Karatekas from all over the world have demonstrated their commitment and solidarity as they have massively participated in the #WhiteCard and #ReiForApril6 campaigns. Both initiatives were created to honour the power of sport on the occasion of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace which was celebrated on April 6. 

Karatekas from all over the world have demonstrated their commitment and solidarity as they have massively participated in the #WhiteCard and #ReiForApril6 campaigns. Both initiatives were created to honour the power of sport on the occasion of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace which was celebrated on April 6.

Launched by the World Karate Federation in cooperation with Peace and Sport, the #ReiForApril6 campaign aimed at spreading a message of unity and solidarity while showcasing the particularities and the strength of the Karate values. The initiative called fans from all over the world to perform a ‘Rei’ - a traditional and formal bow used in Karate to show respect – followed by raising the White Card, as a symbol of the positive power of sport. 

Hundreds of karatekas massively joined the movement and posted their videos on their social media channels or sent them to be published on WKF’s platforms. Karate athletes of all ages, backgrounds and levels participated in the campaign thus showcasing the power of Karate values.



Many well-known faces in the Karate world also took part in the initiative. Stars such as Maria Dimitrova of the Dominican Republic, Ariel Torres of the USA, Sakura Kokumai of the USA, coaches such as Roberta Sodero of Italy or Joaquim Gonçalves of Portugal and officials such as WKF Executive Committee member Dr. Ibrahim Algannas participated in the campaign.

Peace and Sport’s Champion for Peace Fodé Ndao was also one of the leaders of the movement. Together with these figures of the sport, many Karate fans wore their karate-gis, performed their ‘Rei’ and raised their White Cards to show solidarity through sport. Additionally, around the world many karatekas took part in the #WhiteCard campaign and showed their solidarity through our sport.

Watch the full video with some of the best contributions here: