Hundreds of young Karatekas around the world are looking forward to taking part in the event that celebrates the outstanding values of Karate among youngsters to be held in Umag (Croatia) from June 27th to July 3rd.

Hundreds of young Karatekas from around the world are looking forward to taking part in the event that celebrates the outstanding values of Karate among youngsters to be held in Umag (Croatia) from June 27th to July 3rd. In addition to sharing the passion for their favourite sport, nearly a thousand participants in the 2016 WKF Youth Training Camp & Karate 1 Youth Cup will have the opportunity to learn from true legends of this discipline.

The 2016 edition of the anticipated event will present the added incentive of six outstanding instructors. Karate heroes Rafael Aghayev, Davide Benetello, Douglas Brose, Predrag Stojadinov, Rika Usami and Luca Valdesi will delight the young participants of the WKF Youth Training Camp & Karate 1 Youth Cup with their knowledge and their treasured experience as idols of the sport. They need no introduction, but here they are, the instructors of the 2016 WKF Youth Training Camp & Karate 1 Youth Cup:

Rafael Aghayev. The 31 years old Karate Star from Azerbaijan is one of the most followed and most acclaimed competitors of today’s Karate. Youngsters participating in the event in Umag will have the chance to know how the athlete nicknamed “Panther of the East” became four times World champion and ten times European winner with his trademark electric speed and his flawless technique.

Davide Benetello. One of the living legends of the sport, the former world champion and three times European gold medallist claims a magnificent career inside and outside the tatami thus becoming a household name for current Karate. WKF Executive Committee member and Chairman of the WKF Athletes Commission, the Italian Karate master who made his brand as competitor with sensational ura mawashi geri kicks will thrill youngsters with his experience, insights and charisma.



Douglas Brose. The 30 years old Brazilian Karate Star will arrive in Umag shortly after signing his fifth Pan American championship in the tournament celebrated in Rio de Janeiro. Considered by many the best Brazilian Karateka of all times, the hero from Cruz Alta will pass on his competitive nature and talent that took him to win the last two World championships to young participants in the Youth Camp. 

Predrag Stojadinov. One of the best competitors of his time in his category, the former World and European champion will provide all his knowledge after a life devoted to the sport. In addition to his successful career as Karate athlete and his impeccable technique, Stojadinov will offer his views of the sport as athlete, sensei, national head coach and federation advisor, in his multi-layered linkage to the sport.

Rika Usami. Regarded as one of the best Kata experts of all times, the 30 years old Japanese Karateka is widely remembered in the sport after her sensational gold medal in the 2012 World Championship, and the five minutes of standing ovation that she received from the 12.000 spectators in her commemorated performance in the final of the tournament. Devoted to spread the philosophy of the sport in her home country, the Tokyo-born Karate heroine will astound youngster with her unmatched and dazzling Kata skills.

Luca Valdesi. With six gold medals in World championships and 21 titles in European championships in individual and team Kata competitions under his belt, the Palermo-born Shotokan practitioner is one of the most successful Karatekas of his era. After finishing his outstanding competitive career in the sport, the five-dan black belt is creating new stars like him in many courses and stages around the world, and will offer participants in Umag his more than 30 years of experience in the sport.

Click here for more information of the 2016 WKF Youth Training Camp & Karate 1 Youth Cup.