The big celebration of Youth Karate is set to start in Umag (Croatia) in an event that is expected to break all participation records. The remarkable effect that Karate has on young ages is showcased in the highly anticipated tenth edition of the WKF Youth Training Camp and Karate 1 Youth Cup. 

The big celebration of Youth Karate is set to start in Umag (Croatia) in an event that is expected to break all participation records. The remarkable effect that Karate has in young ages will be showcased in the highly anticipated tenth edition of the WKF Youth Training Camp and Karate 1 Youth Cup. 

No less than 2500 young karatekas from 69 countries are registered to participate at the 2017 WKF Youth Training Camp and Karate 1 Youth Cup to be held in Umag (Croatia) from June 26 to July 2. This tally represents an outstanding increase with previous editions, as over a thousand competitors from 53 nations took part at the event in 2016 and over 500 youngsters from 30 countries travelled to Umag in 2015. This increment further demonstrates Karate’s development worldwide. 

Youngsters aged 10 to 20 from all five continents will be represented in Umag thus stating Karate’s universality. Out of the 69 nations participating at the event, Italy present the largest delegation with 329 athletes. Hosts of Croatia, with 222 youngsters and Russia with 182 promising karatekas on site will also have numerous representations in Umag. 

FIRST-CLASS INSTRUCTORS IN UMAG

The first part of the massive event will be dedicated to the WKF Training Camp. During three days, youngsters will have the opportunity to learn and improve their skills with some of the best karatekas in the world and some of the biggest legends of the sport.  The line-up of instructors for this edition matches the relevance of the event and some of the most admired heroes of the modality will spread their knowledge in Umag. 

Karate legend, former world champion and current WKF Athletes Commission Chairman Davide Benetello headlines the list of instructors. One of the most revered Kata competitors of all times, Luca Valdesi will also participate in the event, just as two former world champions who made an era in Kumite, Predrag Stojadinov and Junior Lefevre. 

Meanwhile, two of the most followed competitors of today’s Karate will cause a sensation among youngsters. Two-time world champion in Kumite Douglas Brose of Brazil and two-time world champion Antonio Diaz in Kata will show the new generations the keys to success. 

The list of instructors is completed by Ukraine’s fan favourite Stanislav Horuna. The current European Champion silver medallist will demonstrate his abilities and state his impressive conditions in the kumite training sessions. The Ukrainian ace replaces Rafael Aghayev who will be absent due to injury. 

JUNIOR COMPETITORS WITH THEIR EYES SET ON BUENOS AIRES 2018 

The relevance of the event taking place in Umag next week is even more striking as the competition in Junior categories will be qualifying for the Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018. The athletes participating in the Kumite Junior categories will aim at earning the points so to get the best position in the ranking in order to win the tickets to the Youth Olympic Games next year. 

The WKF Youth Cup takes place from Friday to Sunday as the upcoming stars of the sport will be crowned in the 87 categories at stake. The event in Umag will be the perfect opportunity to see in action the real future of Karate, as young karatekas from 10 to 20 years old will showcase their abilities in the Croatian city. 

The WKF Training Camp and Karate1 Youth Cup is set to become one of the highlights of the year in the world of Karate and one event to remember.