HISTORY OF WKT – WORLD KARATE-DO TRADITIONAL A History of Tradition, Honor, Evolution, and Commitment to Karate-Do The history of WKT – World Karate-Do Traditional dates back to October 31, 2013, when the organization was founded under the name WKTC – World Karate-Do Traditional Confederation. From its foundation, the organization has been committed to the development and promotion of Traditional Karate-Do, preserving its fundamental principles while also adapting to the evolution of sport and the changing needs of contemporary Karate-Do. 2014 — 1st WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP In November 2014, the 1st WKTC World Traditional Karate-Do Championship was held in Brazil, in the State of Minas Gerais. This event marked the beginning of an international journey of World Championships, bringing together practitioners and representatives from different countries through Karate-Do. 2016 — 2nd WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP In November 2016, the 2nd World Traditional Karate-Do Championship was held in Argentina, continuing the international project initiated in 2014. The event strengthened the organization's international presence and expanded integration among representatives and practitioners of Karate-Do. 2018 — 3rd WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP In November 2018, the 3rd World Championship was held in Brazil, in the State of Rio de Janeiro. The third edition consolidated the continuity of the World Championships and reaffirmed the organization's commitment to the international promotion of Traditional Karate-Do. 2020 AND 2021 — NEW FORMS OF PARTICIPATION During the period when international in-person activities were affected by the pandemic, the organization sought alternative ways to maintain integration among its practitioners. During this period, International Kata Championships were held virtually, allowing the organization to maintain international participation and connection despite the exceptional circumstances. These initiatives demonstrated the organization's ability to adapt to an unprecedented period while preserving its fundamental principles and objectives. 2023 — 4th WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP In December 2023, following the interruption caused by the pandemic, the 4th World Traditional Karate-Do Championship was held in Brazil, in the State of Pernambuco. The event represented an important milestone in the continuation and renewal of the organization's international journey, marking the return of major in-person World Championship events. 2024 — A NEW PHASE: WKT – WORLD KARATE-DO TRADITIONAL On August 9, 2024, the organization entered a new institutional phase. The name WKTC – World Karate-Do Traditional Championship was discontinued, and the organization adopted its new official name: WKT – WORLD KARATE-DO TRADITIONAL This change does not represent the beginning of a new history, but rather the continuation of a journey established since 2013, now under a broader and more contemporary identity aligned with the organization's international objectives. WKT strengthens a vision that brings together tradition and modernity, preserving the fundamental values of Karate-Do while embracing the evolution of sport, sports administration, event organization, and international integration. TRADITION AND MODERNITY WKT believes that preserving Karate-Do does not mean remaining disconnected from progress and evolution. Our vision is to preserve the essence and traditional values of Karate-Do, guided by principles rooted in Japanese tradition, such as respect, discipline, honor, ethics, character, and responsibility, while developing a modern, organized organization prepared for the challenges of the international sporting environment. Therefore, tradition and modernity are not opposing paths. Tradition preserves the essence. Modernity enables its evolution. It is through this balance that WKT intends to continue building its history. AN ORGANIZATION FOR KARATE-DO WORLDWIDE WKT recognizes the diversity that exists within Karate-Do and welcomes the major styles, schools, and traditions of Karate-Do recognized worldwide. The organization seeks to promote an environment of respect, integration, cooperation, and unity, allowing different organizations and practitioners to participate in an international community while preserving their own identities, characteristics, and traditions. A NEW ERA BEGINNING IN 2026 Beginning in 2026, WKT enters a new phase of expansion and development of its World Championships, establishing the event as an annual World Championship. The 5th WKT World Karate-Do Championship, scheduled for November 28–29, 2026, in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, represents the beginning of this new phase and the continuation of a history that began in 2013. ONE HISTORY. ONE IDENTITY. ONE CONTINUITY. 2013 — Foundation of the organization – WKTC 2014 — 1st World Championship – Minas Gerais, Brazil 2016 — 2nd World Championship – Argentina 2018 — 3rd World Championship – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 2020–2021 — International Kata Championships held virtually 2023 — 4th World Championship – Pernambuco, Brazil 2024 — Consolidation of the new identity: WKT – World Karate-Do Traditional 2026 — 5th World Championship and beginning of the new era of annual World Championships WKT – WORLD KARATE-DO TRADITIONAL More than a change of name, WKT represents the continuation of a history, the preservation of a tradition, and the building of a future. With respect for its roots, commitment to the present, and vision for the future, WKT will continue working to strengthen Karate-Do internationally, bringing together Japanese tradition, ethics, honor, respect, development, and modern sportsmanship. An organization built on tradition. A history built on honor. A future built on unity. WKT – WORLD KARATE-DO TRADITIONAL Karate-Do • Tradition • Honor • Respect • Ethics • Development • Integration • Unity