The World Karate Federation Cadet, Junior and U21 European Championships are under way in Limassol, Cyprus, but concerns over safeguarding and governance have emerged around the event, with a number of English athletes, coaches and referees unable to participate in WKF-sanctioned competitions.
A complaint submitted by the parent of an athlete to Athlete365, the International Olympic Committee’s athlete engagement platform, has raised concerns about what was described as a lack of a clear and effective safeguarding framework within the WKF. The complaint comes amid ongoing developments in British karate, where unresolved disputes between governing bodies have left some athletes caught between rival organisations.
Some stakeholders have argued that the handling of recent governance and safeguarding concerns, particularly those raised in Britain, has contributed to athletes, coaches and referees being unable to take part in Karate1 leagues, as well as continental and world championship competitions. This comes as the federation continues its efforts to strengthen karate’s position within the Olympic movement.
Among those raising concerns is Lisa Jones, the mother of Tyler, a young English karate athlete and former member of England’s youth national kata team. Following the replacement of the English Karate Federation by the newly established ENKGB, Tyler has been unable to compete in WKF-sanctioned events. According to Sportsin, in her communication with Athlete365, Jones highlighted concerns about safeguarding and called for a review of the situation.
EKF Annual General Meeting – 2026
EKF Annual General Meeting
Despite its exclusion from the British Karate Federation, the English Karate Federation remains the largest national karate body in Britain in terms of membership.
The federation held its first Annual General Meeting since the recent tensions within British karate on 18 January this year at the Holiday Inn in Coventry. The meeting was attended by a large number of long-standing members, where it was agreed that the EKF would continue to operate as an independent federation, maintaining its existing structure and direction.
During the meeting, representatives of clubs and associations unanimously supported the decision to change the EKF’s legal status from a limited company (Ltd) to a Community Interest Company (CIC). The move was described as a positive step towards greater transparency and broader member participation in the federation’s planning and governance.
At the same AGM, EKF president Steve Coupland reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to organising open competitions across both kyu grades and elite levels, conducted in accordance with WKF rules. He also confirmed plans for 2026 to deliver a programme of educational courses and technical seminars in kihon, kata and kumite for coaches.
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