Nearly 500 Karate judges from around the world gathered in Fujairah for the official Referee Briefing of the 2025 Karate 1-Youth League, showcasing the continued growth and high standards of refereeing within the sport of karate.

The meeting was managed by WKF Referee Commission Chairman Javier Escalante and was chaired by WKF President Antonio Espinós alongside UAE Karate Federation President, AKF President, and WKF Vice President Major General Nasser Alrazooqi. The event served as an essential platform to review the latest updates in refereeing and to standardize judging criteria, ensuring the continued progress of refereeing at WKF events.

WKF President Antonio Espinós emphasised the importance of an efficient refereeing body, stating, “An effective and consistent judging system is crucial for karate to reach the heights we aim for. Events like the Karate 1-Youth League in Fujairah are fundamental to enhancing the quality of refereeing at WKF events. We deeply appreciate the dedication of WKF Referee Commission Chairman Javier Escalante for his leadership and extend our heartfelt gratitude to Major General Nasser Alrazooqi for his exceptional hospitality and support in hosting this significant gathering, and for providing the perfect conditions for this outstanding event.”

The referee briefing not only reinforced the commitment to maintaining high standards of judging but also highlighted the collaborative spirit within the international karate community. As the excellence of Karate events continues growing, the WKF strives to prioritize quality in officiating, ensuring a fair and inspiring competitive environment for athletes worldwide.

(Top picture: WKF President Antonio Espinós addresses the audience of referees)

UAE Karate Federation President, AKF President, and WKF Vice President Major General Nasser Alrazooqi thanked the referees for their dedication and for attending the event in Fujairah.

WKF Referee Commission chairman Javier Escalante.

WKF President Antonio Espinós, UAE Karate Federation President and AKF President Major General Nasser Alrazooqi, WKF Referee Commission chairman Javier Escalante, and WKF Executive Committee member Rashid Al Ali pose with all the referees participating in the event.