The North American Karate Federation (NAKF) was officially unveiled early this month as the presidents of the National Federations of Canada, Mexico and the United States signed the agreement to create the regional organisation.

A subcontinental chapter of the Pan American Karate Federation, the North American Karate Federation is created to increase collaboration in the region and to maximise opportunities and common interests through the organisation of tournaments, training camps, and other events, among many other goals.

The memorandum of understanding was signed by the president of the Canada Karate Federation Craig Vokey, the president of the Mexico Karate Federation Samantha Desciderio, and USA Karate Chairwoman Elisa Au during the North American Cup in Las Vegas.

The event was also attended by PKF President and WKF Vice President Jose Garcia Maañon and PKF Treasurer and WKF Executive Committee member Jose Antonio Mendez.

WKF President Antonio Espinós said about the agreement:

“The subcontinental federations are the backbone of the progress of our continental federations. We have many examples of subcontinental federations successfully elevating our sport in their areas of interest, and I am sure that the NAKF will further help raise the level of Karate in North America.

“The progress of our sport in North America has been a constant over the years, and this region is one of the areas where Karate maintains outstanding levels of popularity, especially among youngsters. I want to thank the Presidents of the Karate Federations of Canada, Mexico, and the United States for this initiative and their contribution to the development of Karate.”