KARATE

Karate is a martial art that originated in Okinawa during the Ryukyu Dynasty period. It spread throughout Japan during the 1920s and then worldwide following World War II. It is predominantly a striking, kicking and punching art. A karate practitioner is called a karateka.

SPORT HISTORY

Karate's quest to secure a place on the Olympic programme dates back to the 1970s. In 2015, the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee proposed the inclusion of karate as one of five additional sports, a decision that was approved by the International Olympic Committee. Athletes will compete at the Nippon Budokan, the spiritual home of Japanese martial arts and a legacy venue from the Tokyo 1964 Games.

INTENSE COMPETITION TO MAKE OLYMPIC HISTORY

The World Karate Federation has more than 190 members spread across the world. At the 2016 World Championships, athletes from more than 20 countries earned medals. The Tokyo 2020 Games will feature 80 athletes, with ten competing in each of eight events (two men's and women's kata events and three classes each for men's and women's kumite events). Eligibility will be determined by international rankings in the years leading up to karate's Olympic debut, with each country or region fielding only one competitor.