Guardian Girls Karate Instructor Course Opens in Tokyo, Marking Key Step for Programme Expansion in Asia

The first day of the Guardian Girls Karate instructor training course began Saturday in Tokyo with a successful opening session that brought together women from 13 countries. Participants started learning the basics of the programme with the goal of expanding it in their home nations.

The activities represent an important milestone for the programme and for the global karate community. Training new instructors in Japan means the Guardian Girls Karate programme is set to expand across Asia in the coming months.

Guardian Girls Karate is the WKF programme designed to give women and girls practical tools to face gender-based violence. The course teaches awareness, prevention strategies and simple karate-based techniques that can help participants protect themselves and build confidence.

The first day of activities was led by WKF head instructors Amy Connell and Teresa García. The training sessions combined classroom instruction with practical exercises on the dojo floor.

The opening day of activities in Tokyo was attended by Toshihisa Nagura, General Secretary of the World Karate Federation, and Shin Koyamada, president of Guardian Girls International. Representatives from the Japan Karate Federation were also present to support the initiative.

The event also welcomed one of Japan’s most celebrated athletes, two-time world champion and Olympic silver medallist Kiyou Shimizu. Her presence highlighted the importance of empowering women in and beyond sport.

The timing of the activities adds further relevance. The training takes place around International Women’s Day, giving the programme a wider platform and drawing attention to its mission. Organisers say the moment underlines not only the legacy of karate in society but also how sport can support social change.

The participants pose with Karate star Kiyou Shimizu

The activities will continue on Sunday with the second part of the instructors' course and the open seminar for women, and on Monday, with the official presentation at the Embassy of Spain in Tokyo.

For more information and updates, follow Guardian Girls Karate on its social media channels, via its Instagram page@guardiangirlskarate.

GUARDIAN GIRLS KARATE

The activities were attended by the president of Guardian Girls International Shin Koyamada

Head instructors Amy Connell and Teresa Garcia