The 82 karatekas from 34 countries who will compete in Karate’s Olympic debut are excited to show the world all that the sport has to offer.

From Algeria to Venezuela and Jordan to Japan, the 82 karatekas from 34 countries who will compete in Karate’s Olympic debut this 5-7 August are excited to show the world all that the sport has to offer.

In the lead-up to Tokyo 2020, the World Karate Federation (WKF) asked our Olympians what it means for them to be competing on the world’s biggest sporting stage. Answers ranged from “thrilled” to “stoked” to “proud” and “honoured,” with many adding that it was a dream come true. 

• “I am so happy that Karate is finally at the Olympics. It was a dream for all karatekas for half century.” – Turkey’s Ali Sofuoglu (Male Kata)

• “It was my dream and I guess it was the dream of all Karate athletes in the world. I hope to represent my country with all of my heart and passion and I will give my best on the tatami.” – Ukraine’s Anzhelika Terliuga (Female Kumite -55kg)

• “Having qualified for the Tokyo Olympic Games is a dream come true and I’m so excited to represent my country at the highest level possible.” – USA’s Ariel Torres (Male Kata)

• “I’m thrilled about Karate being in the Olympics, its debut in Tokyo, and I am really excited to show everyone what Karate’s all about.” – Canada’s Daniel Gaysinski (Male Kumite +75kg) 

In total, 40 women and 42 men (including two athletes from the International Olympic Committee’s Refugee Olympic Team) will compete at Tokyo 2020 – 61 in Kumite and 21 in Kata.

PERFECT PLATFORM TO SHOWCASE KARATE

All the action will take place at iconic martial arts hall Nippon Budokan, with medals being awarded on each competition day. While many of our Olympians are targeting a podium finish, some also see the Olympic Games as the perfect platform to showcase Karate for new audiences around the globe.

• “I want to show to the world how great, amazing, and spectacular Karate is!” – Spain’s Sandra Sanchez (Female Kata)

• “I can’t wait for people to discover our discipline.” – France’s Leila Heurtault (Female Kumite -61kg)

• “I want to write the history of the Italian and worldwide female Karate.” – Italy’s Silvia Semeraro (Female Kumite +61kg)

• “I will leave my heart and soul to be the best at the Olympics and continue making history.” – Peru’s Alexandra Grande (Female Kumite -61kg)

MOMENTOUS EXPERIENCE FOR JAPANESE KARATEKAS

Being a home Games, Tokyo 2020 is even more meaningful for our Japanese karatekas, who not only want to do well on a personal level, but also want the competition to be as successful – and safe – as possible under these exceptional circumstances.

• “I want to do my best to make the Olympics a success by bringing the world together.” – Japan’s Kiyou Shimizu (Female Kata)

• “Karate has been added as a new event at the Tokyo 2020 Games, so we want to win the tournament as host country athletes and show the appeal of Karate to many people in Japan and abroad.” – Japan’s Ayumi Uekusa (Female Kumite +61kg)
  
  

STRENGTH OF KARATE VALUES

The most inspiring responses we received were to the question: “What do you like most about Karate?” So many of the athletes mentioned the values of our sport, which have helped many of them shape their lives both on and off the tatami. 

• “What I love most about Karate is the etiquette and courtesy that inspires my attitude to life, as well as the confidence and sense of accomplishment it brings me.” – Chinese Taipei’s Yi-Ta Wang (Male Kata)
• “It improves self-confidence and discipline, memory and attention. In addition, Karate teaches us respect, control and patience.” – Kazakhstan’s Sofya Berultseva (Female Kumite +61kg)
• “It makes me respect people more and gives me confidence.” – Egypt’s Ali Elsawy (Male Kata)

• “Karate teaches you to fight back and achieve your goals despite the setbacks.” – Iran’s Sara Bahmanyar (Female Kumite -55kg)

• “What I love the most about Karate is the spirit, the competition, and the fair play.” – France’s Alexandra Feracci (Female Kata)

• “Karate is a gentle, passionate, and attractive competitive sport.” – China’s Gong Li (Female Kumite +61 kg)

• “I love Karate because it taught me how to strengthen myself physically and mentally.” –Republic of Korea’s Hee-jun Park (Male Kata)

• “What I love most about Karate is the values it inspires: respect, discipline, fair play and much more.” – Italy’s Viviana Bottaro (Female Kata)

• “It brings together people from all over the world with different nationalities and different cultures.” – Austria’s Bettina Plank (Female Kumite -55kg)

• “Karate allowed me to build my life, my future in Germany.” – Olympic Refugee Team’s Wael Shueb (Male Kata)
• “Karate taught me discipline, respect, hard work and made me the person I am.” – North Macedonia’s Puleksenija Jovanoska (Female Kata)

The WKF is proud of all our Olympians and pleased that they are as excited about being at Tokyo 2020 as we are. Be sure to check your local TV listings to catch all the action live!

CLICK HERE to watch the videos of Karate's Olympic athletes.