In 1993, the 101st IOC Session (General Meeting) specified that Traditional Karate is the discipline which is practiced by the ITKF and governed by its rules. At this time "Traditional Karate" was differentiated from other "karate" disciplines. Therefore, that form of karate which is practiced and governed by the rules and regulations of the ITKF is the only officially recognized "Traditional Karate" much the same way that IOC recognized swimming as practiced under international swimming rules is distinguished from general forms of swimming.
The anniversary of Sensei Hidetaka Nishiyama’s Passing
Sensei Hidetaka Nishiyama was born in 1928 in Tokyo. He began his karate training in 1943 under Gichin Funakoshi, founder of modern Shotokan karate and later he continued his training at Takaushoku University.
"In traditional karate victory is not an ultimate aim. Tradition karate is an art of self-defence which uses only and in the most efficient way human body. It employs mainly blocking, blowing, punching and kicking techniques?"
The purpose of Traditional Karate is to develop well-balanced mind and body, through training in fighting techniques. Traditional Karate also shares the ultimate aim with Budo, which is to cultivate great human character of a higher class that prevents any violent attack before an actual fight occurs.
Aristotle (BC 384-322), a philosopher and biologist who established kinesiology, stated that the act of creating great power with small motion was indeed beauty in concept and form.
The International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF) is the direct successor of the International Amateur Karate Federation (IAKF), which was established on September 27, 1974 at a constitutional meeting in New York City.
