Karate Leads to Nowhere with its Rotten Structures
In the 138th IOC session held in Tokyo today, in addition to kickboxing that was authorized entry to the Olympics, today, Wednesday July 21st, the members of the IOC agreed and officially recognised Muay Thai and SAMBO in the Olympic Games. All three sports fields are among martial arts spectator-friendly sports that will attract great sponsors with their presence in the Olympics.
Good management and use of key factors, one of which is the presence of technical and skilled theoreticians at the top of the technical committees of international sports federations will result in the contests becoming spectator-friendly in one sense. Spectator friendliness on one hand and providing a highly spirited environment for athletes and coaches on the other, paves the path and makes it favorable and transparent.
The presence of the three mentioned sports fields, although marks a historical moment for athletes and fans but it is a warning for us karatekas, meaning competition in becoming an olympian has become far too difficult than the past. What is certain is that the future of the World Karate Federation with the presence of Antonio Espinos’ team that have headed karate for over two decades, is an ambiguous one.
Our federation needs to undergo reconstruction to guide karate to becoming integrated. Integrity in karate not only brings zeal and joy but prepares the grounds for karate talents to bloom.
The rotten structure of karate needs amendment.
Written by Farzad Youshanlou – London – 21.July.2021
