Karate styles developed under the Azerbaijan Karate Federation

Karate is an official sport governed by the World Karate Federation (WKF), recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and included for the first time in the programme of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. This marked a historic milestone, firmly establishing karate within the global Olympic movement. Today, WKF unites 203 national federations across five continents and represents millions of athletes, coaches, and referees worldwide. The Federation oversees the unified international competition system, organizing World and Continental Championships, Karate1 Premier League events, Youth and Junior World Championships, and international education programs for referees and coaches. Karate under the WKF is also part of major multi-sport events such as the European Games, The World Games, and the Islamic Solidarity Games, as well as other continental competitions. It is contested in two main disciplines: Kata and Kumite, in accordance with the highest international standards. In the Republic of Azerbaijan, karate is one of the priority sports developed under the WKF system. More than 150 qualified coaches are actively engaged in the training and education of young athletes nationwide. The official representative of WKF karate in Azerbaijan is Honored Master of Sport, 8th Dan black belt Ulvi Guliyev, who has made significant contributions to the development of karate and the preparation of national specialists in line with international standards.