Millions of fans around the world cheered, teared up and burst with joy when IOC President Thomas Bach said the words that would forever change the history of Karate. “This proposal is unanimously approved. Congratulations to Tokyo 2020. This is a milestone in the innovation of the Olympic programme,” declared Mr. Bach once that the 129th Session of the IOC decided to include Karate in Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Millions of fans around the world cheered, teared up and burst with joy when IOC President Thomas Bach said the words that would forever change the history of Karate. “This proposal is unanimously approved. Congratulations to Tokyo 2020. This is a milestone in the innovation of the Olympic programme,” declared Mr. Bach once that the 129th Session of the IOC decided to include Karate in Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The date August, 3rd 2016 will remain forever in the memory of the Karate family. In the commemoration of one month after the historic day, enthusiasts, athletes and officials alike have the opportunity to relive the events that led to the history-changing moments in Rio de Janeiro.

Dreams do come true

“It is an incredible day for Karate. It is a moment of great joy and it will be on our minds forever,” declared WKF President Antonio Espinós right after the announcement of the IOC Session. The words by the head of the international organization epitomized the feeling shared by each one of the members of the Karate family and condensed the memorable days lived in the Brazilian city.



Cloudy skies and the imposing figure of Christ the Redeemer welcomed the WKF delegation headed by President Antonio Espinós and General Secretary Toshihisa Nagura in Rio de Janeiro. When the representatives of the World Karate Federation landed in Brazil three days before the moment of the decision, a general sense of excitement and anticipation run through the hopeful team of WKF officials in the iconic host city of the 2016 Olympic Games.

Upon their arrival to the Brazilian city, the WKF leaders continued the constant of their days and months ahead of the historic date: many meetings and negotiations for the progress and bright future of the ancient discipline.

“The previous days, since I arrived in Rio until the decision of the IOC, were moments of a sustained tension. We spent these days talking with a lot of people, listening to different opinions and always feeling the weight of the amazing expectation in the whole world of Karate. The anticipation ahead of the decision of the IOC could be felt and seen at all times,” declared WKF President Antonio Espinós.

One day to the big moment

With barely 24 hours to the big day, efforts intensified in Rio de Janeiro and tension grew among Karate fans around the world. Enthusiasts worldwide showed their support for Karate in its Olympic quest in the hours ahead of the decision, and took social media to showcase Karate’s impact in their lives.

In fact, hundreds of fans of the ancient discipline demonstrated their passion for Karate and their excitement for the historic events in Rio de Janeiro by participating in the successful WKF’s “Say Oss” campaign. Dressed in their best Karate-gis, performing their favorite tsuki or geri, or celebrating Karate with friends in their dojos, passionate fans gave the encouragement that the sport needed through hundreds of pictures and videos, which were published in WKF’s social media channels. It was an outstanding display of worldwide support for the ancient discipline.

Not only fans stated their impressive and global assistance. Karate Stars around the world followed the events with anticipation and emotion, and expressed their excitement for the prospects of becoming Olympic athletes. The prime example of Karate Stars’ engagement in the Olympic quest was personified in the figure of Douglas Brose.

The Brazilian World Champion travelled the nearly 700 miles, or 1100 kilometres from his hometown in Florianopolis in southern Brazil to Rio de Janeiro to live firsthand Karate’s Olympic dream. Filled with hopes and excitement, the 30 years-old local idol not only spearheaded Karate Stars’ support but also represented every Karateka around the world in their hopefulness.



“I am very happy and very excited that the decision is to be taken in my country, in Brazil. I keep my fingers crossed and I hope that we will see Karate in Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games,” said enthusiastic Brose hours ahead of the verdict.

Meanwhile, hopeful WKF President Antonio Espinós and General Secretary Toshihisa Nagura continued representing Karate in the 129th IOC Session and waited with anticipation to the historic events, as they called for optimism and positivism.

“We hope that our most important mission will be accomplished. Karate was born in Japan and spread all over the world and (if the decision is ratified) Karate will become Olympic in the same place of its birth,” said Japan’s Toshihisa Nagura before the key moments.

“Everyone is expecting this decision. After so many years and such a long process, we think that finally we will be able to give very good news to the world of Karate,” declared WKF President Antonio Espinós.

Karate is in the Olympic Games!

August 3rd came, and the family of Karate held their breath. It was early afternoon in Rio de Janeiro when the IOC Session began their discussions on the programme of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

After deliberations and voting, the 129th Session of the International Olympic Committee unanimously decided to include Karate in Tokyo 2020.

Then, the world of Karate broke out in unison of joy. Celebrations erupted in national federations members around the world where gatherings had been called up to follow the decision. Fans took social media to express their happiness for the historic moment. In Rio de Janeiro WKF President Antonio Espinós and General Secretary Toshihisa Nagura received compliments from IOC members and representatives of different international federations. Even the president of Tokyo 2020 organising committee Yoshiro Mori and the rest of the TOCOG delegation took a moment to share the joy with Mr. Espinós and Mr. Nagura. Douglas Brose who was attending the decision from the convention centre where the IOC Session was taking place broke into tears; with emotions taking over him, the main Brazilian media outlets rushed to interview live the World and Pan American champion. Brazilian Karate Federation president Luiz Carlos Cardoso who also followed the decision in the convention centre proudly conversed with local sport authorities.



“To all Karate fans I tell you: you have been the secret of our success and I encourage you to keep on supporting our sport. Believe me, you are so many, and so true, and with your help we will achieve a good participation in Tokyo 2020 and a continuation in 2024 and beyond. Thank you for all your support,” said WKF President Antonio Espinós after the decision.

“To be Olympic sport has been our dream for so long, and now it comes true. For all WKF family this is a great moment. We are a great team and I am so pleased to be a part of this outstanding WKF Olympic team,” added WKF General Secretary Toshihisa Nagura.

After the decision, a media briefing was held with the participation IOC Spokesman Mark Adams; IOC Sports Director Kit McConnell and the five presidents of the new sports for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games including WKF President Antonio Espinós.

“We would like to thank the organising committee of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games because without them it would have been impossible for us to be here. And many thanks to IOC President Thomas Bach because we are only here for his Olympic Agenda. We will work as much as we can since we have the vocation to be Olympic sport,” said WKF President Antonio Espinós during the briefing.



Time to celebrate

Once that the ceremonial events were finished, it was time to celebrate. The representatives of the WKF in Rio de Janeiro all gathered in a nearby restaurant in Barra de Tijuca to toast for the historic moment.

A table full of glowing faces symbolized Karate’s joy. WKF President Antonio Espinós and General Secretary Toshihisa Nagura headed the celebrations, and many members of Karate family also attended the event as they did not want to miss the chance to see history in the making. Together with Karate Star Douglas Brose and Brazilian Karate Federation president Luiz Carlos Cardoso, French Karate Federation president Francis Didier; Peru Karate Federation president Pedro del Rosario, among others participated in the celebrations.



Karate fans worldwide flooded social media with messages of joy; the main stars of the sport also took the opportunity to express their delight for the decision.

“I am very happy that Karate is Olympic sport. Our dream came true. Many thanks to all those who made this happen, we will never forget this and we would like to contribute to make Tokyo 2020 successful Olympic Games,” said Japan’s Ryutaro Araga, while Antonio Diaz of Venezuela stated: “Finally Karate is Olympic Sport. I think Karate deserved it many years ago, but we never gave up and we continued trying to be in the Olympic programme.”

“This decision will have a huge influence and resonance in many countries, federations, and ordinary people like me, my coach, my friends. This decision means new challenges to all of us. Together we are Karate, so let’s stay together,” declared Ukraine’s Stanislav Horuna, while Italy’s Stefano Maniscalco said: “It is a wonderful day for us because Karate, my passion, my job, and my life was included in Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. It has been my dream since I was a child and now it came true.”

While many messages of congratulations kept coming in the WKF headquarters, joyful WKF representatives in Rio de Janeiro took the way back home with a complete sense of accomplishment.

Thirty days later, the echoes of the sensational moments still persist in those who lived them, and for many, the images of the history-changing day will remain forever in their memories. The world of Karate is now ready to face the fascinating new landscape for this ancient discipline and to start enjoying the joy of seeing dreams coming true.