Mission & Vision

The IKU – International Karate Union is a non-political, non-profit organisation, truly democratic and transparent on the service of the national federation members and specially based on true values: education, respect and great friendship. We will demonstrate with our deeds that this is possible, by setting a new direction for karate.

About us

The International Karate Union (IKU) was founded by some of the most respected people with a great karate history and associations of various countries on 19 January 2013.

Why is the IKU needed within the current climate of World Karate?

In recent years International Karate bodies have looked to service the needs of club/associations forgetting that international competition at the very beginning was about national federations and athletes representing their country.

Is it possible to offer International opportunity to all whilst also allowing athletes true representation at World level?

IKU offers a new way for karate with a desire to bring together all clubs, associations or federations within a member country/territory under one banner and to resolve their differences or disputes through mediation and arbitration. This independent process is unique in the karate world and has a pathway to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). In this way IKU hopes to contribute to the development of friendly relationships and closer links among its member national federations and the wider karate and/or sporting world.

The IKU will accept one federation or association per country and that federation or association will be obliged to ensure that all karateka within their country/territory will have access to IKU championships.

Aims and Objectives

The IKU is an organisation with non-political, non-profit, truly democratic and transparent to the service of the national federation’s members and especially based on true values: education, respect and great friendship. We will demonstrate with our deeds that this is possible, by building a new direction for karate!

The IKU respects WKF position as the IOC recognized karate body and are willing to help in any way possible to the WKF’s efforts to get the sport of karate included in the Olympic Programme.