STATUTE OF THE WORLD SPORT KARATE-DO FEDERATION (WSKDF)
PREAMBLE
The World Sport Karate-Do Federation (WSKDF) is established as the supreme international governing body for the regulation, promotion, development, and governance of Sport Karate-Do throughout the world.
The Federation recognizes Sport Karate-Do as a modern competitive discipline rooted in traditional Karate-Do values and dedicated to:
- Excellence
- Respect
- Discipline
- Fair Play
- Integrity
- Self-Control
- Courage
- International Friendship
WSKDF affirms that competition is a means to develop character, skill, and sportsmanship.
The Federation adopts the principle:
Victory with honor, defeat with dignity, and progress through discipline.
CHAPTER I — NAME, STATUS, HEADQUARTERS
Article 1 — Name
The official name shall be:
World Sport Karate-Do Federation (WSKDF)
Abbreviation: WSKDF
Article 2 — Legal Status
- WSKDF is an independent international non-profit sports federation.
- The Federation shall operate under international law and the laws of the country of registration.
- WSKDF shall remain politically, ethnically, and religiously neutral.
- All discrimination is prohibited.
Article 3 — Headquarters
- Headquarters shall be determined by Congress.
- Continental offices may be established by Executive Committee decision.
CHAPTER II — OBJECTIVES
Article 4 — Objectives
WSKDF shall:
- Promote Sport Karate-Do globally
- Regulate international competition
- Standardize competition rules
- Organize championships and leagues
- Develop athletes, coaches, and officials
- Maintain fair play and ethics
- Encourage youth participation
- Advance sports science and athlete safety
CHAPTER III — SPORT KARATE-DO PRINCIPLES
Article 5 — Fundamental Principles
Sport Karate-Do shall be based upon:
- Technical excellence
- Tactical intelligence
- Respect
- Control
- Discipline
- Safety
- Sportsmanship
Competition shall preserve the spirit of Karate-Do while ensuring modern sports governance.
Article 6 — Official Conduct
All official WSKDF events shall observe:
- Bowing before and after matches
- Respect toward referees and officials
- Proper karategi and equipment
- Sportsmanlike conduct
- Official competition protocol
Official commands include:
- Rei
- Hajime
- Yame
- Aka
- Ao
- Kachi
- Torimasen
CHAPTER IV — MEMBERSHIP
Article 7 — Membership Categories
Membership consists of:
1. National Federations
One recognized federation per country.
2. Continental Federations
Representing:
- Africa
- Asia
- Europe
- North America
- South America
- Oceania
3. Associate Members
Limited rights.
4. Honorary Members
Recognized for exceptional service.
Article 8 — Admission
Applicants must submit:
- Legal registration
- Statutes
- Technical regulations
- Membership records
- Compliance declarations
Admission requires 2/3 Congress approval.
Article 9 — Rights of Members
Members may:
- Vote in Congress
- Participate in championships
- Nominate candidates
- Submit proposals
Article 10 — Duties of Members
Members must:
- Follow WSKDF statutes
- Respect competition rules
- Pay membership fees
- Protect federation reputation
- Accept disciplinary decisions
CHAPTER V — GOVERNING BODIES
Article 11 — Governing Bodies
WSKDF governing bodies:
- Congress
- Executive Committee
- President
- Technical Committee
- Sports Committee
- Referee Committee
- Ranking Committee
- Ethics Committee
- Disciplinary Committee
- Audit Committee
CHAPTER VI — CONGRESS
Article 12 — Supreme Authority
Congress is the highest authority.
It decides on:
- Elections
- Amendments
- Membership approval
- Strategic policy
- Championship hosts
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
Term of office:
4 years, renewable.
CHAPTER VIII — PRESIDENT
Article 17 — Authority
The President shall:
- Represent WSKDF internationally
- Chair meetings
- Execute resolutions
- Sign official decisions
- Ensure statute compliance
CHAPTER IX — DISCIPLINES
Article 18 — Official Competition Disciplines
WSKDF recognizes:
- Individual Kata
- Team Kata
- Bunkai
- Individual Kumite
- Team Kumite
- Sport Self-Defense Demonstration
- Para-Karate
- Mixed Team Events
Article 19 — Divisions
Competition divisions may include:
- Cadet
- Junior
- U21
- Senior
- Veteran
- Para-athlete
Weight categories shall be defined by official rulebook.
CHAPTER X — CHAMPIONSHIPS
Article 20 — Official Championships
WSKDF organizes:
- World Championship
- Continental Championship
- Youth Championship
- University Championship
- Club Championship
- Ranking Series
- Grand Prix
- World Cup
Article 21 — Frequency
- World Championship: every 2 years
- Continental Championship: every 2 years
- Ranking events: annual
Article 22 — Eligibility
Athletes must:
- Be registered with member federation
- Hold medical clearance
- Meet age/weight rules
- Hold insurance
- Meet anti-doping requirements
CHAPTER XI — KATA RULES
Article 23 — Kata Competition
Kata judging criteria:
- Technical performance
- Balance
- Timing
- Rhythm
- Kime
- Power
- Athleticism
- Spirit
Kata may be scored by points or elimination system.
CHAPTER XII — KUMITE RULES
Article 24 — Competition Area
Official competition area:
- Tatami
- Minimum 8m × 8m with safety zone
Article 25 — Match Duration
Senior
- 3 minutes
Junior
- 2 minutes
Team final extensions allowed.
Article 26 — Scoring System
Scoring values:
Ippon — 3 points
High-value decisive scoring technique
Waza-ari — 2 points
Strong effective technique
Yuko — 1 point
Valid scoring technique
Criteria include:
- Good form
- Sporting attitude
- Vigor
- Awareness
- Timing
- Distance
- Control
Article 27 — Valid Techniques
Allowed:
- Controlled punches
- Controlled face techniques
- Body strikes
- Kicks to body/head
- Sweeps
- Legal takedowns with immediate scoring
Article 28 — Prohibited Techniques
Forbidden:
- Excessive contact
- Dangerous attacks
- Eye attacks
- Groin attacks
- Joint attacks
- Neck attacks
- Deliberate stalling
- Unsportsmanlike conduct
Sanctions:
- Warning
- Penalty
- Disqualification
CHAPTER XIII — RANKING SYSTEM
Article 29 — World Rankings
WSKDF shall maintain official athlete rankings.
Ranking points awarded through:
- World Championship
- Continental events
- Grand Prix
- Ranking tournaments
Article 30 — Seeding
Rankings determine:
- Tournament seeding
- Qualification
- Championship placement
CHAPTER XIV — OFFICIATING
Article 31 — Officials
Each match requires:
- 1 Referee
- 4 Corner Judges
- Timekeeper
- Scorekeeper
- Video Review Official (optional)
Article 32 — Referee Authority
Referee may:
- Start/stop match
- Award points
- Penalize violations
- Disqualify athletes
- Request medical intervention
CHAPTER XV — EDUCATION & LICENSING
Article 33 — Certification
WSKDF shall certify:
- Coaches
- Referees
- Judges
- Technical officials
- Tournament directors
Licenses require periodic renewal.
Article 34 — Education Programs
WSKDF organizes:
- Coaching courses
- Referee seminars
- Athlete development camps
- Technical congresses
CHAPTER XVI — MEDICAL & SAFETY
Article 35 — Medical Requirements
Organizers must provide:
- Licensed physician
- First aid
- Emergency response
- Ambulance access
Article 36 — Athlete Safety
Mandatory:
- Medical checks
- Injury protocol
- Concussion management
- Protective equipment where required
Athlete welfare is priority.
CHAPTER XVII — ANTI-DOPING
Article 37 — Anti-Doping Policy
WSKDF adopts standards aligned with the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Prohibited:
- Steroids
- Blood doping
- Hormonal manipulation
- Chemical enhancement
- Test tampering
Violations may result in:
- Suspension
- Disqualification
- Medal stripping
- Lifetime ban
CHAPTER XVIII — ETHICS & DISCIPLINE
Article 38 — Ethics
All members shall uphold:
- Integrity
- Fairness
- Respect
- Honor
- Sportsmanship
Misconduct includes:
- Corruption
- Harassment
- Match fixing
- Fraud
- Abuse
- Violence outside competition
Article 39 — Sanctions
Possible sanctions:
- Warning
- Fine
- Suspension
- Expulsion
- License revocation
CHAPTER XIX — PROTESTS & APPEALS
Article 40 — Protest Procedure
- Written protest within 30 minutes
- Protest fee required
- Review by Referee Committee
Article 41 — Appeals
Final appeals go to Disciplinary Committee.
Decision is final.
CHAPTER XX — FINANCE
Article 42 — Revenue Sources
WSKDF income sources:
- Membership fees
- Sponsorship
- Licensing
- Event revenue
- Broadcasting rights
- Donations
Article 43 — Financial Governance
Mandatory:
- Annual budget
- Annual audit
- Financial transparency
CHAPTER XXI — SYMBOLS
Article 44 — Official Symbols
WSKDF shall maintain:
- Official emblem
- Flag
- Seal
- Certificates
- Medals
- Championship trophies
Unauthorized use prohibited.
CHAPTER XXII — AMENDMENTS & DISSOLUTION
Article 45 — Amendments
Amendments require:
- Written proposal
- Executive review
- 2/3 Congress approval
Article 46 — Dissolution
Requires:
- Extraordinary Congress
- 3/4 majority vote
Assets transfer to non-profit martial arts development.
FINAL PROVISION
This Statute enters into force upon approval by the Founding Congress of the World Sport Karate-Do Federation (WSKDF).
Approved on: __________________
Location: __________________
Signed:
President: __________________
Secretary General: __________________
Treasurer: __________________
Recommended Additional Official Documents
To complete a fully professional international sport federation package, add:
- Competition Rulebook
- Referee & Video Review Manual
- World Ranking Regulations
- Athlete Licensing Regulations
- Coach Certification System
- Safeguarding Policy
- Championship Hosting Standards
This would give WSKDF a complete governance and competition framework suitable for global championship operations.

