As Karate continues its relentless progress, the WKF this past weekend conducted a high-level test in Italy to evaluate the impact and efficiency of the innovations in the judging of Karate events.

Organised by the WKF in cooperation with the Italian Karate Federation, the test aimed at reviewing the development of the project to introduce joysticks in refereeing and reorganise the penalties system in Kumite.

One of the most ground-breaking innovations in Karate, the WKF hopes to replace the flags with joysticks in Kumite competitions by early next year.

The introduction of joysticks upgrades the presentation of Karate events as this technological improvement facilities the application of the competition rules while contributing to a better understanding and a better showcase of the sport on TV.   

WKF Referee Commission chairman Javier Escalante instructs the referees and participants in the activity.

Moreover, the reorganization of the penalties system in Kumite was also tested. The WKF aims to substitute the current configuration of the penalties in Kumite with a single family of sanctions.

The test session was held in Italy, and it was headed by the WKF Executive Vice President and chairman of the WKF Rules and Ranking Commission Gunnar Nordahl, WKF Athletes Commission chairman and FIJLKAM Vice president Davide Benetello, and the WKF Referee Commission chairman Javier Escalante.

WKF President Antonio Espinós said:

“The application of technological improvements to benefit the progress of Karate is always at the core of the WKF’s strategic plan; we intend to maintain our status as one of the most modern and advanced sports while preserving the traditional roots and foundations of Karate.

“The test in Rome has been tremendously successful and I am pleased to note that we are ready to take Karate to new heights with the introduction of the joysticks and the new structure of penalties in Kumite. I want to thank the Italian Karate Federation, as well as Mr Benetello, Mr Nordahl, Mr Escalante and all the WKF Executive members in attendance for their contribution to the progress of our sport.”

(Top picture: WKF Executive Vice President and chairman of the WKF Rules and Ranking Commission Gunnar Nordahl (centre), WKF Athletes Commission chairman and FIJLKAM Vice president Davide Benetello (third from right), and WKF Referee Commission chairman Javier Escalante (second from right) pose with the representatives of the WKF service providers of Sportdata and the new joysticks)

The team of judges and referees in the event.

Referees test the new line of penalties.

From left to right: FILJKAM Karate Veneto Vice President Vladi Vardiero, WKF Executive Vice President and chairman of the WKF Rules and Ranking Commission Gunnar Nordahl, WKF Athletes Commission chairman and FIJLKAM Vice president Davide Benetello, and WKF Referee Commission chairman Javier Escalante.