Karate 2020 Olympics

From Sport Karate Illustrated, May 2016: -By Bill Viola Jr.

Judo made its Olympic debut in 1964, Tae Kwon Do in 2000. Karate, however, has yet to make an appearance. Although poised, seemingly forever, karate has been rejected by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on three separate occasions; Beijing, London and Rio games. Why- oh-why has karate been shutout from the Olympic stage for so long? Long story short: Politics. Who is to say what style of karate is best? Compound that problem with egos attached to those styles and well… you can see why we have been absent.

I personally grew up amidst the Olympic hubbub of the 80s and 90s as my father was a regional director for the USA Karate Federation (then National Governing Body for Karate under the US Olympic Committee and member of the World Union of Karate-Do Organizations (WUKO). Excitement mounted as my family was invited to the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, Korea for Tae Kwon Do’s inaugural demonstration. Back then, the “talk” was karate is next! Naturally, our dojo jumped at the opportunity and churned out numerous USA Team members who traveled the globe in quest of Olympic status (none more prolific than Doug Selchan, America’s most dominant Kumite Champion of the era). WUKO sat in the driver’s seat speeding toward an Olympic dream—one that ultimately sputtered. Sadly, every four years the hype train rolled into the United States with all its fanfare and visions of Olympic rings, and time and time again left us holding broken promises. The base was disheartened.

Many, including myself, grew weary of the power struggle and drifted away until Tokyo was announced as the home for the 2020 Olympics. The IOC gives the host city influence in nominating additional sports, so karate with its roots in Okinawa, rose as a top contender shortlisted among four other candidates including sports climbing, surfing, skateboarding, and a combined bid of baseball and softball. A final decision will be taken at the 129th IOC Session in Rio in August 2016.

Just as Korea positioned Tae Kwon Do as an exhibition, collectively we cross our fingers that Japan will carry the same weight for karate as it did for Judo in the 1960s. The World Karate Federation (WKF), the successor to WUKO, has positioned itself under the IOC to make history. Its groundbreaking news I’ve waited over thirty years to witness. I sat down with some WKF competitors to hear their thoughts: USANKF TEAM MEMBERS: Kieran Tamondong: “Having karate in the Olympics gives kids like me an ultimate goal.” Adrian Galvan: “Amazing, it’s the biggest stage.” Ariel Torres: “I’m honored to be a part of the movement.” Marissa Meandro, Karate Canada Team Member: “Each tournament is an experience that will hopefully lead to the Olympics.”

The Kumite Classic May 27-28^th is a National Qualifier for the USANKF. Now is your chance to try out Olympic-style competition. More info: www.kumiteclassic.com/usankf

Bill Viola Jr. is a Pittsburgh based martial arts promoter, author and producer of the Annual Kumite Classic. He is the head instructor at Allegheny Shotokan Karate (member of the USANKF) founded by his father Bill Viola Sr. in 1969.

Traditional Karate Kumite makes a bid for the 2020 Olympics. Bookmakers are publishing the first rankings of IOC shortlisted sports seeking inclusion in the 2020 Olympic Games program. According to these lists, Karate is the leading bid far before squash and baseball.

Breaking news… Karate is the odds-on favorite to make the 2020 Olympics!

Karate is 1/2 to win the nomination ahead of squash at evens, baseball and softball at 5/4, wushu at 5/2, roller sports 8/1, sports climbing 10/1 and wakeboard 10/1. via British Bookmaker William Hill.

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Karate officials claim that there is now more than 50 million participants worldwide who practice the sport.

KARATE IS A POPULAR COMBAT SPORT – Leader among sports federations and practitioners. Leader in broadcasting and media communication. When combat sport is mentioned, KARATE immediately jumps to mind.
KARATE BUILDS SOCIAL INTEGRATION – Lifelong practice of humility, mutual respect, rejection of violence, physical health and emotional control ensures that KARATE practitioners become good role models and ethical citizens.
KARATE IS FOR ALL – Karate is integrative, practiced worldwide in all cultures and nations. Disability is not an obstacle and a specific body type is not required.
Social Integration – One of the key elements that defines Karate is respect for others. Practitioners consider themselves equal whatever their social or economisc background, culture, language or gender may be.
Fairness and Humility – Karate practitioners are noble; not only do they learn to see the sport as a competition, they also consider it a lifelong practice in wich all are equal and help each other attain their goals.
Physical and Mental Balance – Karate practice teaches control of agressiveness and violence, overcoming shyness and improving confidence. Psychomotor capacity is improved through coordination of movement, synchronisation and reflexes.
Rejection of violence – Practising Karate implies learning to control one’s strength. This sport penalises contact. Violence is not part of Karate.
Overcoming Difficulties – Karate provides the will to overcome and to respect others. Practising Karate strengthens the spirit wich prepares people to deal with obstacles and difficulties in everyday life.