The World Karate Federation (WKF) is the international governing body for the sport of karate, recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). It is responsible for promoting and developing karate globally, organizing major international competitions, and upholding the sport’s values.
Key Information
Headquarters: Madrid, Spain
President: Antonio Espinós
Member Countries: 201
Founded: 1970
Recognized Styles: The WKF recognizes four main styles of Karate: Shito-ryu, Goju-ryu, Shotokan,and Wadō-ryū.
The World Shitoryu Karatedo Federation is a major international organization dedicated to promoting the traditional Japanese martial art of Shito-ryu karate.
Foundation: The wskf was officially founded in 1993 to globally spread the teachings and philosophy of Shito-ryu founder Kenwa Mabuni. The style itself was named “Shito-ryu” by Mabuni in 1934, combining elements of Shuri-te and Naha-te Okinawan karate styles.
Purpose: The federation aims to preserve the authenticity of Shito-ryu, provide technical guidance, and organize international championships and seminars for its members.
Governance: The wskf is managed by a Board of Directors, with regional headquarters for practical affairs in areas including Japan, Asia Pacific, Africa, Europe, and Pan America.
Leadership: As of late 2025, the current Governor (Soke) is Mabuni Kenyu, the grandson of the founder, and the President (Kaicho) is Iwata Genzo.
The Asia Pacific Shitoryu Karatedo Federation is the official regional governing body for the Shitoryu karate style, operating under the umbrella of the World Shitoryu Karatedo Federation. It coordinates the development and promotion of Shitoryu karate across the Asia Pacific region.
Parent Organization: The Asia Pacific Shitoryu Karate-Do Federation is affiliated with the World Shitoryu Karatedo Federation , the international body for Shitoryu karate.
Purpose: It aims to preserve, promote, and provide technical guidance for the Shitoryu style of karate as founded by Kenwa Mabuni.
Activities: The federation organizes championships, seminars, and training opportunities for its member countries and affiliated organizations.
Status: The Asia Pacific Shitoryu Karate-Do Federation is an active organization, having recently held its 16th Asia Pacific Shitoryu Karatedo Championships in Singapore from November 27 to December 2, 2024.
Mae Geri ——————–Front Kick.
Mawashi Geri ————–Round House Kick .
Kinteki Geri—————–Groin Kick.
Kensetsu Geri—————Knee Kick.
Yoko Geri———————Side Kick.
Ushiro Geri——————-Back Kick
Tobi Mawashi Geri———Jumping Round House Kick.
Ushiro Mawashi Geri——Hook Kick.
Ura Mawashi geri———–hook kick to front
Tobi Yoko Geri ————–Flying side Kick.
Tobi Mea Geri—————-Front High Kick.
Hiza Geri ———————-Knee Thrust.
Mae ——-Front
Migi——–Right
Yoko——-Side
Hidari——Left
Ushiro—–Back
Tobi——–Jump
Gyaku——Reverse
Mawashi—-Round
Age———-Rising
Jodan——-Head high
Chudan:—-Mid-high level
Gedan——-Low level; Down
soto———-outside
Mawashi—-Round/Circular.
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Sensei————-karate teacher
Kohai————–Junior
sempai————senior
Yoi——————Get Ready
Yame—————Stop
Kiai—————–Shout.
Onegaishimasu – (one-nay-guy-she-mus)——–please teach me
Shitsureishimasu (sitho-ris-mus)——————- Excuse me from the class
Arigato—————Thank you
Sayonara ———–Good Bye.
Karateka————Karate Student
Sensei Ni Rei——-Bow To The Teacher
Shomen Ni Rei—–Bow To The Ground(Dojo).
Kyu——————–Class Rank Below Black Belt.
KATA—————— Pre -arranged movement of attack & defence.
Kumite—————-fighting
Seiza——————-Mediation Sitting
Mokuso—————-Meditation Close The Eyes.
Nawtte—————–Finish or Stop.
Kihon——————-Basic
Bunkai—————– Analysis of kata Movements.
Kamae——————Ready Position.
Hajime——————Start.
Kamae-te ————–On guard.
Karate Gi ————– Karate Training Suit
Ippon Kumite———One step sparring .
Ryu———————-Style of Martial Arts
Mawatte—————-Turn around
Domo Arigato gozaimashita——Thank You Very Much
Dan——-Degree
Yame—–Stop.
Ate——–Attack
Hiji——–Elbow
Uraken—Back of fist
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Heisoku Dachi————-Heels Together
Heiko Dachi—————-Parallel Stance
Moto Dachi—————–Shorter than Zenkutsu Dachi
Uchi- Hachiji Dachi——-Feet apart
Musubi Dachi—————Formal Stance
Hachiji Dachi—————Natural Stance Feet are hip-joints line width apart
Shiko Dachi—————-Thigh Splitting Stance
Sanchin Dachi————-Breathing Kata Stance.
Kiba Dachi——————Horse Riding Stance
Gedan Berai Uke—Lower block
Age Uke————–Upper Block
Shuto Uke———–Knife hand block
Soto uke————-outside block
Uchi uke————–inside block
1: Ichi (ee-chee)
2: Ni (nee)
3: San (sahn)
4: Shi (shee) or Yon (yohn)
5: Go (goh)
6: Roku (roh-koo)
7: Shichi (shee-chee) or Nana (nah-nah)
8: Hachi (hah-chee)
9: Kyu (kyoo)
10: Juu (joo)