMBER FEDERATION OF CONTINENT AND REGIONAL OR
NATIONAL FEDERATIONS
At least one-hundred and eighty (180) clear days prior to the Congress, the General Secretaries in conjunction with the EXECUTIVE Director must invite the Member Federations and the Continent Regional and National Federation to submit points they would like to include on the agenda. These proposals must be sent in at least one-hundred and fifty (150) clear days before the date scheduled for the Congress.
8.5 AGENDA AND CONVENING OF THE CONGRESS
The Congress may consider only those items which are included on the Agenda. The Agenda shall be decided on by the EC between ninety (90) and one-hundred and fifty (150) clear days prior to the Congress. The Agenda must naturally include all issues within the Congress’ powers.
At least ninety (90) clear days before the date scheduled for the Congress, the General Secretaries in conjunction with the EXECUTIVE Director will send to the Member of the Continent, Regional and National Federation, and the EC Members, notice to attend the Congress, signed by the President or by the EXECUTIVE Director, together with the Agenda drawn up by the EC and the reports of the President, the EXECUTIVE Director the Vice Presidents, the 5 (five)General Secretaries, the General Treasurer and the Directors.
Notices of the Congress shall be sent to the members via email, and a return receipt requested. In the event that the acknowledgment of receipt is not received by the UWKF EXECUTIVE Director, a registered letter will be sent after a 10 day period, with a return receipt requested. The date of the email with return receipt request is sent shall be the sole date used as proof that notice was validly given within the required time limit.
8.6 URGENT MATTERS
The EC shall decide on the order in which the items on the Agenda will be discussed.
Matters which the NEC considers urgent and which have arisen too late for inclusion on the agenda may be brought before a Congress.
8.7 REPRESENTATION OF MEMBER CONTINENT, REGIONAL AND NATIONAL FEDERATION
Each Member Continent, Regional and National Federation may be represented at the Congress by two (2) delegates of the same Continent, Regional and Nationality as that Federation who must mandatorily be chosen from among the members of their own Executive Committees, on the condition they were democratically elected by the clubs or its structure in its country.
They must be registered on the attendance sheet. Only one of them shall have the right to vote, as each Member Continent, Regional and National Federation of shall have a single vote.
8.8 CREDENTIALS
Each delegate of a Member Continent, Regional and National Federation must be in possession of credentials in the form of a power of attorney signed by the President of his Continent, Regional and National Federation of unless the delegate is the President himself.
Delegates of Member Continent, Regional and National Federation of must be citizens of the country of the Federation of they represent.
8.9 REPRESENTATION OF CONTINENT, REGIONAL OR NATIONAL FEDERATIONS
Each Regional or National Federation may be represented at the Congress by its President or by a member of its Executive Committee who is appointed by its President.
8.10 INTERPRETING ASSISTANCE
Any member Continent, Regional and National Federation whose language is not one of the official languages being used may also have their own interpreter in attendance.
8.11 OBSERVERS
Observers may be invited to the Congress by the EC in a consultancy role.
8.12 VOTING RIGHT CREDENTIALS COMMISSION
The verification of valid membership of Continent, Regional and National Federation of and of the credentials held by the representatives of Continent, Regional and National Federation with valid membership in the UWKF shall be carried out the day prior to the Congress by the Voting Right Credentials Commission. This Commission shall be composed of three (3) to five (5) members appointed for this purpose by the NEC and assisted by the legal advisor or attorney of the UWKF. In the event of a dispute, the Voting Right Credentials Commission shall hear the claims of the parties, draw up a summary of these claims and submit the dispute to the Congress held the following day so that the Congress may settle such dispute by way of a vote before any other business is dealt with.
8.13 CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE CONGRESS
The Congress shall be chaired by the President of the UWKF or if absent, by a Member of the EC appointed by the President.
8.14 CHAIRMANSHIP PRO-TEM
During the election of the President or a non-confidence vote against the President, the President will surrender his seat to a member of the EC appointed by the EC as a Chairperson Pro-Tem to conduct the said election or non-confidence vote.
In the case of elections for President, the newly elected President will immediately take over the chair after the election.
If a non-confidence vote against the President is ratified, the `Chairperson Pro-Tem` will chair the Congress until it is closed. However, if the non-confidence vote is defeated, the President will resume the chair and will chair the Congress until it is closed.
8.15 QUORUM
The Chairperson of the Congress may only declare the official opening of the Congress when at least one-third (1/3) of the Member Continent, Regional and National Federation are present or represented, and when at least three (3) different Continent, Regional or National Federation representatives are present.
If the quorum to open the Congress is not met, another Congress must be convened and must be held within a maximum period of one-hundred and twenty (120) clear days with no condition related to quorum. The agenda will be identical to that of the first Congress, as well as the conditions for giving notice of the meeting.
8.16 Proxies
Voting by proxy is not allowed.
8.17 VOTING RIGHTS
The Members of the EC do not have voting rights at Congress. Any person who is elected or appointed as a Member of the EC shall automatically surrender their right to vote at Congress forthwith. This person shall be replaced by the second delegate from his Federation of if such other delegate registered and signed the attendance sheet at the beginning of the Congress.
8.18 DECISIONS
The Congress shall decide by a relative majority of the votes cast unless otherwise defined in the Statutes. Abstentions and invalid ballots shall not be counted.
For questions of particular importance or sensitive issues or whenever one-third (1/3) of the Member Continent, Regional and National Federation of present at the Congress so demand, voting shall be conducted by secret ballot.
8.19 Voting procedures
Voting for elections must be conducted by secret ballot unless there is only one (1) candidate for the offices of President, General Secretary and General Treasurer. If there is only one (1) candidate for one (1) of these offices, that person may be acclaimed, unless one third (1/3) of the Member Continent, Regional and National Federation of present at the Congress request that a vote by way of secret ballot take place.
Voting in elections for the offices of President, General Secretary and General Treasurer shall be carried out by successive elimination of candidates receiving the least number of votes until only one (1) candidate remains or until one (1) candidate obtains more than fifty percent (50%) of the votes cast.
8.20 VOTING BOARD AND PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES
The Voting Board and presentation of candidates will be made up of the EXECUTIVE Director together with the 5 (fine) General Secretaries representing the 5 (five) continents. It will be responsible for giving each contesting candidate adequate time to present their credentials and their presentation if required for any election.
8.20.1 SCRUTINEERS AND VOTING STEWARD
The Congress shall organize a voting board by electing Scrutineers and a Voting Steward, chosen from among those delegates of Member Federation of who are not presenting any candidates for office.
They shall be in charge of all matters in connection with voting.
The EC shall suggest the number of scrutineers to be elected
8.20.2 PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES
If an election is being held, each candidate for the office of President will be allowed a maximum of seven (7) minutes in which to give a presentation and present his list of running mates.
Each of the other candidates for General Secretary and General Treasurer will be allowed a maximum of three (3) minutes to give a presentation.
If there is more than one candidate per office, the speaking order shall be determined by way of alphabetical order based on the candidates’ surnames.
8.21 VOTING PROCEDURE
The voting procedure shall be determined by the EC, which shall send information on such procedure together with the agenda for the Congress.
8.22 COUNTING OF VOTES
Once the voting procedure has been completed, the Chairman of the Congress shall announce that the vote is closed and shall ask the Voting Steward to start counting the votes cast.
The Voting Steward, with the assistance of the scrutineers shall proceed with counting the votes.
8.23 CHALLENGE OF ELECTIONS
In the event the validity of an election is challenged, the President shall be immediately notified thereof and shall submit the case to the EC. If the EC takes the challenge into consideration, it must be reported to the Congress where a re-examination, re-election, re-vote or any other action as deemed necessary by the EC shall occur. Only UWKF Member Federatio present at the Congress may challenge the election.
8.24 VOTING ROUNDS
In the event of an equal vote during an election by way of secret ballot, a second and final round of votes shall be conducted.
In the event that the second and final vote also results in a tie, the election result shall be determined by the drawing of lots conducted by the Chairperson.
For all other elections, when an equal number of votes is cast, the status quo shall be maintained.
8.25 KEY POINT INFORMATION
The EXECUTIVE Director in conjunction with the General Secretaries of the 5 (Five) Continents shall provide a statement of the key points regarding decisions passed at the Congress immediately upon the completion of Congress. This statement shall be distributed by the Presidents of the Continent, Regional or National Federations to their Member Continent, Regional and National Federation of upon its approval by the EC.
8.26 MINUTES
Each EC Member shall receive a copy of the draft Minutes of the Congress within ninety (90) days after the Congress is held.
The EC shall approve the draft Minutes at the first EC Meeting held after the said ninety (90) day period.
The approved Minutes shall be given to each Continent, Regional or National Federation President and sent to the Member Continent, Regional and National Federation of by the UWKF Secretariat.
8.27 SURVEILLANCE OF CONDUCT
The Chairperson of the Congress shall have the right to take all measures to stop any disruptive conduct obstructing the efficient administration of the Congress.
ARTICLE 9 – EXTRAORDINARY CONGRESS
In this case, the Extraordinary Congress must be held within ninety (90) clear days of the date on which:
– either the request containing the reasons for the meeting has been sent via registered mail by one third (1/3) of the Member Continent, Regional and National Federation representing at least three (3) different Continent, Regional or National Federations,
– or the EC has decided to convene the Extraordinary Congress.
9.3 AGENDA
The Agenda for the meeting must indicate the reasons for the Extraordinary Congress and shall constitute the sole items on the agenda. Only those items on the agenda shall be discussed.
9.4 DECISIONS
The discussions and decisions passed at an Extraordinary Congress shall have equal validity as those passed at an Ordinary Congress.
The discussions and decisions passed at an Extraordinary Congress must meet the same conditions as Ordinary Congress.
10.1 CHALLENGE
Decisions passed at an Ordinary or Extraordinary Congress may not be annulled if, in spite of the existence of one or several voting irregularities, the vote held on such Decisions would have passed in any event.
10.2 INTERNAL APPEAL PROCEDURE
The Continent, Regional or National Federations as well as all legal entities or private individuals directly or indirectly connected to them shall have no right to take legal action against the UWKF on the basis of discussions or decisions passed by the Congress without having first submitted their complaint to UWKF Executive Committee.
ARTICLE 11 – EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
11.1 POWERS
The EC shall determine the orientation for UWKF activities and shall ensure implementation thereof within the limits of the aims of the UWKF and subject to the powers expressly attributed to the Congress under these Statutes.
– The EC shall handle all issues related to the proper operation of the UWKF and shall settle business it is involved in by way of decisions.
– The EC shall carry out all audits and verifications it deems necessary.
– The EC shall validate urgent decisions under its authority made by the President or the Bureau.
– The EC has the power to decide on all issues that have not been placed under the authority of another UWKF governing body pursuant to these Statutes.
– The EC shall decide on the admission and expulsion of members.
11.3 PRESIDENCY
The EC shall be chaired by the President. In the event the President cannot be present at a Meeting of the EC, the President shall appoint another member of the EC to replace him.
11.4 FILING OF CANDIDACIES
Candidacies in single names of candidates for the offices of President, General Treasurer must be received by the EXECUTIVE Director and the General Secretary of the Continent the candidate is coming from, at least one-hundred and twenty (120) clear days before the date scheduled for the Congress.
The list of EC Members on the candidates’ lists who are running for the office of President must be received by the EXECUTIVE Director and General Secretary of the Continent the candidate is coming from, at least ninety (90) clear days before the date scheduled for the
Congress.
The Executive Director and General Secretary of the Continents shall send the names of the candidates and the lists of the persons nominated as Members of the EC by the candidates for the office of President with the notice and documents for the Congress at least sixty (60) clear days before the date scheduled for the Congress.
Nomination of candidates from the floor will not be accepted at a Congress.
Individual candidacies and the candidates presented on the lists of the candidates for the office of President must be duly signed by the President of the Continent, Regional and National Federation the candidate is a member of. All candidates must also be citizens of the countries of the Federation of presenting their candidacies.
Any EC Members running for re-election do not need the confirmation of their Continent, Regional and National Federation.
11.5 TERM OF OFFICE
The Members elected to the EC shall remain in office until the Ordinary Congress convened in the fourth year of their term.
Elections for President and the President’s list composed of ten (10) to twelve (12) members must take place at the time of the Congress held the year after the Olympic Games or the Multi Sports Games which is agreed by the EC.
Elections for the offices of General Treasurer must take place at time of the Congress held the year before the Olympic Games or the Multi Sports Games which is agreed by the EC.
11.6 PLURALITY OF OFFICES
Vice Presidents – who are the Presidents of the Continents, – shall automatically be Vice President by virtue of their election in their respective Continents.
No Member Continent, Regional and National Federation of shall have more than two (2) members on the UWKF EC.
No Member Continent, Regional and National Federation of may present more than two (2) candidates for the UWKF EC.
11.7 VACANT SEATS
If because of death, resignation, a long-term impediment, impeachment or any other reason, a seat of a Member elected by the Congress to the EC becomes vacant, the EC may appoint an interim Member to serve until the next Congress, when the Congress will elect a candidate to fill the vacant seat for the term of office remaining initially.
11.8 EC MEETINGS
As a general rule, the EC shall meet at least once per year and particularly during the days preceding a Congress. A meeting of the EC may, however, be convened by the President each time the President deems it necessary or at the request of a majority of the members of the EC. If a Vice President cannot attend an EC Meeting, he must either appoint another EC member from his Continent, Regional or National Federation as a substitute or give a proxy to another UWKF EC member.
If any other elected member of the EC (with the exception of the Vice Presidents) cannot attend the EC meeting for a valid reason, this member may give a proxy to another UWKF EC member, but cannot send someone as a substitute unless this person is a member of the EC.
11.9 AGENDA
An agenda must be established for each meeting. The EC members shall submit to the EXECUTIVE Director and the General Secretary of the Continents they come from the items they wish to have included on the agenda thirty (30) clear days prior to the date scheduled for the meeting. The EXECUTIVE Director in conjunction with the General Secretaries shall prepare the agenda, inform the President and then circulate the notice of the meeting, together with the agenda and the necessary working documents fifteen (15) clear days prior to the meeting. If an urgent matter arises, it may be added to the agenda and discussed in the EC Meeting pursuant to a decision of the EC.
11.10 WRITTEN CONSULTATION
When, for any reason whatsoever, an ordinary EC meeting cannot take place, the required decisions may be passed by way of a vote in writing. Decisions passed by way of written consultation shall have the same validity as decisions passed at ordinary EC meetings.
11.11 DECISIONS
Decisions shall be passed by the EC by way of simple majority vote. In the event of a tie, the President or the EC Member the President appointed as a substitute, shall have a casting vote.
The EC Member who substitutes for the President shall have the right to cast his own vote, in addition to the vote of the President.
11.12 QUORUM
In order for decisions to be validly passed, the meeting of the EC must have been properly convened and at least one-half (1/2) of its members must be present or represented and the Meeting must be chaired by the President or by the EC Member chosen by the President as a substitute.
11.13 COMMISSIONS
The EC may be assisted by Standing Commissions or Commissioners to work on the following topics, such as but not limited to:
– Refereeing
– Styles
– Training
– Medical
– Fight against doping
– Sports
– Media
– Ethics
– Discipline
– Development
– Women’s UWKF Karate
– Athletes
– Marketing
– Business management
– Finance
– Ranking systems
– Social issues
– Veterans
– “UWKF Karate for peace”
11.14 ORGANIZATION OF COMMISSION WORK
The composition and the responsibilities of the Standing Commissions, as well as the responsibilities of Commissioners and Directed by an EC member. All the Members of the EC are accountable to the EC and the Congress.
11.16 KEY POINT INFORMATION
The EXECUTIVE Director shall provide a statement of the key points regarding decisions made at EC Meetings before the Members leave the Meeting.
11.17 IMPEACHMENT
If an EC Member commits gross negligence or is repeatedly absent at EC Meetings, the EC may impeach that Member by way of a non-confidence vote passed by the majority of two-thirds (2/3) of its Members. Impeachment will be applicable immediately. The EC shall appoint an interim Member to replace the impeached member by way of a simple majority vote. The EC shall put the ratification of the decision to impeach the EC Member on the agenda for the next Congress.
The EC shall also put the impeachment of an EC Member on the agenda of the next Congress at the request of one-third (1/3) of the Continent, Regional and National Federation from three (3) different Continent, Regional or National Federations.
If the non-confidence vote is passed by the Congress, the said EC member will immediately be impeached from his seat on the EC and the EC shall appoint an interim Member to replace the impeached member.
ARTICLE 12 – BUREAU
12.1 Powers
The Bureau shall administer the UWKF and shall apply or have applied by others the decisions of the EC. The EC shall thus ensure management of the UWKF to this extent and shall report at least once a year to the EC.
12.2 COMPOSITION
The Bureau shall be composed of the President, the EXECUTIVE Director 5 (five) General Secretaries representing their respective Continents, the General Treasurer, the Shihan Kai of the 5 (five) style representative, the Chairman of the 3 (three) karate competition formats and by no more than five (5) additional members who shall be chosen by the President from among the Members of the EC.
The Bureau shall also be composed of at least two (2) Vice Presidents. If a Vice President is a member of the Sport Accord or IOC, he shall automatically be a member of the Bureau.
13.1 POWERS
The President shall direct the UWKF and represent the UWKF towards third parties.
The President must comply with the UWKF Statutes and the Rules and Decisions of UWKF governing bodies.
The President shall chair Congresses, EC Meetings and Bureau Meetings.
Unless decided otherwise by the EC, the EC shall entrust the President each year with the power to make all decisions regarding human resources management. The President’s power, unless withdrawn by the EC, shall be tacitly renewed each year.
The President has the power to decide on all urgent questions under the authority of the EC.
The EC must be notified of any decisions made on this basis at its next Meeting and validate such decisions.
The President shall be free to organize the secretariat of the UWKF General Headquarters as he sees fit.
13.2 VACANT SEAT
In the event the President is prevented from holding office during his term of office due to resignation or for any other reason, the Presidency shall be assumed by an EC Member to be appointed by the EC.
The interim President shall serve until the next Congress when a new President will be elected for the remaining duration of the initial term of office.
If a member of the EC is also a member of the Sport Accord or IOC, that member shall serve as interim President.
ARTICLE 14 – VICE PRESIDENTS
14.1 COMPOSITION
The Vice Presidents shall be the Presidents of the Continents who are elected by the Congresses of their respective Continent.
14.2 POWERS
The Vice Presidents shall represent the Member Federation of their Continent within the UWKF and represent the UWKF in their respective Continent. Federations.
15.1 POWERS
The EXECUTIVE Director and the responsible for the Secretariat of the UWKF he will be assisted by General Secretary of the particular Continent, shall be responsible for the administration of the Secretariat and relations with the Continent, Regional or National Federations.
. The EXECUTIVE Director and the General Secretary of the Continents shall benefit from the services of a personal secretariat in his city of residence.
The EXECUTIVE Director and the General Secretary of the Continents has the right to represent the UWKF towards third parties by way of an express power of attorney given by the President.
15.2 RESPONSIBILITIES
The EXECUTIVE Director and General Secretary of the Continents shall be responsible for the administrative work of the UWKF in accordance with the Statutes and regulations and for application of the Decisions of the EC and of the Congress. The EXECUTIVE Director and General Secretary of the Continents shall keep close contact with UWKF EC members, the Chairpersons of Commissions, General Secretary of National Federations.
The EXECUTIVE Director and General Secretary of the Continents shall be responsible for the information and the correspondence within the UWKF in cooperation with the relevant departments at UWKF Headquarters.
The EXECUTIVE Director and General Secretary of Continents shall be responsible for the organization of Congresses and EC meetings.
The EXECUTIVE Director and General Secretary of the Continents shall establish the agendas for those meetings after consulting the EC.
The Executive Director is responsible for administrative coordination of Headquarters, for sending invitations and regulations for the World Championships and other important events.
In cooperation with the Continents, Regional and National Recognised Championships Organizing Committee (OGOC), he shall inform the Continent, Regional and National Federation of about the regulations and other technical details of the Olympic UWKF Karate Competitions. The EXECUTIVE Director shall draft the minutes of Congress and EC meetings, together with Key Point Information.
15.3 VACANT SEAT
In the event the EXECUTIVE Director is prevented from holding office during his term of office due to resignation or for any other reason, his office shall be assumed by an EC Member to be appointed by the EC until the next Congress when a new Executive Director will be appointed for the remaining duration of the initial term of office.
ARTICLE 16 – GENERAL TREASURER
16.1 POWERS
The General Treasurer shall be responsible for managing the Treasury of the UWKF and shall keep regular accounts, prepare financial statements and draw up the annual finance plan which will be presented for approval at each Congress.
The General Treasurer administers the capital of the UWKF and settles its financial obligations.
The General Treasurer must be consulted on all financial matters.
The General Treasurer shall explore possibilities of increasing the Treasury of the UWKF and shall submit proposals to the EC.
The General Treasurer shall participate in negotiations with UWKF official suppliers and shall coordinate with the President the TV rights to the UWKF Karate Championships, as well as the financial aspects related to any Games. The General Treasurer is also in charge of managing the copyright protecting the UWKF emblem.
16.2 BUDGET
All income and expenses must be included in the annual provisional budget as approved by the EC.
Any expenses not included in the budget or which have not been approved by the EC shall require prior authorization by the President and the General Treasurer before they are incurred
16.3 FINANCIAL POSITION
For each EC meeting, the General Treasurer shall provide an up-to-date report of the UWKF’s financial position
16.4 VACANT SEAT
In the event the General Treasurer is prevented from holding office during his term of office due to resignation or for any other reason, his office shall be assumed by an EC Member to be appointed by the EC until the next Congress when a new General Treasurer will be elected for the remaining duration of the initial term of office
ARTICLE 17 -TECHNICAL DIRECTORS
17.1 APPOINTMENT
The Technical Directors shall be appointed by the EC at the motion of the President from among the Members who were on the President’s list and who were elected by the Congress along with the President. The technical directors will be appointed and divided into areas of responsibilities one to develop the 5 (five) style groups and the other to develop the 3 (three) competition formats, the determination of their roles and responsibility shall be vested with the President.
Technical Directors are accountable to the EC and the Congress.
In the event a Technical Director is prevented from holding office during his term of office due to resignation or for any other reason, his office shall be assumed by an EC Member to be appointed by the EC until the next Congress when a new Member will be elected for the remaining duration of the initial term of office. The duties entrusted to the EC Member replacing him shall be defined by the EC based on the proposal made by the President.
17.2 SPORTS DIRECTORs
The Sports Directors shall guide and manage the sporting activities of the UWKF.
The Sports Directors shall also be responsible for proposing new developments of and changes to the Rules and Regulations of sporting activities, as well as for the improvement of competition systems.
The Sports Director shall be responsible for sporting activity and its development and shall supervise sporting activities.
The Sports Director shall manage the preparations and the course of the competitions with the assistance of other members of the EC and Commission members. The Sports Director shall assume the role of Technical Delegate for the various Continent, Regional and National UWKF Karate events organized by other Associations, Federation and Organizations.
The Sports Director shall act as the chairperson of the Sports Commission. The Members of the Sports Commission shall be nominated by the Continent, Regional or National Federations and validated by the EC.
17.3 REFEREEING DIRECTORS
The Refereeing Directors shall guide and manage the refereeing activities of the UWKF under the 3 (three) kumite (fighting) formats and the 5 (five) Kata (Form) formats in one competition and re responsible for proposing new developments of and changes to the Rules and Regulations regarding the refereeing of UWKF Karate.
The Refereeing Directors shall act as the Vice Chairman’s for their respective area of the Refereeing Commission, the Refereeing Commission chairperson shall be an EC member appointed by the EC.. The Members of the Refereeing Commission shall be nominated by the Continent, Regional or National Federations and validated by the EC.
The Refereeing Directors shall appoint the technical directors within his scope of authority for the World Championships, Multi Sports Games and the Olympic Games.
17.4 EDUCATIONAL DIRECTOR
The Educational Director shall guide and manage the educational activities of the UWKF and shall be responsible for proposing new developments and changes in the field of UWKF Karate education, including culture, history and other important aspects of karate.
The Educational Director shall design the annual Educational Plan, including the Olympic Solidarity schedule and shall compile statistics. The Educational Director shall be in charge of studies to further the development of UWKF Karate.
The Educational Director shall act as chairperson of the Educational Commission. The Members of the Educational Commission shall be nominated by the Continent, Regional or National Federations and validated by the EC.
ARTICLE 18 – PLACE OF PERFORMANCE OF UWKF TASKS
Administrative tasks shall be performed at the place where the administrative premises are located, known as General Headquarters. The President shall make a proposal to the EC regarding the location of General Headquarters.
All original UWKF documents shall be finalized and archived at General Headquarters.
The Bureau and the EC shall meet at the place stated on the notice for the relevant Meeting as chosen by the President.
The operating budget for the various departments at Headquarters shall be set by the EC.
ARTICLE 19 – EVENTS ORGANIZED AND RECOGNIZED BY THE UWKF
19.1 RIGHT TO ORGANIZE
The right to organize the World, Continental or Zonal Championships and events will only be granted to those Member Continent, Regional and National Federation of which are able to guarantee entry into their territory of all participants of Member Continent, Regional and National Federation of wishing to participate and which have proven that they are competent to organize such Championships and events.
Member Continent, Regional and National Federation must agree to comply with the specifications and all rules applicable to the championship they host.
UWKF events are composed of the UWKF Karate events at Multi Sports Events and the Olympic Games, The World Championships and the tournaments and events recorded on the official UWKF Schedule published annually.
19.2 CANDIDACY
All member Continent, Regional and National Federation shall have the right to apply as a candidate to organize an UWKF event, other than the Multi Sports Games and Olympic Games, the Senior World Championship and the Ordinary Congress. Continent, Regional and National Federation which are candidates must apply to the General Secretariat of their region first and then to the EXECUTIVE Director as defined in the relevant Regulations.
The EC shall designate the organizer, except for the Olympic Games, the Senior World Championship and the hosting of the Ordinary Congress.
The Congress shall designate the organizing for the Senior World Championship and the Ordinary Congress.
19.3 CANDIDACY AFTER EXPIRATION OF DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS
If there is no candidate to host a particular UWKF event scheduled to take place prior to the holding of a Congress, the EC shall appoint the Member Continent, Regional and National Federation to organize the event.
19.4 Application Procedure to organize the Senior World Championship or the UWKF Ordinary Congress
Member Continent Regional and National Federation must submit an application to organize the Senior World Championship and/or the UWKF Ordinary Congress one hundred and eighty (180) clear days prior to the relevant Congress to the General Secretary who shall forward the applications to all EC Members. The application must contain a file giving a detailed description to support the candidacy. After examining the quality of the applications, the EC shall submit those application files which comply with the specifications to the Congress.
19.5 Application procedure to organize all UWKF events other than the Olympic Games, the Senior World Championship and the UWKF Ordinary Congress
Member Continent, Regional and National Federation of must submit an application to organize an UWKF event within the time limit set by the EC to organize an UWKF event other than the Senior World Championship, the UWKF Ordinary Congress and the Olympic Games.
The EC shall provide applicant Federation of with an answer within the time limits it has set in the Regulations organizing the application procedure.
For each event, the EC shall inform all Member Federation of via the UWKF Web Site of the specifications for the event, as well as the regulations organizing the application procedure containing the time limit to file applications and to receive an answer from the EC on the application.
ARTICLE 20 – SPIRIT OF UWKF KARATE
Delegations participating in UWKF events or in events recognized by the UWKF, as well as the organizers of such events must respect the spirit of UWKF Karate and behave accordingly.
ARTICLE 21 – ACCOUNTING PERIOD
The financial, tax and accounting period of the UWKF shall start on 1 January and end on 31 December each year.
ARTICLE 22 – INCOME AND EXPENDITURES
22.1 Resources
The resources of the UWKF shall be derived from the annual membership fees paid by the Member Continent, Regional and National Federation, TV broadcasting rights, sponsorship agreements, marketing of activities, visuals, merchandise and UWKF license fees, investments in moveable and immoveable property, as well as donations and all remittances from other sources.
The UWKF may also benefit from contributions in kind, such as equipment and the services of personnel made available by other organizations.
In addition, the UWKF shall collect all royalties for participation in and organization of UWKF events.
22.2 Membership Fees
The Members of the UWKF are liable for the payment of membership fees directly to the UWKF. The amount shall be determined by the break-even point of the Federation and calculated every 4 (four) years.
In the event a member of the UWKF has not paid its membership fees within the required time limit, the UWKF reserves the right to deduct this amount from payments it makes to the Continent, Regional or National Federation of the member which has not paid the fees.
22.3 Non-payment of membership fees, all other fees, royalties or debts
A Member UWKF whose membership fees or any other fees, royalties or debts to the UWKF or Continent, Regional or National Federation to which they belong have not been paid by the 31st of May of each year, will not be authorized to take part in any events held under the auspices of the UWKF.
22.4 Events Profits
The Continent, Regional or National Federations will receive a percentage, prescribed by the Congress, at the motion of the EC, of the net profit (all income minus all expenses of the event) from the Continent, Regional and
National Recognised Championships and the National Championships. If there are fees or royalties outstanding owed by any Member Continent, Regional and National Federation or Continent, Regional or National Federation, such amount will be deducted from the amounts to be paid by the UWKF.
22.5 OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES
The elected representatives of the UWKF shall offer their services without pay. Their travel and living expenses, as well as a per diem for personal expenses, will be borne by the UWKF if the fund are available, during all official meetings and missions, with the exception of meetings or missions for which expenses are borne by another organization.
22.6 RIGHTS TO EVENTS
UWKF events are the exclusive property of the UWKF, which holds all rights related to such events, including without limitation, all rights related to the organization, exploitation, broadcasting and reproduction of such events by any means whatsoever. No office bearer of UWKF can own any rights in his own name, or any Intellectual Property for that matter.
22.7 MEDIA RIGHTS
All television, radio, photographic, film, Internet, telephone and other media rights to UWKF events known of or unknown of today are the exclusive property of the UWKF. These rights may not be sold or negotiated without the written agreement of the EC, which may delegate its powers to negotiate the sale or use of these rights, but which shall retain the sole responsibility for the final decision to sell and for the use of the income from the sale of these rights.
22.8 EMBLEM
All author’s rights (copyright) of the UWKF are owned by the UWKF. Member Continent, Regional and National Federation are authorized to use the emblem only for the purpose of developing UWKF Karate in their own Federation or Federations.
ARTICLE 23- AUDITING OF ACCOUNTS
The General Treasurer shall recommend to Continent Regional and National auditing firm to the EC for approval for the purpose of auditing and verifying the UWKF accounts.
The General Treasurer shall participate in the auditing process of the UWKF accounts organized by the firm appointed. Auditing shall take place for each accounting period just prior to the Congress.
The firm appointed may also be instructed by the EC to audit UWKF members using UWKF funds.
At the request of the EC, a representative from the auditing firm appointed may attend EC and Congress Meetings.
ARTICLE 24 – GRADES AND “DAN” RANKS
The UWKF officially recognizes only those grades and “DAN” ranks which are awarded by the United World Karate Federation through its “DAN application and issuing program” to their own members, to the exclusion of all others.
A Continent, Regional and National Federation may not award a grade and/or a “dan” rank to a member of another Member Continent, Regional and National Federation or of the Continent, Regional and Nationality of this Federation of without the written agreement United World Karate Federation EC. Any grade or “dan” rank awarded without this agreement will not be validated by the UWKF.
Each Member Continent, Regional and National Federation is in charge of representing the UWKF for the purpose of ensuring compliance with Continent, Regional and National regulations on grades and “dan” ranks throughout its Continents, Regional and National territory.
24.2 GRADE DIPLOMAS
UWKF grades and “dan” ranks shall be awarded by the President of the UWKF on the recommendation of the 5(five) style group and the Continent, Regional or National Federation where the student originates from.
24.3 AMOUNT OF FEES
The amount of fees paid for awarding of grade and “dan” diplomas and for ID Cards shall be set by the EC.
24.4 APPLICATION PROCEDURE
The awarding of UWKF grades and “dan” ranks shall be performed according to the procedure validated by the EC.
From the 1st to the 4th “Dan”, ranks shall be awarded under the responsibility of Member Continent, Regional and National Federation.
The 5th Dan, 6th Dan and 7th “Dan” shall be awarded upon the proposal of Member Continent, Regional and National UWKF by the Executive Committees and recommended by “Dan” Rank Director is given.
As of the 8th “Dan”, Ranks shall be awarded by the EC upon the proposal of Member Continent, Regional and National UWKF and after the opinion of the Continent, Regional or National Federations has been given, as well as the opinion of the Grade and “Dan” Rank Commission of the UWKF.
ARTICLE 25 – UWKF HONORS AND AWARDS
25.1 OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE UWKF
The EC may submit a motion to Congress to bestow the title of Honorary President, Honorary Member or Honorary Officer to key persons who have been of outstanding service to the UWKF.
25.1.1 PROCEDURE
Nominations for such positions shall be presented by the NEC, at the request of Continent, Regional or National Federations and Continent, Regional and National Federation.
Proposals for UWKF Honors and Awards shall be submitted in writing to the General Secretary of each Continent and the EXECUTIVE Director, to the attention of the EC. The nomination must include all supporting details of the candidate’s background and services the candidate has rendered to the field of UWKF Karate.
25.1.2 CRITERIA
Honorary President of the UWKF: the candidate must have served as President of the UWKF for a term of office of over eight (8) years.
Honorary Officer of the UWKF: the candidate must have served as a Member of the UWKF NEC for a term of office of over eight (8) years.
Honorary Member of the UWKF: the candidate must have served as a Member of the UWKF EC for a term of office of over four (4) years or as a Member of an UWKF Commission or as the President of a Continent, Regional and National Federation of for a term of office of over eight (8) years.
25.2 HONORARY ATTENDANCE
Honorary Presidents, Honorary Officers and Honorary Members shall have the honor of attending Congresses and other UWKF events in this capacity.
25.3 Key figures outside of the UWKF who have been of outstanding service or have made significant contributions to the UWKF
The NEC may bestow awards to key figures or dignitaries who have been of outstanding service or who have made significant contributions to the UWKF. Nominations for such awards shall be presented by the NEC, the Regional or National Federations and the Continent, Regional and National Federation.
The NEC shall examine the compliance of such nominations based on the rules for such awards.
ARTICLE 26 – AMENDMENTS TO THE STATUTES
26.1 PROCEDURE
Amendments to the Statutes must be presented by the EC to the Congress and must be approved by a minimum of a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the Member Continent, Regional and National Federation present or represented at the Congress from at least three (3) different Continent, Regional or National Federations.
26.2 DATE OF APPLICATION
Amendments to the Statutes become effective upon approval by the Congress, unless the Congress votes otherwise.
ARTICLE 27 – SPECIFIC REGULATIONS
The EC shall establish specific regulations in special fields that are not covered under these Statutes.
ARTICLE 28 – EXPULSION, RESIGNATION, SUSPENSION
28.1 GROUNDS
A Continent, Regional and National Federation may be suspended or expelled from the UWKF on one of the following grounds:
– serious breach or gross negligence, pursuant to a final decision of one of the UWKF Discipline
Commissions,
– as a result of expulsion from its Continent, Regional or National Federation, under the conditions provided for in Article 28.4.
28.2 Suspension or expulsion: submission of the case to the Discipline Commission
28.2.1 If a Continent, Regional and National Federation violates the Statutes of the UWKF or acts against the legitimate interests, the principles or the objectives of the UWKF, the EC may submit the case to the Disciplinary Commission of the first instance and propose to the Commission all measures it deems fit to put an end to the prejudice being caused to the UWKF, including by way of restricting or suspending participation in activities or expelling the relevant Continent, Regional and National Federation.
Suspension applies to all sports, administrative and social activities.
28.2.2 If an individual member of a Member Continent, Regional and National Federation of the UWKF violates the Statutes of the UWKF or acts against the legitimate interests, the principles or the objectives of the UWKF, the NEC may, after hearing the opinion of the Continent, Regional and National Federation, the Continent, Regional or National Federation or the UWKF, submit the case to the Disciplinary Commission of the first instance and propose to the Commission all measures it deems fit to put an end to the prejudice being caused to the UWKF, including by way of suspending or expelling the relevant individual member.
28.2.3 Sanctions may only be laid down after a hearing of a representative of the Continent, Regional and National Federation of or the individual member of the Regional and National Federation whose case has been submitted to the Disciplinary Commission of the first instance and/or Appeal under the conditions provided for in Articles 30 and 31.
28.2.4 The Disciplinary Commission of the first instance and/or Appeal may, however, order suspension as a temporary protective measure prior to the hearing, if the Commission has a strong reason to believe that the Continent, Regional and National Federation of or the individual member of the Continent, Regional and National Federation of concerned will continue or repeatedly engage in misconduct or commit any other offence against the legitimate interests, principles or objectives of the UWKF.
These Disciplinary Commissions may also decide that the sanction to suspend or expel is to be immediately enforceable even if the sanction is not yet final.
28.3 Suspension or expulsion of a Member Continent, Regional and National Federation.
The EC must submit a proposal to Congress to suspend or expel a Continent, Regional and National Federation of on a final basis as decided by one of the Disciplinary Commissions.
Confirmation of suspension or expulsion must be decided by way of a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Congress.
28.4 Expulsion of a Member Federation of by its Continent, Regional or National Federation.
All Regional or National Federations have the right to expel one of their members or individual members.
The Disciplinary Commission of the Continent, Regional or National Federation concerned must comply with the rights of the defense.
The case may be appealed before the UWKF Disciplinary Appeal Commission.
28.5 Relations with dissident organizations or Member Federation of which have been suspended
Member Continent, Regional and National Federation are prohibited from having sporting relations with organizations which are not UWKF Members, unless permission is given by the UWKF EC.
Sporting relations with Member Continent, Regional and National Federation of which have been suspended are likewise prohibited.
Any Member Continent, Regional and National Federation of which violates this provision will immediately be suspended and reported to the Disciplinary Commission, which will take the necessary disciplinary action.
28.6 Relations with countries which are not yet UWKF Members
In the interest of developing UWKF Karate and raising its technical level in all countries, friendly sporting relations with countries which are not yet members of the UWKF are authorized.
However, UWKF Members are under the obligation to act cautiously and must verify that the third parties they have relations with and which are not UWKF Members have not violated the rules or decisions of the UWKF in their country.
ARTICLE 29 ‐ UWKF ARBITRAL TRIBUNAL
29.1 ARBITRATION
The Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne is the only organism empowered by the UWKF to ensure the arbitration between the parties.
29.2 ADHERENCE OF UWKF MEMBERS
Adherence to the Statutes as a Member of the UWKF automatically entails:
– acceptance of the principle to comply with UWKF disciplinary system in the event of a dispute falling under its authority;
– waiver of the right to appeal the Arbitral Tribunal’s awards in the future, other than the right to appeal
ARTICLE 30 – DISCIPLINARY COMMISSION OF THE FIRST INSTANCE
30.1 SCOPE OF AUTHORITY
The Disciplinary Commission of the first instance may lay down the sanctions listed in the UWKF Disciplinary Code against UWKF Members, legal entities or private individuals directly or indirectly connected to them, athletes, referees and officials.
30.2 COMPOSITION
The Disciplinary Commission of the first instance shall be composed of a President, a Vice President and three (3) other Members who shall all be appointed by the EC.
These Members must be legal specialists who are independent from the UWKF and who have not provided consulting services for the UWKF Continent, Regional or National Federation, and who appear on the list proposed by the member Federation of and validated by the UWKF EC.
30.3 OPERATING PROCEDURES
The operating procedures for the Disciplinary Commission of the first instance shall be governed by the UWKF Disciplinary Code.
ARTICLE 31 – DISCIPLINARY APPEAL COMMISSION
31.1 SCOPE OF AUTHORITY
The Disciplinary Appeal Commission has the authority to decide on appeals filed against the decisions made by the Disciplinary Commission of the first instance.
31.2. COMPOSITION
The Disciplinary Appeal Commission shall be composed of a President, a Vice President and three (3) other Members who shall all be appointed by the EC.
These Members must appear on the list of the UWKF experts as defined in the Article 30.2 and must not have sat on the Disciplinary Commission of the First Instance.
31.3 OPERATING PROCEDURES
The operating procedures for the Disciplinary Appeal Commission shall be governed by the UWKF Disciplinary Code.
ARTICLE 32 – ETHICS COMMISSION
32.1 THE ETHICS COMMISSION HAS THE AUTHORITY TO:
a) provide conclusions and recommendations to the EC on topics submitted by the President of the UWKF and to give its opinion at the request of UWKF Members.
b) investigate cases of violations of the IOC Code of Ethics submitted to it and to make recommendations to the Disciplinary Commission of the first instance and the Disciplinary Appeal Commission of the UWKF.
32.2 COMPOSITION
The Ethics Commission shall be composed of seven (7) persons nominated by the Regional or National Federations for the EC’s approval and of two (2) persons nominated by the UWKF EC and shall be selected for their qualities in the field of human relations, ethics and law.
ARTICLE 33- RIGHTS RELATED TO THE UWKF EVENTS (IOC TEXT-ORIGINAL IN ENGLISH)
33.1 The UWKF exclusively owns and controls all commercial rights in and to all the competitions recorded on the official UWKF Schedule (“Commercial Rights”), such Commercial Rights to include, without limitation and in each case on a World-wide basis, all:
(a) audio, visual and audio-visual and data rights (in every medium, whether or not existing as at the date of these statutes);
(b) sponsorship, advertising, merchandising, marketing and other forms of rights of association;
(c) ticketing, hospitality and other concession rights; and
(d) other rights to commercialise the competitions recorded on the official UWKF Schedule (including without limitation any so called “event rights” and any right to authorise the taking of bets on the competitions recorded on the official UWKF Schedule).
33.2 The UWKF shall be entitled to exploit the Commercial Rights in such manner as it considers appropriate, including granting licences in respect of the same or part thereof to its Members or other third party(ies) (each an “Exploiting Body”) from time to time.
33.3 Each body provided for in Article 33.2 shall, and shall ensure that their members, officials, players, delegates and other affiliates shall:
(a) comply with any and all rules, regulations and/or guidelines in relation to the exploitation of the Commercial Rights which may be issued from time to time by or on behalf of the UWKF; and
(b) provide such rights, facilities and services as are required to enable (as relevant) the UWKF and/or the relevant Exploiting Body to fulfill their obligations under any arrangements for the exploitation of any of the Commercial Rights and shall not by any act or omission infringe any exclusive rights granted there-under or otherwise cause any breach thereof to occur. Nevertheless, only the UWKF may assert its rights on application of this rule against a [Member] and no third party shall be entitled to do so.
ARTICLE 34 – DISSOLUTION
The UWKF may not be dissolved except by way of a Congress especially convened for this purpose and at a motion carried by a majority of two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast.
In the event of dissolution, the property and funds of the UWKF shall be divided among its Members, with the exception of the Regional or National Federations which must follow the same procedure.
When one see the comments about the IOC Session decision to include 5 sports into the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games as a sports and karate being one of them one realizes that the karate community in the world are an uninformed ignorant lot with very little analytical capacity. As you are all aware karate started as one united structure both in traditional Okinawan karate and today’s sport oriented karate. History tells us very clearly that karate was a synthesis of many martial influences over the decades with the Chinese influence, the Japanene influence and the various South East influences which evolved karate into what it is today. Actually speaking karate was one activity before the name karate was adopted and before that Tode or Chinese hand and previously called Ti, it was the effects of Itosu Sensei the great Okinawan karate genius and his vision to include karate as a physical education activity in the Okinawan school system, that led karate in the direction it has today. Before this karate was a effective form of civil self defense not just against untrained ruffians but also against fighting armies, when the Tokugawa and the Satsuma samurai invaded Okinawa and banned weaponry the Okinawa people went into secrecy and developed this civil empty hand self defense, although karate existed long before this, as they were a people that loved their freedom. After the introduction of karate, by Itosu Sensei into the Okinawan school system and deliberately after extracting the effective self defense application from karate, this set the foundation for karate as we see it today. What we see today which was exported to JAPAN and the rest of the world was “children karate”. Now this not a bad thing as the approached allowed for the survival of karate until today and made it very popular and contributed to its world-wide spread, without this I am afraid karate may have disappeared or it would have been practiced by very few. Take today the watered down styles that teach predominantly ” children karate” tend to have bigger numbers as members, as this karate is simple and straightforward. But those elaborate schools of deep study tend to have fewer students. This is a fact about other BUDO groups as well, kendo has much more members than kenjutsu and so forth and so forth. So we determine that in the evolution of many Japanese styles and especially those in the universities ” senior children karate” the students wanted to develop a competition atmosphere amongst themselves. If one looks at the various Japanese universities one will notice loyalty till they are in their adulthood. This is a matter of pride and it is in this atmosphere that one starts to understand the Sempai/Kohai system, seniors always push and control the juniors to a point of brutality sometimes, in Okinawan it was more a teachers disciple relationship which is very different to what Japan was used too. Japan is known to be a hierarchical society, and many wanted to shown off their group achievements. Besides there is a very serious rivalry between karate organizations and universities. This was the ideal environment for a further dilution of the old Okinawan karate and the exported ” children karate”.
One has to take into consideration kata was always the emphasis of the karate masters and their strategies and tactics of their styles were embedded in kata. Actually every kata is a fighting system on its own. In the old days students a maximum of two to three kata ONLY. Even Itosu emphasized kata in his ” children karate” practice.The only difference was the dangerous application was removed and his emphasis was only on physical education and development, most of the strategy, tactics and self defense technique which we developed to disable or damage the enemy were “hidden” and known by a few or even lost. So it clear that what was exported to Mainland Japan was “children karate” .
So the exported karate was further watered down when sport was introduced to the “children karate” from Okinawa, also as can we established through analyzing morgen sporting rules, a limited number of techniques we deployed into the sports system. Even the sports system was first developed under the “hitatsu ikken” mentality as an emulations as a sword men, that one strike should kill or injure and opponent, the strike we are suppose execute are to be at nerve center or organs without touching but with the intent to destroy, so we say similar to “shadow boxing with a partner” or shadow fighting. Again certain areas were forbidden and speed, distance and timing was the emphasis of this competition approach, there is evidence that this form of karate tried to emulate Kendo, and many of its rules have been taken from Kendo. Then came the introduction of karate into the west, the westerners were not happy with this “ikken hitatsu” mentality and they tried to bring in a more boxing approach but with a stop start methodology, a multiple point system was introduced in the late seventies and evolved into a multiple point system with more kicking and sweeping technique, which is the karate we see today, in the meantime another approach was developing, one where a group in Japan and America wanting more contact and more endurance. Knockdown sport karatewasdeveloped by including Amuam Thai approach and in America the contact karate with protection was introduced. All these started from Okinawan Karate and after Itosu Sensei created “children karate”. United World Karate Federation includes all these in its competition formats and includes all traditional karate kata Sao we are preserving all karate from Okinawa and Japan in one organization and one competition so we are the truly United Karate World Federation. A anyone can participate and develop themselves in all ways available.
So to the point both traditional Okinawan karate and other modern sport karate are essential for karate to survive, traditional karate from Okinawa would not have survived if “children karate” was not created because this allowed group training and mass participation, traditional karate has small dojos and one on one instruction is emphasized to teach the deeper understanding of self defense where as more recent sport is mass based and very simple and more athletic.
I have seem comments that some people only do ” we only do BUDO karate and are not interested in sports karate” but you are actually training and teaching “itosu’s Children karate” with your large group instruction, monthly fees and systemized kata practice and kumite prearranged teaching and calling yourselves authentic and the original BUDO karate. Who are you fooling there is nothing BUDO in your karate and with these comments you are bullshitting the uneducated and ignorant or maybe you are doing this to yourself and who are you trying to hogwash with you words. Only yourself, because you actually don’t know your karate history.
Sport karate and karate to the Olympics is good for all karate and we must embrace this like the BrucE Lee era was also good for the popularity of karate although Bruce Lee was kung fu practitioner, all in all we are either martial arts and martial sport, or just doing martial sport but think we are doing martial arts.
We can try as much as we want today’s society is nothing like the masters of old and one is not trying their skills on the battlefield daily for survival where they are using their skills in life and death situation, but rather teaching many on what they believe many work if the situation arrived. But on the sporting side we have pseudo situation of winning by selective rules without killing or injuring anyone seriously.
So really who are you fooling, maybe yourself, because you are ignorant and really are simulating what you learnt and believe this is the truth. The truth is in the kata and its analysis and the proof is its effects which unfortunately if used in its proper form and effect will definitely get you in jail. Think about this before you make comments about sport karate and traditional karate both are important for karate’s current and future development.
The situation that contributed to the karate division starts in the university system in Japan, as many have been constantly been brainwashed with that Funakoshi Gichin Sensei is the founder of modern karate, this is not correct. Funakoshi Sensei was given board and lodging at a university in Tokyo and for his he was given a janitors job so he could live. This is one of the reasons why Shotokan (Funoshi’s pen name) not the name of the karate ryuha, the students of Funakoshi who started this movement from the university were nationalist and wanted to have their own style, much diffrent and independent from all other Okinawan or other Japanese organisations at the time. The universities in Tokyo especially those students that founded the Japan Karate Federation (JKA). This group regarded themselves as an elite group was they had direct access to the nobility and high society in the Japanese system and most of these individuals were imperialist or nationalist. It is through this association that they had access to resources and also to decision makers.
The brainchild of the creation of the JKA was through Keio University and Shichi Tokudo, it is this high level contacts that got the JKA’s recognition by the Ministry of Education, which is a very powerful endorsement, which is still enjoys until today. The students of Funakoshi also were at loggerheads as their was a group calling themselves the Shotokai, then there was those that believed that the JKA was changing the original teaching and then the JKA which was changing the karate of Funakoshi to bring a more acceptable Japanese favour to the karate they were presenting to Japn and the world, this is attributed to the fact that the Japanese would not accept that they were adopting a Okinawan art, as Okinawa was regarded as not at their social level, and backward. This is also the reason that Funakoshi had to change the names of of the kata he brought from Okinawa and the kanji from chinese Hand to Empty Hand. Again, Japan was at war with China and anything Chinese was not acceptable to the Japanese. It was this university group that started experimenting with kumite matches, for two reason. One to introduce free fighting as a way to show their prowess and the other Japan was at war and needed to instil the Japanese fighting spirit into the karate practitioners. These were brutal times as many freshmen were treated under very harsh conditions for them to prove themselves.
One of the prominent karate leaders and the architect of the formation of the JKA was Masatoshi Nakayama and a very talented Hideki Nishiyama, many karate-ka or seniors were drated into the army and the training of the karate classes were still ongoing, but very unorganized and everyone tried teaching their own favour of what they thought was what JKA was. It was this that forced the JKA to systemise their teaching and instructors structure. The famous instructors program was developed for this purpose. It was always the interest of this group and their high level backers to expand their karate as the trues Japanese karate, and they needed envoy’s to expand this imperialist and nationalist agenda.
It is with this backdrop that we must understand that the division of karate started at this type, nit because of style difference but because of class differences. It is a known fact on Okinawa that Funakoshi was not a senior students of the system he train in with Ankoh Itosu, and all his other teachers. But he was a fairly educated person and this is what appealed to the Japanese. Most karate instructor in Okinawa were not highly educated and very few spoke proper Japanese at the time. So the class issue was a big issue and the Japanese needed a face for “their”karate and Funakoshi was the ideal candidate.
In the expansion of karate the JKA started teaching at the American Army camps during and after the war, this gave them great networks to expand their karate world-wide. But at this time the diffrence in approach between the JKA group and the Shotokai group and others that trained with Funakoshi was started to become a serious problem. Actually Funakoshi was against the introduction of sport karate as he believe karate was a martial arts and could be a sport.
Nakayama Sensei’s father was very prominent Kendo-ka and Kendo had already started developing a competition system, and a lots of the early karate rules came from Kendo, that is why the linear fighting approach and the long distance fighting emphasis, this was another influence in the current JKA system of maintaining and long distance between the fighting practitioners. The Shobu Ippon system or sundome system was what the JKA was developing from the Kendo influence of one cut one kill. .This transferred to karate as Ikken Hitatsu, one punch kill.
In part one we tried to explain the idealogical battles that were festering between the elite of the Japanese karate and the other members of the JKA. It is important to understand this as many of the expansion program for karate to the world outside Japanese started with this organisation.
In this quest to expand many senior instructors were sent as envoys to different parts of the world.
The Japanese karate group under the JKA also started forging relationship with many undesirable groups, like the Apartheid Government of South Africa, as Japan had a very favourable relationship with the Apartheid regime for economic and other reasons. Karate was an important sport for the Apartheid regime and it supported the JKA group very seriously and many South African JKA members were part of the Apartheid security structure. Many South African Karate-ka were allowed open access to the JKA headquarters and many South African karate-ka became prominent in the JKA because of this. In the meantime many indigenous South Africans that were not considered “White” we excluded from participation in this sport. A law was passed to exclude blacks from dojos and the government even went so far as stating ” That Karate was detrimental to be taught to Black people”, this was a statement made in 1968 by a serving Minister in the Apartheid Government. Dojos in South Africa were classified as White or Black dojos and the karate taught was different, advanced for whites and a form of rudimentary karate for Blacks,karate-ka could not mix, otherwise if they did they were prosecuted. Team that represented South Africa were reserved for White karate-ka ONLY, any black karate-ka was excluded an not allowed to earn National South African honours or colours, a case in point is Gen Popham, a person classified in the Apartheid South Africa as a coloured person, a person of mixed race, he was selected as he won the South African Nationals and beat all his opponents and was denied the selection or honours as he was considered black.
Many prominent Japanese instructors on they way to expanding karate to other parts of the world first stopped in South Africa before going on to other prominent locations. Many organisations also expanded from South Africa to other parts of the world. An example is the first group of instructor including prominent karate-ka such as Kanazawa, Shirai, Kaze, Enoeda travelled to Apartheid South Africa first before dispersing into Europe where they went on to become legends in their own right, they only taught white karate-ka and were denied teaching black karate-ka and all blacks were excluded by law from teaching the black majority. This is one of the reason that the white karate-ka where given technical preference and political preference in the JKA and other organisation. Secondly, example is the spread of Shukokai under Shigero Kumira, his first stop after Japan was South Africa and then to the United Kingdom and America. Today the prominent leaders in Shukokai are South African. Another example is the IOGKF of Morio Higashionna, first expaned into South Africa and then to Europe. Again only teaching white karate-ka. In the World Union of Karate Organization (WUKO) now World Karate Federation (WKF) the same practices prevailed and white Apartheid South Africa was given preference over the black majority. In 1982 in the WUKO World Championship in Taiwan the a South African white team entered to participate at this championship. WUKO wanted to allow this team to participate but after much pressure from the African members, the Anti Apartheid Movement and the United Nations. A vote was held and the vote was won by 4 votes against allowing a white Apartheid team to participate. All the socialist and communist country stood by Black South Africa against the Apartheid Government.
In 1976 in Long Beach a South African all white team was allowed to participate by WUKO and at the same time a IAKF tournament was held in the USA and the IAKF refused South Africa to participate. It was WUKO that turned this around and blamed the IAKF as allowing a team to participate when they were the perpetrators, it was at this Taiwan Congress that the Unification of karate was starting to take its position. A Confederation was created to try to get karate accepted by 1992 into the Olympic Movement and into the future Olympic Games. Unification was paramount and the WUKO and IAKF attempted to get this started. But WUKO was not interested in unification but rather usurping IAKF into the WUKO. I was very instrumental in lobbying Apartheid Karate’s exclusion as the United Nations had passed a resolution at its Gleneagles meeting that sanctions should be imposed on Apartheid South Africa in all areas including Sport. A black-list was created and those that had ties with South Africa were sanctioned. This did not stop the Japan and some elements within WUKO, they continued to have relationship with Apartheid South Africa. The team that was rejected by the WUKO in Taiwan in 1982, was invited by the JKA to come to Japan and participate in a created international friendly between South Africa and Japan. Taiwan also had very close and important ties with Apartheid South Africa and they allowed a rebel team to take part outside the world championship in another created international tournament between South Africa and Taiwan.
So one can conclude that this practice of underhandedness and impunity started in the 1970’s and the networks and relationship continues until today. This is part of the reason the World Karate Federation is viewed in such a bad light by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), its constitution is very close to a Nazi or fascist ideology.
White supremacist and non democratic practices and ideologies are encouraged to the detriment of democracy and karate unity and development have been a modus operandi since the formation of the World Union of Karate Organization and the other international organisations that started at this time. .
In part three we will outline the break in relationship between the IAKF and France and the Japanese backing of the European Agenda.
After the politics of the styles and the political establishment in Japan, two streams of power structures started emerging one group led by Ryoichi Sasakawa and the Other with the powerful JKA, other styes started rally behind the Sasakawa group and at this time the Federation of All Japan Karate Organization (FAJKO), was being encouraged for the unity and expansion of all karate, out of Japan to the rest of the world. It was very interesting that although the Okinawan Karate fraternity was allowed to demonstrate at WUKO and FAJKO tournaments to show the origin of karate, they were not given their place at the table so to speak or to make decisions affecting the way karate was being developed technically in the sporting arena. This is possibly one of the reasons why a majority of Okinawan Karate actors refused to join the FAJKO group. The FAJKO decided to divide the organizations into styles but ONLY into four groups recognised by the Japanese FAJKO faction, namely Shotokan (which included the JKA), Shito Ryu, Goju Ryu and Wado Ryu. Each representing a personality and a power base. Concentration of power was mainly in Tokyo and Osaka, with the Shotokan and Wado groups very prevalent in Tokyo and the Shito and Goju groups in Osaka. The Shotokan personality at this time was Masatoshi a powerful individuals with networks in the higher echelon of Japanese society and especially the political elite, Wado was represented by its founder Hidenori Otsuka, also a jui jutsu practitioner who has been in Japanese Budo before taking up karate under Funakoshi,, Goju by Gogen “the Cat” Yamaguchi and Shito by the Mabuni’s elder son Kenei Mabuni and Manzo Iwata , later the Seishnkai under the Kuniba family, originally Kokuba (Okinawan) and the organization was taken by Kunio Tatsuno after the death of Shugo Kuniba, Tatsuno and myself and some other colleagues where instrumental in gettng karate accepted back into the International Olympic Committe (IOC) in 1996, and its recognistion and final acceptance int the 2020 Olympic Games. Kuniba Shugo also has to wait to be Soke after his father passed away at a very early age, the organization was headed by Teruo Hayashi for a short time, Teruo Hayashi started karate at a very advanced age and was very open minded and travelled and polished his karate through intercation with other Okinawan Master through the introduction of the Kuniba family and through their family starting in Okinawan karate, he used this to accumulate a great deal of knowledge and trained with notably Okinawan Master, Nagamine, Nakaima and others, he also pusued his study of Okinawan Kobudo, he went on to create a very successful organization called Hayashi Ha Shito Ryu which was and still is very successful in WUKO and WKF.
It was this partnership between Ryoichi Sasakawa and the a European lawyer who was making his own inroads of power in karate by accumulating the European countries into a powerful European group called the European Karate Union which is purported to be created in 1965, first dominated by judo practitioners as Paris was the hub for the expansion of karate and judo. It is stated that Italy, Great Britain, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Spain made up base under Jacques Delcourt that started the power play in karate as the agreement was that Sasakawa the shipping tycoon and the lawyer from Paris Delcourt decided to partner with each other to dominate World Karate. Sasakawa was to be the power and money man and Delcourt the administrator with his legal background and his understanding of sports politics and personalities in the western world. This was the perfect combination Although both gentlemen were not really Budo people and were rather politicians and powerful individuals in their own right. This started the karate fight for domination away from karate people to politicians. The first championship for karate was held in Paris in 1966 with the newly formed Nakayama from the JKA came from a family of traditional Budo people, his father was avery proficient Kendo person, nd he started to experiment in formulating a set-up of rules for karate competition as the university group was being criticised for too much contact to the face and also some deaths. He used the Kendo rules as a basis and this is why the first set-up of rules were based on the “Sundome”” principle of one stroke one full point. The first competition used the JKA developed rules and so did the FAJKO group, later this changed and this is also one of the reason for disunity in karate today..
Jacques Delcourt was avery charismatic individuals that practice a little bit of karate under Henry Plee and as stated by some under Oshima, who today runs the very traditional Shotokan America organization. He was the first to be sent to America to expand Shotokan karate but was more alined to the Shotokai group (outside the university) that a person responsible for the expansion of JKA and then International Amateur Karate Federation, Hideki Nishiyama. It has been related by a few commentators that Nishiyama went to United States under the invitation of Oshima, and Oshima decided to return to Japan for a short period and left the Shotokan organization under the care of Nishiyama, Upon his return he realised that Nishiyama has already taken the organization under his control and his caused a major rift between the two individuals. This is part of the problem for todays disunity in world karate. Nishiyama created the International Amateur Karate Federation in 1978 although he created the American Amateur Karate Federation in earlier. This is the another factor in karate disunity.
We shall continue this in the next blogs about the break up of FAJKO and JKA and Nishiyama and the World Union of Karate Federation.
Good governance and change should be what world karate needs after the 2020 Olympic Games. It is apparently clear now that it was Japan, Japan Karate Federation and the Sasakawa influence that got karate its first and possibly last appearance in the Oympic Games. But the narrative all along was that the Spaniard Antonio Espinos did this on his own.This far from the truth. The Espinos Samaranch factor was always the motivation used for karate to being the Olympics.
So let’s take a journey down memory lane and understand the situation and ask ourselves how do we assist karate to get back in the games after 2020. We shall do this is four parts.
History is a funny animal it is harsh on those that try to change its cause.
The World Karate Federation as we know it today was the World Union of Karate Organization (WUKO) until 1995, this name was proposed by International Olympic Committee (IOC), at its Congress held in Monte Carlo called the 101st Session.
It was at this session that the Congress have asked Judge Keba Mbaye, a Senegalese jurist and IOC members to attempt to get unity in world karate by unifying the World Union of Karate Organization with the International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF) into a unified organization called the World Karate Federation.
But the spirit of unification as required by the IOC was undermined by both groups. Firstly, the WUKO which I was a part of, serving as Vice President with the current President from 1993 to 1998, interpreted the unification as the ITKF disbanding and merging into the WUKO to form the WKF, so this would be giving up everything and simply being usurped into WUKO with a name change.
The ITKF understood unification as being a merging of equals. The WUKO did not accept this interpretation as they believed that they had more national federations who were members of National Olympic Committees and they should be the senior player. This was the first break down in the unity process.
The IOC did not assist very much in this regard to clarify the proper intrepretation and allowed the difference in interpretation to continue. Second issue of discontent was the difinition as crafted in the 101 Unification Statues where the designation of karate was divided into three designated groups. Will make up the new World Karate Federation. The definition was General Karate ~ karate competition formats as promoted by WUKO, Traditional Karate ~ karate competition formats as promoted by ITKF, those federation that did both types of karate and were already working together in their National Federation. Now at this time around 1988 WUKO did have more national federations, and this was understandable as they were the organization that was provionsionally recognised by the IOC.
WUKO received such recognition around 1978 and at that point had about 40 federations, surprising ITKF had a similar number of federations, but after the IOC recognition many countries decided to leave the ITKF and join with WUKOto get better government support financially and politically.
In 1995, a flamboyant Japanese karate lover Kunio Tatsuno head of a karate organization called the Seishinkai in Osaka, Japan, this organization had a sterling pedigree which was developed by the Kokuba family, a family that was regarded as karate royalty, in Japan they were known as the Kuniba family. Tatsuno assumed the Soke position after the passing of it’s previous head, Shugo Kuniba, who was residing in the USA, married an Ameican women and was expanding the organization internationally.
Tatsuno was a charismatic individual and usualfor a Japan and was looking for something to give him world prominence, he had a checked past and was associated with the under world in Japan. This new character was always going to clash with the established cabal in the World Karate Federation, especially the Sasakawa famiy and the European karate mafia under Decourt. Tatsuno portrayed himself as the new Saskawa. These two previous WUKO groups , Sasakawa and the European karate mafia were partners and they did not want a ” new child on the block” to come in and distrub their party which they were firmly in control of.
Delourt was also having problem of his own in the powerful French Karate Federation and the new emerging young turks led by Antotio Espinos and Francis Didier. Espinos started his ascension to power during the 1988 Mexico World Championships, taking advantage of the majority of Spanish speaking countries who attended this championships to start his agenda to take over. Many were not happy with Decourts handling of the Olympic issue, besides he and Samarach were not fans of each other. He was seeking power and was craftng a plot to get a mandate to take over the WKF.
The next championships was to be held in Granada, Spain, and Espinos being ambitions and crafty thought that he would be able to do a palace coup in his own country, but this did not happen.
Sasakawa resigned as President at this Coigress, at this time and Delourt was still in control and assumed the position as President, he was Executive Chairman before this. France was still a force in karate politically and technically, in 1992, but Spain was creeping slowly as a powerhouse, especially in the Spanish countries, Delcourt also relingusihed his position as President of the powerful European Karate Federation and this was the chance Espinos was waiting for and this chance presented him with a great opportunity to roll out his coup. He craftily used many people to ascend to the top in Europe, such as Mike Dinsdale, Gunnar Nordhl, George Yerolimpos, George Popper, and many more. His next aim was the WUKO as it was called then. The next chapter will deal with his sinister plot. Until next time keep training, uniting and developing karate in your own way.
All Karate loving people most probaly have now received the news that before even appearing in its first Olympic participation, Karate has been enclosed from the 2024 Paris Olympics. This has never happened before, most sports are given at least two appearances before they are excluded. The other 4 sports which we included with karate in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Game are still retained, so what is the problem?
In my humble opinion karate is rather disunited and the arrogance of the World Karate Federation and especially the underhanded and dictatorial manner of its President has always been a stumbling block for karate to be a major force with the Olympic movement, the second issue is the competition of karate is looking more and more like Tekwondo and to sort looking very similar to the untrained causes a dilemma for the IOC, thirs is the fact that the only reason karate was included in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is that Japan paid for its inclusion, because of a powerful individual in Mr. Sasagawa and because it has a culture heritage with Japan. Although the majority of the Okinawa Karate fraternity are not part of the Japan Karate Federation (JKF), the affiliate of the World Karate Federation (WKF). Okinawa is considered the birthplace of karate and many of its senior leaders are not entirely happy the way karate is developing or portrayed today.
I together with many others were very instrumental in getting karate accepted back into the Olympic Movement in 1996, after a feud between the then World Union of Karate Organization (WUKO) and International Traditional Karate Federation, forced the International Olympic Committee to terminate the membership of the WUKO, because of a very serious issue of unity in karate. After much discussion and consultation the IOC developed a constitution which asked both bodies to created a new organization the World Karate Federation. Due to machination and very underhanded practices the WUKO unilaterally changed its name and usurped the unity process and blamed the whole process on the ITKF, there is some truth to this as the relationship between both organization was not a the best. It took a great deal of unbiased and fair treatment from impartial individuals to get the both parties to agree on a roadmap called the joint Working Commission, appointed by both bodies and endorsed by the IOC. It was this historic unity agreement signed in Osaka between the two feuding bodies that pushed the IOC to give provisional recognition to World Karate Federation (which was to include both bodies). This happened during the Atlanta Olympic Games. It must be stated that at this time Mr. Espinos the ow President of WKF was not involved in this process or normalization of karate’s membership back to the IOC.
But once this was achieved we saw a different group led by Espinos,bent on taking power away from the Jacques Delcourt faction, and implementing a purge strategy of getting rid of all individual that successfully got karate back its recognition or anyone that had a intellectual memory of the previous WUKO. A very concerned effort by a group led by Espinos started pushing for the removal of Delcourt and his faction. At the Congress of Granda in 1992, the die was set for this strategy to take effect as the host of this this competition was Spain and Espinos as its President. The actual start6egy came to the fore when the 1994 Kota Kinabalu Congress was held, Delcourt did not appear and he gave a explaining that he was ill and that an unknown Espinos, should chair the meeting. Ignoring all other senior members of WUKO, Fritz Wendland, George Popper, Adnan
- Cateriski. George Anderson, Nader Sherif, and other senior individuals who had many more years of experience were sidelined and the Espinos group started the implementation of their startegy to take over the WUKO. It was at this Congress that I was elected the Vice President and so was Espinos we were the same level of seniority. But, I refused to be controlled by the Espinos faction and this started the conflict. In Espinos modus modes operandi you must be totally subservient to the Espinos (the Boos or sometimes things he is the Pope) and you must act as a cardinal without question anything that does not suit his opinion or direction. If one scans back to history one will see how systematically he has eliminated everyone of those that challenged or differed with him. The last episode was when his closest ally and one who did most of his dirty bidding, Geroge Yerolimpos was kick out of the WKF for differing with Espinos approach to the Olympic staregy and the spending of valuable resources with hand picked Spanish companies, who many say are extraction machines for Espinos. Espinos was civil engineer and worked as a General manager in a Spanish Construction company with no prospect of promotion. Today he is Executive President that works full-time for the WKF, where does he get the money to survive? There are many rumors about how he has very craftily installed his own group through the world that does his business bidding in many avenues of the WKF procurement and qualification. The carrot and stick method is used and Espinos is always the benefactor of this spoils.
This practice has been known by the IOC and they don’t like scandals and especially regarding a sport that is the Olympic program, this is their most valuable asset and they will allow it to be tarnished by a insignificant and non money producing sport like karate. So today after much hard work karate is back to where it was before, it is going to be difficult to get back in the Olympic program, and in my humble opinion the ONLY way to get this back on track is to unify all karate irrespective from why and what approach and fair development of all countries, without the corruption of the last Olympic exercise, were is cost between $35 000 to $40 000 per year to be even considered for selection, also it is imperative that you are ranked and from a Espinos friendly country.
It is a sad day for karate but maybe it is for the better of the sport and art that it was excluded because it was allowed to continue the arrogance and underhandedness would have continued.
Budoshin Karate-Do International. (BKDI) is a nodal agency of martial arts unincorporated to the United Nation Institute for Training And Research. (unitar). Established under the reform of the International Olympic Council. (IOC) revised since 1991. Prof.Dr.Hanshi.Dibyendu Nag. the President of the Budoshin Karate-Do International. (BKDI) who have started his carrier in martial arts back to the vintage of Kenpo Karate 1975_1976. O_Sensei Doka Miro was an abortogenics master having a lineage with O-Sensei Ed Parker & Elvis Presley. Prof.Dr.Hanshi.Dibyendu Nag also goes through BUDOKAI Karate with O-Sensei RVT Mani & a direct disciple of BUDOKAN Karate with O-Sensei C.S.Chew he is having a vast knowledge in all Budokai, Budokan & Budoryu (BUDO) (SHIN) have being created by Prof.Nag 'BUDO' means Martial Ways and 'SHIN' meaning Truth. BUDOSHIN KARATE-DO INTERNATIONAL is the main source to include "KARATE" in Olympics. Dr.Nag have also gone through rigorous with Budoshin Jujitsu and achieved his Shachidan. He is the Founder of the Budoshin Karatedo International...more
It is believed that about 5000 years ago a prince of Kanchipuram (Tamilnadu - India) developed the first crude version of weaponless self defence, by watching the movements of animals and birds while they fought. He applied these movements to the human body and discovered that these movements could be effectively exploited. The Prince, then experimented on 1000 slaves, to discover the weaker parts of the human body, where even a puncture with a needle could kill the victim. The prince then used the techniques that he had found successful and directed them at the weaker parts of the human body and perfected the first known art of weaponless, self defence.
Bolidharma, (known as Daruma Taishi to the Japanese) a Buddhist monk, learnt the technique of Weaponless self defence while in India, and imparted training to his monks in China. In Tamil - Karam means hand & in Japanese Karate means Empty (Kara) and Hand (te). It is a system of attack and defence that uses all parts of the body (hands, feet, elbows, fingers, etc.,) to kick, punch, chop, butt, or any other move that is effective in defending ones self. Many of these movements may seem odd to the average person, but one must bear in mind that these have been analysed and geometrically calculated so that whatever the action, a block or a punch, it is the maximum the human body can achieve. One learns that it is not the size and strength alone that wins rather it is the speed and power that are the deciding factors in making one victorious .
True KARATE is a Physical Art, a Technique of Weaponless Self- Defence and a Sport. One of its greatest attributes is that anyone, irrespective of size, age or sex can practice this Art. The degree of skill, of course, varies from person to person. However, one can practice KARATE according to his own physical capabilities. KARATE is related with AHIMSA and therefore is employed to deter an agressor from resorting to violence, rather than maim or to kill. Nowadays, if any one speaks about SELF DEFENCE, it means only Karate. Eve-teasing, chain snatching and other assaults on women are reported almost everyday. KARATE is the only fitting answer to these social evils and crimes. KARATE can be learnt by School-going children / college students or by any other citizen, irrespective of their sex.
Those who want to protect themselves from the evil can learn this art of weaponless self-defence. It can be learnt from the age of 4 till 60 years. Strength and stamina are two main requisites for learning Karate. However, KARATE training has been linked with the performance of feats of strength, viz., pulling cars by the hair, breaking granite placed on the chest or abdomen, riding a motorcycle while lying on a bed of nails, etc. These acts of strength can be performed by anybody who is strong enough and has absolutely no relation with the martial art of Karate.
KARATE - SPORT
At the end of the Meiji period (1888 - 1912), Karate was introduced into the Okinawa Prefectural Normal School and the Prefectural Number One Middle School as part of physical education in the schools. In 1952, young practitioners of Karate devised a set of rules and regulations to govern the sport of ‘free Combat’, Karate, as a means to prevent injuries and in fact, to create a sport. They formulated sunyame, a method of controlled thrusting, one sun, or one inch, short of the opponent. Thus SPORTS KARATE took form and considered a sport in Japan. SPORTS KARATE differs from self-defence Karate, in the former, lethal movements are prohibited and punches to the face should be regulated so that the blow falls short of actual contact. Contacts to the face are permitted once or twice but repetation of such contacts by a contestant on his opponent on his will render him liable for disqualification from a match. In its evolution, Karatedo has been accepted around the world. Japan is where this martial art flourished, and it was first incorporated on the sports field when Shihan Funakoshi Gichin, Otsuka Hironori, and Funakoshi Yoshihide introduced basic sparring techniques in the Karatedo practice in 1924 and 1927.
In 1957 Japanese universities started Karatedo tournaments, it is very important to notice that Karatedo training has always been systematic and the two most important parts of training are Kata (Form) and Kumite (Sparring). Both use offensive and defensive techniques in their performance, they also provide good focus and control (Kime) in the practice of these techniques. Kata is the key for improving all block and strike techniques while Kumite is a practical test in the use of these techniques. The free sparring applied in tournaments is not same as street sparring. In street sparring (Fighting) you are able to use any defensive or offensive techniques for your self-defence but in free sparring as a sport you must follow specific rules and regulations to avoid hurting your partner. Consequently rules for these kind of competitions were created so that one could practise without causing injury to their opponent. The idea of Karatedo tournaments turned this martial art into a sport as well.
The basic principle of KARATE is not to destroy an aggressor but to discourge him from resorting to further violence. Hence a good KARATE-KA should be able to control his blows at all times to avoid injury to his opponent. SPORTS KARATE is a fast event. The player has to rely on his speed, power, excellent technique, stamina, good form and clean distinctive blows to win a match. A Match has to be won within 3 mintues and therefore it leaves little time for common and simple moves which are empolyed by contestants at tournaments as such moves are swifter and easier to execute. Judge of very high KARATE calibre are entrusted with the responsibility of controlling SPORTS KARATE bouts as it is a fast sport and can be damaging, if uncontrolled. It is difficult to score in SPORTS KARATE. All techniques should be excellently executed and the contestant should be able to attack without placing himself in danger by his opponent. Only then a Point will be awarded.
KOKINO the highest medal taker institute in India : World Tournaments - 6 (2 Gold, 1 Silver & 3 Bronze), International Tournaments - 44 medals (22 Gold, 8 Silver and 10 Bronze), produced 3 Grand Champions; National tournaments - 205 medals; State, District and Club & School wise tournaments - Countless medals .
KARATE - A MUST FOR WOMEN
The world is fast evolving into a stage where violence has become rampant. Not a day passes by without the mention of some sort of violence. Women, the weaker sex, are more vulnerable to violent attempts on their person either for material gain or for any other cheap reasons. In many such cases, the woman falls prey to an attacker owing to her inability to defend herself in the right way. School Girls, College Students, Working Women, House-wives are exposed to danger from unruly elements. It is needless to say that in many cases, provocative dresses and jewellery attract the attention of brigands who attempts to make a cache.
It is time now, with deliberation on womans liberation etc. that women also try to defend themselves against external dangers. Karate is the best means of such self defence as it is an art in which the hands and legs are used as silent, effective weapons, which can be used with lightning speed. An unaware aggressor would find himself in all sorts of trouble with women who is Karate trained. Women have established themselves creditably in the field of sport.
There is nothing to prevent them from participating in Karate Tournaments, now that the martial art is emerging as a sport all over the world. Karate helps women in maintaining a good physique and does not impair them in any way. Equally well, Physiologically, no complications arise. Learning of martial arts infuses more confidence in a woman as it exercises the mind and body simultaneously. As a citizen with equality a woman shouldn’t be denied of her fundamental rights as for as safety is concerned. Karate offers the best solution, not only in defending one’s self, but also does the magic in obtaining jobs in the police, defence, public and private sector undertakings
There is a wrong conception and a myth among the larger section of people that Practising Karate among girls could infuse manly characters. This could be no way proved. This sport is as equal as any other sport where a lot of physical exertion is needed. Any sport would not affect the harmones, rather that would help you overcome your low confidence and develop your over-all personality.
KARATE - BLACK BELT
How Black Belt Came? In ancient days, only white thick cloth was used to tighten the dress with the body while practising Karate. As days passed by the white belt became faded and turned into light yellow, brown or black. When Karate was started teaching in Schools and Colleges in Japan a syllabus was preferred. At that time to denote various stages of training of Karate, various colour belts were introduced, such as White, Orange, Green, Brown and then Black.
Olden Days Black Belt - In olden times when Karate was taught in the crude form, students perforce had to convince their teachers of their genuineness and devotion to Karate-do. Emphasis was laid on maintaining discipline and loyalty towards their master, whether during the training or after. To them it was not the time of training nor the period of training that mattered. It was the physical endurance and exercises infused with the philosophical perception of Karate-do that mattered, and which they used as a way of life. To them black belt was of no significance.
To-day Black Belt - Karate-do training now-a-days has become means of acquiring physical competence and material gains. Students are anxious to become experts in a short time while instructors are keen on monitory benefits. These two desires of teachers and students are complementary and give a way to a black belter to think that he has become an expert in Karate-do. The black belt he has received is by paying exhorbitant amounts to the instructor as fees for grading. The instructor, in this case is only interested in the money he receives for grading a black belter, and is in no way concerned about the quality of the black belt students he has produced. Such an attitude on the part of the teacher and student renders karate-do fit in the movies.
Today a black belt is of little value. Unscrupulous are content with higher dans and gradings, presuming that such elevations would enhance their reputation. Little do they realise that a black belt has reached the ultimate in Karate lessons. Scant thought is given to perfection, sincere training, discipline and maintenance of the fundamental principles of Karate. As stated earlier, material benefits and the desire to achieve physical prowess and fame have taken over and remains as the order of the day. In many cases, a karate-ka falsely believes that his existence and reputation in Karate circles would be in jeopardy if he does not attain higher dans. This is a false concept as many veteran instructors are not interested in dans, but are dedicated in imparting the correct training.
Black Belt and Its Value The first thought to a layman, on enrolling in a dojo is to become a Black Belt, as soon as possible. So a question thereby arises, how soon one can become a Black Belt holder and what are the values of a Black Belt. Karate-kas have relentlessly been trained in the art first, to achieve physical power and enhancement of spiritual value. Hence at the first place it is a Martial Art for harmless selfdefence and self growth. Once we enroll ourselves in a Karate dojo we start getting training in Karate as a white Belt in that School. Internationally recognised Karate Schools have different stages of Belts on their own. Kokino the internationally recognised Karate school also have its own pattern of Belts
After having organised Karate in France from 1961 to 1963, he invited afterwards the few federations known in Europe (they were 7!) to come to France at the occasion of the 1st International Karate Event of all time : Belgium/ France/ Great Britain. On the 15th of December 1963 (remember this date, it is the departure point of the world karate), he gathers in Paris the representants of 7 known nations, it was the 1st Karate European Congress! Remember also the names of the attending persons, they are the one who began the future WKF. For Italy, M. Augusto BASILE, for Belgium, MM. AARTS Leeo and STAS, for Switzerland, M. CHERIX Bernard, for Germany, M. Karl HEINZ KILTZ for Great Britain, M. BELL, for France, MM DELCOURT et SEBBAN.
The representative for Spain, M. P. GARCIA was excused. An inventory of the establishment of Karate, then very disorganised not to say not organised at all was done. It was decided to contact the different Judo federations, which, in many countries, headed up Karate. The question of different styles and techniques was approached and the delegates noted - already! - That the unification of techniques was impossible. The question of refereeing unification, which differed significantly from a country to another, was approached and put on the agenda for next meeting. An inventory of the practitioners was done: Germany 5 to 7000, Belgium, 1200 to 1500, Great Britain around 5000, France, 4000. M. DELCOURT was in charge of coordinating actions and to prepare the next meeting.
On May 24th 1964, the 2nd Karate European Congress was held in Paris. Were attending, for Germany, M. BRIEF, for Belgium, MM. GOETZ and FANNOY, for Switzerland, M. CHERIX, for France, MM. DELCOURT and SEBBAN. Were excused, M. BELL (England), M. PAANEN (Netherlands), and the representants for Italy and Spain (their names do not appear on the minutes). After a general survey on karate in each country, the delegates decided that they had to elect an executive body and so a Directing Board was elected : President Jacques DELCOURT (France), he was to remain President until 1997, i.e. 34 years !, vice-president, MM. BRIEF (Germany), CHERIX (Switzerland), FANNOY (Belgium), General Secretary M. SEBBAN (France), assistant General-Secretary : M. GOETZ (Belgium).
In fact, no change compared to the 1964 committee (except M. BRIEF disparition). The Congress decides budget, refereeing rules, an International Cup in Cannes and ...the 1st European Championships. They are set to May 7th, 1966 in Paris, Categories: team: 5 competitors + 1 reserve, and individuals: 4 competitors per nation, without weight category and only on pools (the female competitors will compete only 10 years later). They decided that the Directing Committee will meet one month before the Championships to settle all the details.
To note: the 4 th. European Congress took place in 1963 and the 1st European Championships in 1966, what explains the 3 years gap between the Congress and European Championships numbers. For example, in 1998, was held the 36th EKF Congress, and the 33d European Championships.
On May 7th, 1966, the first European Championships were held in Paris. Surprisingly, it was a success: 300 spectators, live TV : the Italian team came with a very famous movie star: Elsa MARTINELLI. For the team competition, 5 nations entered Germany, Switzerland, Great Britain, Italy, France, and 6 countries for the individual competition (same ones + Austria On semi-finals, Switzerland beats Italy, France beats Great Britain. For the 3rd place, Italy beats Great Britain. In finals, France beats Switzerland. Please note that the Swiss team never competed, not even clubs competition.
On individual competition, semi-finals, BAROUX (France), beats GERONEMA (Italy); SAUVIN (France) beats SETROUK (France). In finals, BAROUX beats SAUVIN. 'The matches were very hard, many face injuries were deplored. The directors decided to discuss the problem ... which was not solved 33 years later! Great Britain (President M. SOMMERS), 69 clubs, 1000 licensed, 3 Japanese experts teach on full time: MM. SUZUKI, SHIOMITSU and TAKAMIZAWA Great Britain applies for the organization Of the 2nu European Championships. Austria (President M. Karl NEVECERAL), 4 clubs and 800 licensed. Germany (President M. BRAND): 27 clubs and 1300 licensed.
He also thinks that many competitors suffer a lack of physical condition and collapse on light attacks, others do not know how to block or dodge the attacks. The Congress goes to others issues : the Referee Committee created, M. SOMMERS (GB) is elected assistant General Secretary, the1966/1967 calendar is studied, the candidature of Great Britain is agreed, the 2nd European Championships will be held in London in May 1967. Italy applies for 1968 and Germany for 1969. The Cannes International Cup is set to July 16th, 1966. Two technical advisers are nominated: MM. SUZUKI and MOCHIZUKI. Finally, the Congress votes the accounts which are: incomes: 1023.64FF and expenditures : 524.04 FF (i.e. would mean today around 100 USD!).
The Congress decides to nominate 2 controllers in charge to verify the accounts before each Congress (the day before or on the morning if the Congress is set on the afternoon). The Congress will only approve the accounts after the report of the controllers. As M. Leo Arts (Belgium) is an accountant, the President asks him to accept the position of Treasurer. The Congress modifies the article 19 of the statutes in order to allow a Directing Committee Member to be treasurer. The financial year is set from 1st January to 31st December. The sheets will stick to this period.
The Congress votes the two controllers: M. Paanen (Netherlands) and Plee (France). Analyzing the 2nd European Championships, President Delcourt submits two remarks to the Congress: 1) It was set that each team shall be composed of 5 fighters plus 1 reserve. But one country had two injured competitors and had to fight on with only 4 fighters what put them in inferiority. The proposal to have 5 competitors and 3 reserves was rejected as it would favour the organising country, which can always get as many reserves it wants. M. Sommers (GB) propose that the decision to change a competitor comes out from the doctor, what is rejected.
Finally, the decision is to compose teams of 5 competitors plus 2 reserves. This system has never been changed and remains today. 1) Second remark, the individual fights are the hardest and the competitors come out exhausted, what makes the Team competition less interesting while it is the most prestigious title. President Delcourt suggests starting with the Teams, the competitors will be less tired to start the Individuals and it will give each nation the possibility to choose for Individuals according to Team results. It will also be stimulating.
The Congress approves unanimously both proposals and goes to the following issue: new affiliations. Yugoslavia declares 15 clubs and 2000 members and is accepted. Regarding, Ireland, M. Sommers is charged to inquiry the real importance of the federation. The decision is delayed. So is the affiliation of Scotland which wants a separate affiliation. An inquiry will be made among the other sports before making any decision. The elections for the free seats are held : M. Plee (FRA) is elected at general secretary, M. Ceracchini (ITA), as vice-president and M. Leo Arts as Treasurer. The 1967/1968 calendar is reviewed. Italy informs it cannot organize the 1968 European Championships. France proposes to replace it what is accepted.
A European Championships entry fee is set to 1USD per competitor, individual and team. The Directing Committee members will be taken in charge by the EKU. The EKU members, founders of the Union are given the title "Founder member of European Karate Union". This award gives them the right to attend, during their whole life, EKU Meetings and Congress and have a consultative voice. Are concerned: MM. Delcourt (FRA), Aarts (BEL), Cherix (SWI), Basile (ITA). M. Paanen (NED) asks for the organization of European Kata Championships.
The issue will be studied and the Japanese experts will be consulted. On January 28, 1968, EKU first technical meeting was held in Paris. It is actually the first ever technical meeting. Are attending : MM. Delcourt (FRA), Aarts (BEL), Arneil (GB), Baroux (FRA), Basile (ITA), Luiten (HOL), Jordan (SUI), Plee (representing Yugoslavia); was absent M. Feucht (GER), invited, M. Morris (SCO). The main issue of the meeting was the organisation of the refereeing. The decision taken is to draft an exam programme in order to appoint international referees. The exam will take place once a year during an international course. The jury will be nominated by the Directing Committee.
The programme is composed of 8 points : be a national referee, presented by one's federation, be up to date with the fees, be at least 1st Dan, be at least 21 years old, compulsorily participate to the course, pass the exam before the practice, with an average mark of 5 points out of 10; the general average mark cannot be less than 11 out of 20. M. Basile is elected Secretary of the EKU Technical Committee by 5 voices for against 2 for M. Aarts. Existing EKU refereeing rules are kept. A study will be made by the committee concerning the various rules throughout the world. The 4 corner judge with 1 central referee is maintained. On May 5, 1968, The 6th EKU Congress was held in Paris. Seven countries are attending : Austria (power give to M. Brand), Belgium (Collyn), Germany (Brand), Great Britain (Sommers), Netherlands (Van Hellemond), Yugoslavia (Yorga), France (Delourt), invited : Spain (Lazaro). Switzerland (Cherix) is absent. The results of the 3rd European Championships are the following: in team, France beats Belgium. Semi-finalists: Italy and Yugoslavia. In individuals, Sauvin (FRA) beats Valera (FRA°, semi-finalists Kosakowitch (BEL) and Grossetete (SUI). M. Collyn protests against the fact that France and Yugoslavia agreed on the name of a referee concerning the match opposing them.
Talks are starting regarding women who attend the exam, the case will be submitted to the Technical Committee. A seat in the Directing Committee must be re-elected, M. Cherix is re-elected unanimously. The organisation of year 1968-1969 is set : the Technical Committee will meet in January 1969 at an International event. The meeting of the Directing Committee is set end February 1969 in Brussels. Yugoslavia proposes to organise the 2nd refereeing course in Opatija from 3rd to 6th April 1969. M. Collyn proposes the organisation of the 3rd course in 1970 in Ostende. It is agreed in principle. The 7th European Championships will take place in London on May 10, 1969, the 7th EKU Congress will be held the following day, May 11. For 1970 Championships, 3 countries apply: Italy, Germany and Netherlands. The 7th Congress will take the decision. MM. Kase and Mochizuki are unanimously re-elected as technical counsellors.
M. Delcourt says he is in touch with Africa, that an African Union is creating and that the General Secretary is in contact with Australia. President Delcourt believes these are encouraging information and that an International Karate Union may be created swiftly. Four federations requested information to enter EKU: Spain, Israel, Finland and Ireland. A badge (drawn by Mrs Delcourt) is studied then adopted. M. Sommers is in charge for the making. International referees shall wear an identical suit defined as : dark navy blue blazer (straight with 3 silver buttons), light grey trousers, white shirt, dark tie (black or navy blue), black shoes with supple soles. M. Aarts asks that the name of M. Plee be added to the list of the EKU funding members, in regards to his contribution to the launching of Karate on Technical plan in Europe.
The proposal is unanimously accepted. VII EKF Congress opens in London in May, 11th 1969. The results of the IV European Championships were ratified: In individual, Valera beat Gruss (Fra). The bronze medal winners were: Jorga I (YOU), Sherer (West Germany). In team modality, France beat Great Britain, and Belgium and Yugoslavia shared the third place. There were 10 participating countries. The Technical Counsellor T Kase, considers that the level of competitors has increased, however referees have not made much of a progress. President Delcourt answers that only two referee courses have taken place, the basis are good but holding just an international referee course every year it is not possible to unify refereeing basis, experience can not be acquired only through National Federations. Travelling and meals of referees are criticized.
Four new countries are definitely accepted: Spain, Ireland, Sweden and Luxembourg. V European Championships were held in Hamburg (Germany) in May 1970. This year is particularly very important for Karate, as WKF statutes are established and the first World Championships are held. As intended, the referee course takes place in Ostende and on 30th May 1970 , VIII EKF Congress is held in Hamburg. First of all, the Congress ratify the decisions taken by Directing Committee at their meeting on 7th March in Florence (ITA). Results of European Championships are: ratify Individuals, Valera beat Gruss (Fra). Bronze medal winners: Baroux (FRA) and Higgins (GB). Team category: West Germany beat France; Great Britain and Yugoslavia share bronze medal.
Mr. Both (Ned) proposes to establish a repechage system. This issue is put to the vote. There are 5 votes for it, 3 votes against it, and 2 abstentions. Consequently, it is decided that repechage system will be used in the following Championships. A discussion arises around refereeing, too much injured, Mr. Franco de Arabia (Esp.) proposes that a date should be settled, before competitions, for a technical meeting once every year. He is answered that is already being held and with Mr. Basile as Chairman. M. Messer's (Sweden) asks for the settlement of a date from that moment on. Mr. Hardwood (GB) does not agree with the draw system, he suggests having fighters with the same nationality in the same pool. Congress has a completely different point of view.
Yugoslavia presents its candidature to host the VI World Championships from 28th to 30th May 1970 in Belgrade. The Congress gives their approval. Elections take place and Mr. Delcourt is re-elected President. For Vice President position, there are three voting rounds showing the same results: 5 votes for Brandt (GER), and 5 votes for Both (NED). According to statutes, the President is asked for his vote to break the tie. Based on his experience and work, Mr. Delcourt votes for Brandt, who is elected. Mr. Joys (FRA) is elected for the General Secretariat. Mr. Franco de Arabia (ESP), proposes that candidatures should be submitted a month before the Congress and forwarded by the corresponding national federation.
Mr. Delcourt states that Karate must be organized at world level. In order to make it possible, he creates the International Karate Union, and announces that Paris is a candidate to host the first World Championship in November, 14th 1970. A referee course is planned for November, 13th. The Congress gives their approval and the meeting is closed. From now on, events will happen in all haste in 1970. Mr. Ryoichi Sasakawa, President of the Japanese Federation, travels to Paris to meet again Mr. Delcourt and states his interest in taking part of construction of Karate at a world level but it is not possible, because of prestige reasons, to become a part of a world organization already existing, he proposes to cancel UIK and to found a new organization starting with Japan and UEK. Finally an historic agreement is reached and is signed between the two leaders on 16th June 1970 in Paris, which states that "from that moment on FAJKO and EKF will work together for the development of Karate worldwide". The new organization is called WUKO.
Mr. Sasakawa proposes that Mr.Delcourt should be the President and he will be the Honorary President. Mr. Delcourt does not agree with it, he thinks that for prestige reasons the Presidency must go to Mr. Sasakawa, and he will act as Chairman, and later on the Congress will decide on the Presidency according to statutes. This historic agreement was greatly important for small organizations or clubs, which were not affiliated to UEK. Mr. Sasakawa returns to Paris in August, 9th 1970, accompanied by MM. Eriguchi, Nakayama and Kagawa and organizes an International Karate Conference at the Intercontinental Hotel, where every European organization or from any other part of the world have been invited. The Japanese Embassy is represented by Mr.Hatori.
After listening to all different points of view, Mr. Sasakawa tries to make everybody agree and at the end of the meeting informs that the agreements signed with Mr Delcourt are definitive. First World Championships will be hosted by Tokyo in October, 10th 1970, where the first WUKO Congress will take place.
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