UFAK Region East Karate Championships Showcase Growth of Karate in Africa

The UFAK Region East Karate Championships successfully brought together athletes, referees, coaches and officials from across East Africa in Kenya from May 27 to 31, highlighting the continued development of karate in the region. Alongside the competition, UFAK organised a seminar for referees and coaches aimed at enhancing technical standards and supporting the growth of karate in Africa.

A total of 52 competitors from four countries — Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Madagascar — participated in the championships, competing in kumite and para karate categories. The event provided an important platform for athletes to test their skills and strengthen sporting ties across the region.

The referee course was co-sponsored by the WKF and attracted 36 judges, demonstrating the increasing interest in refereeing and the steady progress of karate throughout the continent. The seminar was led by WKF Referee Commission Chair Javier Escalante, whowas nominated and sponsored by the WKF to participate in this activity,and focused on the latest World Karate Federation competition rules as well as the standardisation of officiating criteria.

The event was also attended by UFAK President and WKF Executive Committee Member Souleymane Gaye and UFAK Vice President and WKF Vice President Bechir Cherif, underlining the importance of the championships and the educational activities organised alongside the competition.

WKF President Antonio Espinós praised the efforts of UFAK and all those involved in the organisation of the event.

"I would like to thank UFAK for organising this important event and for their continued efforts to put Africa on the road to progress through regional activities. The popularity of karate in Africa is evident and is clearly showcased in events such as these. For that, I would like to thank Mr. Souleymane Gaye, all UFAK officials and WKF Referee Commission Chair Javier Escalante for their commitment to the development of karate across the continent."

(Top picture: UFAK President and WKF Executive Committee Member Souleymane Gaye, UFAK Vice President and WKF Vice President Bechir Cherif and WKF Referee Commission Chair Javier Escalante (seated centre) with the judges participating in the Referee seminar.