What is it Like Competing on the World Stage in Karate?

Have you ever wondered what it’s like competing for your country in a sport? Well, this is what it’s like for international karate athletes. 

(Image Credit to Alice Seager)

What is Karate?

Karate is a form of Martial Arts that originated from Japan. Karate translates to “Open Hand” as its origins started as a method of self-defence. There are many different styles of karate like Wado Ryu, Shotokan, Goju Ryu, and Shito Ryu. Karate is an unarmed combat sport that uses striking techniques using your hands, feet, and elbows. Karate students are taught blocking and grappling, along with the importance of discipline inside and outside the dojo and physical and mental strength and development.

(Image Credit to ewska.com)

What is Wado Ryu?

When translated, it means “way of harmony/peace”. The core principles are:

1. Working with an opponent’s movements rather than directly opposing them.

2. Instead of relying solely on blocking, Wado Ryu practitioners utilise techniques to avoid attacks and redirect force.

3. Efficient use of energy and movement to maximise effectiveness.

4. Smooth transitions between techniques to create a flowing, natural style. 

Techniques:

Wado Ryu incorporates punches, kicks, throws, joint locks and grappling techniques from both karate and jujitsu.

Belt order: White, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue, Purple, Brown, Black

What is Shotokan?

The core principle is:

1. Dynamic, linear techniques, deep stances, powerful strikes,

2. Emphasises proper form and posture.

Techniques:

Kihon- Fundamental techniques like punches, blocks and kicks are practised repeatedly to develop proper form and muscle memory.

Kata- Prearranged sequences of movements that simulate combat scenarios and improve coordination, balance and technique, all in which forms a pattern.

Kumite- Sparring with a partner, applying Kihon and Kata in a controlled manner. 

Belt order: White, Orange, Red, Yellow, Green, Purple, Purple + White stripe, Brown, Brown + white stripe, Brown + 2 white stripes, Black

What is Goju Ryu?

The core principle is:

1. An emphasis on breathing techniques, body strengthening and conditioning.

Techniques:

It incorporates both closed-hand (punches/strikes) and open-hand (blocks/grappling) techniques.

Belt order: White, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue, Purple, Brown, Black

What is Shito Ryu?

The core principle is:

1. A combination of linear, powerful movements and circular, flowing movements.

Techniques:

Kata- Has a large number of prearranged forms derived from both Shuri-te and Naha-te. 

Emphasises both striking and grappling movements, with a focus on balance, displacement, throws, joint manipulation and ground grappling.

Belt order: White, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue, Purple, Brown, Black

(Image Credit to Highland Karate Association)

What is the process to become an International Athlete in Karate?

When you first start karate, students receive a license with a summary of rules. These rules include:

1. Individuals must hold a valid licence book and an actual licence to be able to grade and compete in competitions or sponsored events.

2. Any misuse of one's Karate knowledge could result in temporary or permanent suspension.

3. The conduct of Karateka in the dojo and at competitions or events must be held at a very high standard.

4. The minimum time between attaining a “MON” and “KYU” grade is 3 months.

5. The minimum eligible age for a junior (under 16 years) to enter a grading examination is 6 years.

6. Minimum time between Kyu gradings is 3 months, attaining 1st Kyu and Shodan is 6 months.

7. The minimum time to attain Shodan and Nidan examinations is 2 years.

8. The minimum time to attain Nidan and Sandan examinations is 3 years.

9. All time limits above are subject to the examinee training at least twice every week.

(Please note the information above varies from style and club) 

To understand this better, we have anecdotes from two competitors at the 2023 WUKF Championships held in Dundee, Scotland. 

“You have to show your dedication to the sport by attending your training and completing gradings for your belts,” said one of the girls when asked about beginning karate. 

We then asked about the process and preparation a student completed, she said, “I attended a winter camp course and there we were called out one by one as the selected participants to represent our team. What followed was months of gruelling training. I had to drop my commitment to my dance and hockey training in order to prepare. I attend training on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday every week, perfecting my katas and kumite.” 

(Image Credit to ewska.com)

We then asked if it was ever specifically difficult on some days, she replied, “Yes, some days I felt like giving up. I was so tired of doing the same things over and over. I also had times where I lost my confidence, but I had to remind myself that I wouldn’t have been picked to represent my team and country if they didn’t have faith in me.” 

We then asked what belt each of the girls were at the time: “I was a green belt at the time, so I was around halfway to a black belt.” The other girl said, “When I competed, I was a brown belt.”

Curious to know more about the emotions of the girls, we queried: “What does it mean to have represented your country?” One girl stated, “Incredible to know I represented England but also very surreal. The competition didn’t feel like the world stage; it just felt like another of the countless competitions I’ve taken part in.”

(Image Credit to ewska.com) 

Karate is well known for being a gruelling and physically demanding sport, which can be tiring both physically and mentally; however, it teaches self-defence techniques that can help you escape life-threatening situations should you need to use them. 

Will you be the next to represent your country?

With the 14th WUKF World Karate Championships 2026 location yet to be announced, keeping many people on their toes after this year’s event in Sweden. However, we do know that the WUKF British Open and Scottish Open have been announced. In addition, the continuation of the WUKF European Tour has been confirmed. 

WUKF British Open:

Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd of March at the K2 in Crawley, England. 

WUKF Scottish Open:

Saturday 6th of June in Dundee, Regional Performance Centre, Mains Loan. 

Article written by Evelyn Gibson and Alice Seager ©️Alice Seager 2025