TheWorld Karate Federation's global expansion initiative reached a new milestone with its official launch in Latvia. The implementation agreement was formally signed during a special ceremony held at the residence of the Japanese ambassador in the country's capital city.
The event, which followed the launch of theGuardian Girls programme's European Instructors' Course in Riga, highlighted the international commitment to gender-based violence prevention.
The presentation was spearheaded by Kensuke Yoshida, ambassador of Japan to Latvia, alongside WKF President Antonio Espinós and Toufic Kawar, president of the Latvian National Karate Federation. Also in attendance wasVladimirs Šteinbergs, president of the Council of Latvian Sports Federations, as well as participants from the instructors' course representing nine countries.
Ambassador Yoshida opened the ceremony by welcoming guests and emphasizing the deep connection betweenkarate and Japanese culture, noting that the martial art embodies the Japanese spirit of respect, discipline, and harmony.
Guardian Girls Karate Programme Officially Launched in Latviahttps://t.co/hTkLhszPWL#Karate#KarateForLife#GuardianGirlsKarate
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Kawar emphasised the joint mission, stating, "Today's signing represents a partnership of values, uniting Japan's ancient martial arts traditions with Europe's enduring belief in equality and respect. Through theGuardian Girls Karate spirit, we are opening a new path for women and girls to rediscover their strength and confidence through empowerment."
Espinós underlined the global importance of the initiative, which was originally launched three years ago in Los Angeles.
"The Guardian Girls Karate Programme has become one of the core initiatives of the WKF. It represents the perfect combination of social and institutional outreach of karate and utterly showcases the tremendous legacy of karate in society," Espinós said, adding that karate is 'much more than a sport - it is a way of life.'
Supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and jointly created by the WKF, the Koyamada International Foundation, and the United Nations Population Fund, the programme is designed as a gender-based violence prevention initiative.
The formal agreement for implementation was signed by Espinós and Kawar. Following the institutional addresses, Antonella Nanni, director of the Guardian Girls Karate Programme, introduced its mission, and Amy Connell, head instructor, concluded the event with a practical demonstration of the programme's core techniques.
The launch in Riga coincided with the 'Instructors' Course - European Edition', a two-day activity held on Friday and Saturday, led byChief Instructor Connell. The course welcomed 15 new instructors, including six representatives from Latvia, significantly bolstering the programme’s reach.
Crucially, this edition marked the first time that nine new countries formally joined the Guardian Girls Karate Programme: Armenia, the Czech Republic, Finland, Greece, Latvia, Poland, Scotland, Slovakia, and Sweden. Italy also participated following its recent formal partnership signing.
The WKF reaffirmed its commitment to the programme, which now enters a new phase of expansion aimed at reaching all corners of the world.
