German Karate Federation celebrates 50 years of history in Frankfurt

The 50th anniversary of the German Karate Federation was celebrated in Frankfurt during the 2026 EKF Senior Championships. The event gathered representatives of European karate, members of the federation and friends of the sport in Germany. The event was headed by EKF and WKF President Antonio Espinós and German Karate Federation president and WKF Vice President Wolfgang Weigert. Former federation president Roland Hantzsche also attended the celebration.

During the evening, guests reviewed the history of karate in Germany and the achievements of the federation over the last five decades. The commemoration highlighted the important role of the German Karate Federation in the growth of karate in Europe and worldwide.

EKF President Antonio Espinós thanked the German Karate Federation and President Wolfgang Weigert for hosting the event and for their continued work for karate.

“The German Karate Federation has made a lasting contribution to the progress of karate at both European and international level. Reaching this 50-year milestone reflects the dedication and commitment of generations of people who have worked for the development of our sport. I would like to express my appreciation to President Wolfgang Weigert and his team for hosting this event, for making sure that the progress of Karate continues in the country and for the excellent organisation of the EKF Senior Championships here in Frankfurt. I would also like to take the opportunity to demonstrate my appreciation to Roland Hantzsche for his longstanding service and friendship to karate. Roland Hantzsche is a true friend of karate and his contribution to German and European karate has been very crucial. We are very happy to celebrate this special occasion with him.”

(Top picture: from left to right: Former president of the German Karate Federation Roland Hantzsche, EKF and WKF President Antonio Espinós and German Karate Federation president and WKF Vice President Wolfgang Weigert

EKF and WKF President addresses the audience at the 50th anniversary of the German Karate Federation.