Karate1 Premiere League

USA Karate has within its ranks some of the best athletes in the world. We are proud of what they accomplish both in and out of the ring. We are especially proud when they choose to represent the United States in International Karate Competition.

In 2011, the WKF announced an exciting new series of tournament knows as the Karate 1 WKF Premier League. Already dubbed the Formula 1 of Karate, these events are located in countries across the globe with a simple goal – to bring together the best Karate competitors in the world!

Obviously USA Karate is excited about having our athletes participate in these elite level competitions. We encourage all competitors and coaches to consider attending the events, and we know you will all represent the United States well. We hope the information on this page will answer any questions you may have. Whichever competitions you choose to attend, remember that USA Karate is proud of all of our athletes, but most especially those who have taken the time, effort, and expense to represent the United States in International Karate Competition. We wish everyone the best of luck! Go USA!

Karate 1 WKF Premier League Overview

The World Karate Federation (WKF) held the first Karate 1 WKF Premier League events in January 2011 and since then, they have become a series of elite events throughout the world. Its aim is to bring together the best Karate competitors in the world in a series of open championships of unprecedented scale and quality. It gives the top Karate athletes of the world additional opportunities to compete, improve their skills, attract sponsors, and gain income.

The medalists in each category receive prize money for each event. In addition, competitors earn ranking points in every Karate 1 WKF Premier League event based upon the official WKF Ranking System. At the end of each season, the competitor with the highest score in each category is declared the Grand Champion and receives additional prize money.

More information on the Karate 1 WKF Premier League can be found at www.wkf.net

USA Karate and the Karate 1 WKF Premier League

USA Karate is proud to be the Official National Federation for the WKF in the United States. Our most valuable asset is our Junior and Senior National Teams which are known throughout the world as some of the best athletes on the international scene. Each year USA Karate fields official teams to major championships throughout the world. These “protected” championships include the World Championships, Pan American Championships, World University Championships, and other events in which we send the official National Team. In addition, our athletes also compete in “unprotected” events around the world that include events such as the Karate 1 WKF Premier League competitions.

For unprotected events, we do not hold a team trial or send an official delegation. These events are open to anyone who meets the event promoters participation requirements. The number of athletes representing the United States at these events have been as few as one or as high as 30. In addition, personal coaches attend these events to work directly with their individual athletes.

While we encourage our athletes to participate in these high quality events, the Karate 1 WKF Premier League competitions like all unprotected events are supported neither financially or logistically by USA Karate. We provide no official staff, and while members of the USA National Coaching Staff may be in attendance, they are there as individuals and do not serve in their capacity as National Coaches while in attendance. All athlete, coaches, and officials are responsible for the entirety of their trip including but not limited to registration, travel and lodging arrangements, insurance, competition arrangements, and arrangement of any coaching or support staff.

We are proud of our athletes and their decision to compete internationally. We encourage all athletes to attend as many events as they can, and also to report back with updates and photos so we can share your accomplishments with the entire USA Karate Membership, however, we cannot supply staffing (including before and after competition), logistic, or financial support.

Coaching at Karate 1 WKF Premier League Events

As USA Karate will not be sending an official delegation or coaching staff to these events, this is an excellent opportunity for personal coaches to interact directly with their athletes and to gain experience regarding international competitions. Please remember the following:

1) You must be a current USA Karate Coach Member to participate as a coach

2) You must have a current USA Karate Coaches Certification

3) You must notify USA Karate Director of Coaching Tokey Hill of your intention to coach at an international event

4) You must register at www.sportdata.org prior to arriving at the event

Remember when you are coaching at International events that the highest levels of decorum and etiquette are required. You are representing USA Karate and the United States. Be sure you are aware of all WKF Rules and Regulations prior to participating as a coach.

Karate 1 WKF Premier League General Information

Karate 1 WKF Premier League Online Registration

Karate 1 WKF Premier League Rankings

World Karate Federation Website

Karate 1 WKF Premier League Event Registration

All registration (both athlete & coach) for all Karate 1 WKF Premier League events is being coordinated by Sport Event Technology through their website www.sportdata.org. Should you have any issues with event registration, please contact them directly via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . USA Karate does not register any athletes and cannot assist with registration issues.

Karate 1 WKF Premier League Participation Requirements

In addition to the standard requirements for all competitions (age, weight, gender, etc.), the WKF place two additional requirements:

1) WKF Individual Membership & Number
2) Current USA Karate Federation Membership (Click Here to Search Your USA Karate Member ID)

All USA Karate athletes, coaches, and staff who have participated in either a Junior or Senior World Championships have been issued a WKF ID Number. In addition, the individual membership has been paid by USA Karate. Those athlete can find their number in the drop down list below.

Athletes and coaches who have not participated in a WKF World Championships, or whose WKF ID Number is not listed above can either purchase a new ID Number onsite at a Karate 1 WKF Premier League event, or either apply for a WKF ID Number by downloading and completing the Application Form below.

WKF ID APPLICATION F'ORM

Please note that WKF ID Applications should be submitted directly to the WKF and not to USA Karate. You can submit the forms to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The WKF requires that all US participants (athletes, coaches, and officials) in Karate 1 Premier League events be members of USA Karate. You can renew your membership or join as a new member by clicking here.

To assist our members USA Karate is providing the letter below to present to anyone who requests your membership verification. Please note that this letter is only to be used by current USA Karate members. The letter is in PDF format and you can include your name and membership number if you have the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.

USA Karate Membership Verification

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