Olympic-style Karate?

[bushido_man96]

I have read about Olympic-style Karate, I suppose in an effort to get Karate into the Olympics. I have seen a little information on it, but I thought I would probe a little to find out more about what it entails. I read that the governing body is the USA-NKF, I suppose the National Karate Federation. Does anyone know any of the specifics about this? Like what the stipulations on forms competitions are? Sparring rules and regulations? I am very interested in seeing what these entail.

[Zanshin]

The Official Goverining Body as Recognised by the IOC is the WKF (Word Karate Federation).

Here is their website which also features all of the rules and regs.

https://www.karateworld.org/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

Hope it helps.

[bushido_man96]

Thanks, Zanshin. I think that the NKF is the national governing body in the U.S. for Olympic Karate, and is under the umbrella of the WKF. Much like the USTU was/is under the umbrella of the WTF.

Thanks for the link.

[ps1]

Thanks, Zanshin. I think that the NKF is the national governing body in the U.S. for Olympic Karate, and is under the umbrella of the WKF. Much like the USTU was/is under the umbrella of the WTF.

Thanks for the link.

Yup...that's correct. The USA NKF is the "olympic" authority for Sport Karate in the USA.

[bushido_man96]

Do you have any experience, or know much about it, ps1?

[Killer Miller]

It will take quite some time still for Karate to be in the olympics. It's the same "old story" of all the organizations wanting to be the dominant authority of technique and rules... It's become a long stale mate since the 60s. We've made some ground on this note, but not enough. There's more to getting into the olympics than just coming up with an organization and establishing olympic standards. You also have to have that same standard in all dojos and countries as well with proper support and standardized training. Thus back to the same old problem... Who's standards do we implement internationally??? Once the IOC sees that accomplishment achieved, then we'll probably see karate in the Olympics.

- Killer -

[NightOwl]

I'd prefer to see a kyokushin style competition but I think the shotokan tournament style lends itself better to a sporting event such as the Olympics.

[dineshm]

It will take quite some time still for Karate to be in the olympics. It's the same "old story" of all the organizations wanting to be the dominant authority of technique and rules... It's become a long stale mate since the 60s. We've made some ground on this note, but not enough. There's more to getting into the olympics than just coming up with an organization and establishing olympic standards. You also have to have that same standard in all dojos and countries as well with proper support and standardized training. Thus back to the same old problem... Who's standards do we implement internationally??? Once the IOC sees that accomplishment achieved, then we'll probably see karate in the Olympics.

- Killer -

Hasn't the WKF already established that

[Killer Miller]

WKF has established the rules and organization. The training support internationally for olympic teams as a standard has not. This is what the IOC looks for in addition. This has always been the main problem getting into the olympics. There has never been the financial and program support internationally that has been acceptable to the IOC.

I'm not saying that the WKF hasn't made some headway in this department, but they are not there yet... And when you look at their website, they are a little vauge in these areas and still show a little disconnect as being the actual IOC Authority.

- Killer -

[Killer Miller]

Actually, let me clarify what I mean.

1. I have a small city with at least 50 different MA dojos (my city is not too far from L.A., California). Not "one" of them have any similance, standards, or indicate any affiliation what-so-ever with the WKF. If they did, I'd be the first one over there assisting coaching for Olympic competition.

2. When you go to China, do you see karate as defined? No, you see standards more towards Kung Fu. When you go to Korea do you see karate as defined? No, you see standards more towards Tae Kwon Do (I hope the spelling is correct?). Etc...

3. Internationally, what is the actual definition of Karate from an Olympic Perspective and Performance Standards? Although MA is very popular, most MAs "are not" Karate. Karate as defined is primarily an olympic style of sport in perspective to Japan, USA, a fair amount in Europe, Some Mexico, Some Africa and some in many other countries. But it is not standardized in most countries - which is a primary IOC requirement.

So just to say that "I am the IOC authority" doesn't mean squat if you don't have the programs in place internationally for Olympic support and standards. And in all the vast diversity of MAs, the majority has yet to agree as to what that will be. Should it even be called "Karate" in order for it to be accepted as an Olympics sport? This is the "age old" IOC battle that has been going on for years past, and years to come.

- Killer -