A seminar of the Guardian Girls Karate Programme was held in Olbia, Italy as part of the ongoing global expansion of the Karate project against Gender-Based Violence. Organised by the Italian Federation of Judo, Wrestling, Karate, and Martial Arts (FIJLKAM the activity was held in conjunction with the 2024 Mediterranean Karate Championships and brought together dozens of women from the region to learn tools to defend themselves against situations of gender-based violence.

The seminar was led by Cinzia Colaiacomo, Italy’s Guardian Girls instructor. Colaiacomo, who is also an Executive Committee member of the Mediterranean Karate Federation Union (MKFU) earned her Guardian Girls instructor certification at the course held in Madrid last December.  The event had the attendance of the President of the World Karate Federation (WKF) Antonio Espinós, the President of the Karate Sector of FIJLKAM and WKF Executive Committee member Davide Benetello, the President of the Mediterranean Karate Federation Union (MKFU) and WKF Vice President Bechir Cherif, the MKFU Secretary General Andreas Vasileiou, and the EKF General Secretary and MKFU Vice President Davor Cipek.

The Guardian Girls Karate Programme is an international initiative that promotes gender equality and women's empowerment through Karate. It was established by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Koyamada International Foundation (KIF), and the World Karate Federation (WKF). The project seeks to combat all forms of gender-based violence by teaching women self-defence through Karate, while also raising awareness about gender equality.

WKF President Antonio Espinós said:

“I want to sincerely thank FIJLKAM and President Davide Benetello for their dedication to expanding the reach of the Guardian Girls Karate Programme, which is core to our mission at the WKF. The programme showcases the many values of Karate, such as discipline, respect, and empowerment. After a highly successful first year, the Guardian Girls project has entered its expansion phase, and we hope that many more National Federations will follow the example set by the Italian Federation in organising seminars like this one here in Olbia."

This seminar in Sardinia is part of the project’s broader expansion following its successful first year, during which it was introduced worldwide. The Guardian Girls Global Karate Project continues to inspire women around the world by offering them tools against violence and inequality.

Top picture: Karate officials headed by WKF President Antonio Espinós and the President of the Karate Sector of FIJLKAM and WKF Executive Committee member Davide Benetello pose with the organisers of the seminar in Olbia.

From left to right: The President of the Mediterranean Karate Federation Union (MKFU) and WKF Vice President Bechir Cherif, the President of the Karate Sector of FIJLKAM and WKF Executive Committee member Davide Benetello, the President of the World Karate Federation (WKF) Antonio Espinós, the EKF General Secretary and MKFU Vice President Davor Cipek, and MKFU Secretary General Andreas Vasileiou.

Guardian Girls Instructor Cinzia Colaiacomo led the seminar in Olbia.

An Italian Kata team gave a demonstration of skills during the seminar.