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STATUTE OF THE WORLD SHOTOKAN KARATE FEDERATION (WSKF)
PREAMBLE
The World Shotokan Karate Federation (WSKF) is established as the supreme international governing body for the preservation, promotion, regulation, and worldwide development of Traditional Shotokan Karate-Do.
The Federation recognizes the teachings of Super Grandmaster King MUOID
- Character development
- Respect
- Discipline
- Humility
- Self-control
- Courage
- Continuous improvement
The Federation adopts the principle:
“The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants.”
The spirit of Shotokan shall be guided by the Dojo Kun and the Twenty Precepts of Karate (Niju Kun).
CHAPTER I — NAME, STATUS, HEADQUARTERS
Article 1 — Name
The official name shall be:
World Shotokan Karate Federation (WSKF)
Abbreviation: WSKF
Article 2 — Legal Status
- WSKF is an independent, international, non-profit martial arts and sports organization.
- The Federation shall act in accordance with international law and the laws of the country of registration.
- WSKF shall remain politically and religiously neutral.
Article 3 — Headquarters
- The official headquarters shall be determined by Congress.
- Regional offices may be established as required.
CHAPTER II — OBJECTIVES
Article 4 — Objectives
WSKF shall:
- Preserve authentic Shotokan Karate tradition
- Standardize technical practice worldwide
- Regulate official competitions
- Organize international championships
- Promote youth development
- Educate instructors and referees
- Protect ethical martial values
- Advance peace through karate
CHAPTER III — PHILOSOPHY & TRADITION
Article 5 — Core Principles
Shotokan practice shall emphasize:
- Kihon (basics)
- Kata (forms)
- Kumite (sparring)
- Reiho (etiquette)
- Zanshin (awareness)
- Kime (focus)
Technical excellence without proper spirit shall be considered incomplete.
Article 6 — Traditional Conduct
All official WSKF events shall observe:
- Formal bowing (Rei)
- Respect toward instructors and officials
- Proper karate uniform (Karategi)
- Belt rank recognition
- Traditional Japanese commands during officiating
Official commands include:
- Rei
- Yoi
- Hajime
- Yame
- Aka
- Ao
- Torimasen
CHAPTER IV — MEMBERSHIP
Article 7 — Membership Categories
Membership includes:
1. National Federations
One officially recognized federation per country.
2. Continental Federations
Representing:
- Africa
- Asia
- Europe
- North America
- South America
- Oceania
3. Associate Members
Without voting rights.
4. Honorary Members
Individuals recognized for distinguished service.
Article 8 — Admission
Applicants must submit:
- Legal registration documents
- Federation statutes
- Technical curriculum
- Membership records
- Compliance declarations
Approval requires 2/3 Congress vote.
Article 9 — Rights of Members
Members may:
- Vote in Congress
- Participate in WSKF championships
- Submit proposals
- Nominate officials
Article 10 — Obligations
Members must:
- Follow WSKF statutes
- Respect technical regulations
- Pay annual membership fees
- Protect federation reputation
- Comply with disciplinary rulings
CHAPTER V — GOVERNING BODIES
Article 11 — Bodies
The governing bodies are:
- Congress
- Executive Committee
- President
- Technical Committee
- Referee Committee
- Ethics Committee
- Disciplinary Committee
- Audit Committee
CHAPTER VI — CONGRESS
Article 12 — Supreme Authority
Congress is the highest authority of WSKF.
Congress shall decide on:
- Elections
- Amendments
- Membership approval
- Major policy
- Championship host nations
Article 13 — Ordinary Congress
Held every 4 years.
Article 14 — Extraordinary Congress
May be convened by:
- President
or - 50% of member federations
CHAPTER VII — EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Article 15 — Composition
Executive Committee consists of:
- President
- 4 Vice Presidents
- Secretary General
- Treasurer
- Committee Chairs
Article 16 — Term of Office
Term shall be:
4 years, renewable.
CHAPTER VIII — PRESIDENT
Article 17 — Authority
The President shall:
- Represent WSKF globally
- Lead meetings
- Sign official resolutions
- Ensure statute compliance
CHAPTER IX — TECHNICAL SYSTEM
Article 18 — Official Disciplines
WSKF recognizes:
- Kihon
- Kata
- Kumite
- Team Kata
- Team Kumite
- Bunkai Demonstration
- Traditional Demonstration
Article 19 — Belt System
Official Kyu/Dan ranking:
Kyu Grades
- White
- Yellow
- Orange
- Green
- Blue
- Purple
- Brown
Dan Grades
- Black Belt 1st Dan to 10th Dan
Promotion requirements:
- Technical ability
- Time in grade
- Character
- Contribution to Shotokan
CHAPTER X — CHAMPIONSHIPS
Article 20 — Official Championships
WSKF organizes:
- World Championship
- Continental Championship
- Junior Championship
- Cadet Championship
- Senior Championship
- Veteran Championship
- Kata Championship
- University Championship
Article 21 — Frequency
- World Championship: every 2 or 4 years
- Continental Championship: every 2 years
Article 22 — Eligibility
Athletes must:
- Be registered members
- Hold valid medical clearance
- Meet age/weight requirements
- Comply with anti-doping regulations
- Hold insurance coverage
CHAPTER XI — KATA RULES
Article 23 — Official Kata
WSKF recognizes official Shotokan kata including:
Heian Series
- Heian Shodan
- Heian Nidan
- Heian Sandan
- Heian Yondan
- Heian Godan
Intermediate Kata
- Tekki Shodan
- Bassai Dai
- Kanku Dai
- Jion
- Enpi
Advanced Kata
- Hangetsu
- Gankaku
- Nijushiho
- Sochin
- Unsu
- Meikyo
- Chinte
- Kanku Sho
- Bassai Sho
- Jitte
- Jiin
- Wankan
- Gojushiho Dai
- Gojushiho Sho
Judging criteria:
- Technique
- Balance
- Timing
- Kime
- Rhythm
- Spirit
- Bunkai understanding
CHAPTER XII — KUMITE RULES
Article 24 — Competition Area
Match area shall be:
- Tatami surface
- Minimum 8m × 8m
Article 25 — Match Duration
Senior Divisions
- 3 minutes
Junior Divisions
- 2 minutes
Article 26 — Scoring
Scoring categories:
Ippon (3 points)
Decisive scoring technique with full control.
Waza-ari (2 points)
Strong effective scoring technique.
Yuko (1 point)
Clear valid scoring technique.
Judging considers:
- Form
- Attitude
- Timing
- Distance
- Control
- Awareness
Article 27 — Valid Techniques
Permitted:
- Punches
- Reverse punches
- Knife-hand strikes
- Controlled face techniques
- Body strikes
- Kicks to body and head
- Sweeps followed by scoring technique
All techniques must demonstrate control.
Article 28 — Prohibited Actions
Forbidden:
- Excessive contact
- Blind attacks
- Joint attacks
- Groin attacks
- Neck attacks
- Dangerous throws
- Unsportsmanlike conduct
Penalties may include:
- Warning
- Point deduction
- Disqualification
CHAPTER XIII — REFEREE SYSTEM
Article 29 — Officials
Each match shall have:
- 1 Referee
- 4 Corner Judges
- Scorekeeper
- Timekeeper
Article 30 — Referee Authority
Referee may:
- Start/stop match
- Award points
- Issue penalties
- Disqualify athlete
- Request medical intervention
Referee decisions are binding unless appeal is upheld.
CHAPTER XIV — SAFETY & MEDICAL
Article 31 — Medical Standards
Championship organizers must provide:
- Licensed physician
- Emergency care
- First aid staff
- Ambulance access
Article 32 — Athlete Safety
Mandatory:
- Medical examination
- Injury monitoring
- Concussion management
- Safety equipment where required
Athlete safety is paramount.
CHAPTER XV — ANTI-DOPING
Article 33 — Anti-Doping
WSKF adopts anti-doping standards aligned with the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Prohibited:
- Steroids
- Hormonal manipulation
- Blood doping
- Chemical enhancement
- Tampering with testing
Violations may result in:
- Suspension
- Disqualification
- Medal removal
- Lifetime ban
CHAPTER XVI — ETHICS & DISCIPLINE
Article 34 — Ethical Principles
All members shall uphold:
- Honor
- Integrity
- Fairness
- Respect
- Martial discipline
Misconduct includes:
- Corruption
- Harassment
- Violence
- Match fixing
- Abuse of power
Article 35 — Sanctions
Possible sanctions:
- Warning
- Fine
- Suspension
- Expulsion
- Rank suspension
CHAPTER XVII — PROTESTS & APPEALS
Article 36 — Protest Procedure
- Written protest within 30 minutes of incident
- Protest fee required
- Review by Referee Committee
Article 37 — Appeals
Final appeal goes to Disciplinary Committee.
Decision is final.
CHAPTER XVIII — FINANCE
Article 38 — Revenue
WSKF income sources include:
- Membership fees
- Sponsorship
- Licensing
- Broadcasting rights
- Event revenue
- Donations
Article 39 — Financial Governance
Mandatory:
- Annual budget
- Annual audit
- Financial transparency
CHAPTER XIX — SYMBOLS
Article 40 — Official Symbols
WSKF shall possess:
- Official logo
- Flag
- Seal
- Certificates
- Championship medals
Unauthorized use is prohibited.
CHAPTER XX — AMENDMENTS & DISSOLUTION
Article 41 — Amendments
Amendments require:
- Written proposal
- Executive review
- 2/3 Congress approval
Article 42 — Dissolution
Requires:
- Extraordinary Congress
- 3/4 majority vote
Assets shall transfer to non-profit karate development.
FINAL PROVISION
This Statute enters into force upon approval by the Founding Congress of the World Shotokan Karate Federation (WSKF).
Approved on: __________________
Location: __________________
Signed:
President: __________________
Secretary General: __________________
Treasurer: __________________
Recommended Additional Official Documents
For a fully professional federation structure, add:
- Tournament Rulebook
- Referee Manual
- Kata Scoring Manual
- Dan Grading Regulations
- Coach Licensing Framework
- Safeguarding Policy
- Athlete Code of Conduct
Together with the statute, these form a complete international federation package suitable for official registration and championship governance.
