BLOG: The Importance of Strategic Partnerships

BLOG: Roy O’Kane, WUKF Chief Operating Officer, outlines the importance of our strategic partnerships. 

At the World Union of Karate-Do Federations (WUKF), we have played our part in advancing Karate on a global scale.

Our organisation is a worldwide community, enjoying our art and sport across five continents. In being the voice proclaiming “Karate for All” and ensuring equal access for everyone – the WUKF builds and maintains several strategic partnerships to ensure we can represent our membership effectively. These relationships allow us to be your champion.

Over recent years, we have made significant progress in developing and nurturing these partnerships, ensuring WUKF members have access to recognition, accreditation, and ongoing training.

One of our most recent achievements is membership of the International School Sport Federation (ISF). The organisation is based in Lausanne, recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and this collaboration reflects our dedication to empowering young athletes through Karate and integrating our sport into educational systems worldwide.

Members of the WUKF will be able to enter the 2024 ISF Gymnasiade in October, bringing over 8000 athletes from all sports to the Kingdom of Bahrain for this spectacular event, held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. This platform will allow us to showcase the talents of our athletes and demonstrate our organisation in what is known as the “Olympics of School Sport.”

Our commitment to education and development is further shown through our continued partnership with the EurEthICS Training Academy in Brussels, supported by the European Commission. Through this collaboration, we ensure that Referees and Coaches receive ongoing training and accreditation, recognised under the European Qualification Framework. We are proud a renewed agreement has recently been signed with this organisation.

Our continued membership of the European Platform for Sport Innovation (EPSI), headquartered in Brussels, solidifies our position as leaders in driving innovation and excellence in the sports industry. This affiliation enables us to stay across the latest advancements in sports practices, furthering our ability to promote Karate.

Our partnership with Uventex Labs has continued to bring improvements to our events. Uventex work with some of the biggest sports organisations in the world and we can be proud of the progress made by them and our own WUKF Support Team in this area.

In recent years, we have made significant progress. It is our job the represent those who place their membership with us. Stay tuned for more exciting developments as we continue to expand on these external partnerships and deliver for our people.