Club Announcements

WKF 2026 Competition Rules – Effective 1 January 2026

The World Karate Federation has introduced updated competition rules effective 1 January 2026. The changes refine existing rules rather than overhaul them, but there are several key points that athletes, coaches and referees should be aware of.

Kata changes:

• Winners of kata bouts are now decided solely by majority vote (flags) from judges. Internal points still guide each judge's decision but are no longer totalled or publicly displayed — eliminating inconsistencies caused by outlier scoring.
• Competitors must announce their kata name clearly and perform a proper kiai — mere yelling is not sufficient.
• Prescription sports glasses are now permitted in kata competition, provided they meet safety standards.
• The karategi must not be altered (e.g. no starched or puffed chest).

Kumite changes:

• Kicking a fallen opponent is now strictly forbidden — only hand techniques are permitted once an opponent is down.
• Athletes must maintain zanshin (focus and awareness) after a technique; turning away or falling may invalidate a score.
• Jogai rules simplified: scoring before exiting the area results in no Jogai penalty; being scored on while in Jogai results in no additional Jogai penalty.
• Headgear remains mandatory for competitors under 14.
• A framework for mixed gender team kumite events has been introduced.

The full rules are available on the WKF website.

Karate at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games

Karate will feature at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, running from 31 October to 13 November 2026. This is a significant moment for the sport's global profile and a major goal for young athletes around the world. Specific karate competition dates within the Games are to be confirmed.

For New Zealand athletes, further information on qualification and selection pathways will be communicated through Karate NZ.

WKF Unveils New Global Visual Identity

In December 2025, the World Karate Federation announced a complete rebranding of its visual identity. The new look aims to modernise the WKF's image while staying true to the values and traditions that define karate — with a fresh, contemporary design that reflects the sport's growing global presence.

The rebrand includes a new logo and updated visual language across all events and communications. All WKF competitions began adopting the updated visuals from the start of 2026. Read more on the WKF website.

World Karate Federation – 50 Years Old – Oct 1970

The World Karate Federation was created on 10 October 1970, in Tokyo (Japan). Now, 50 years later, we are commemorating not only that our organisation has reached such a momentous date; we are honouring the long and successful history of the organisation and our sport, a history full of brilliant and unforgettable moments, and open to a bright and hopeful future