The World Karate Federation mourns the passing of Portuguese Karate legend Raul Augusto Queiroz da Mota Cerveira at the age of 76.

The World Karate Federation mourns the passing of Portuguese Karate legend Raul Augusto Queiroz da Mota Cerveira at the age of 76.

Born in Lisbon (Portugal) in 1944, Raul Augusto Queiroz da Mota Cerveira founded the Portuguese Karate-do Association in 1980 and the national federation of Karate and associated disciplines in 1985. Considered the pioneer of the modality in the country, the Karate master launched the united national federation in 1992, heading the organisation from 1992 to 1993, and from 2001 to 2007.

Raul Augusto Queiroz da Mota Cerveira was regarded as one of the fathers of the sport in the country. Black Belt 5th-Dan in Shotokai, Raul Augusto Queiroz da Mota Cerveira was the first person to receive the title of “Master of Karate” by the Portuguese government.

The thoughts of the WKF and entire Karate Family are with Raul Augusto Queiroz da Mota Cerveira’s family and friends, as well as the entire Portuguese Karate community at this difficult time.