News
National Karate Federations Signs a Memorandum to Form the North American Karate Federation (NAKF)
by USA NKF Staff
April 12, 2023, Las Vegas, Nevada. The National Karate Federations of Canada, Mexico and USA signed a memorandum of understanding to form the North American Karate Federation (NAKF), a regional subset of the Pan American Karate Federation (PKF). Federation presidents Craig Vokey (CAN), Samantha Deciderio (MEX) and Elisa Au (USA) signed the MOU during the North American Cup, held April 5, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The NAKF will aim to increase collaboration in the region, with plans to organize tournaments, training camps and other events to strengthen the national teams. NAKF also plans to extend collaboration with other countries and regional federations, to advance karate in North America.
Also in attendance at the North American Cup was Dr. Jose Garcia Maañon, President of the Pan American Karate Federation and 1st Vice President of the WKF. Also Mr. Tony Mendez, PKF Treasurer and WKF Executive Committee member.
66 athletes representing Canada, Mexico and USA competed in the 2023 North American Cup. USA qualified seven athletes, including 2020 Olympians Sakura Kokumai, Tom Scott, Ariel Torres and Brain Irr. Also qualified were USA athletes Doralvis Delgado Lopez, Alexandra Wainright and Kelara Madani. USA now has 11 total athletes qualified for the Games and is seeking to qualify additional spots in the final qualifying event, which will be held in May in San Jose, Costa Rica.