The World Traditional Karate-Do Federation (WTKF) held its World Championship and Children’s Cup on October 22-28 in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada. More than 31 countries and 400 athletes from around the world gathered at Mile One Arena for two days of high level competition and camaraderie. The Championship was preceded by two days of intensive judging seminar and productive general assembly meetings. The Mayor of St. John’s, Danny Breen, hosted a delightful reception for judges and officials to welcome them to his city as a show of appreciation for selecting St. John’s to be the host of this prestigious event.

Mayor Breen, other city council and parliamentary members opened the Championship finals with their remarks. The WTKF President, Włodzimierz Kwiecinski, also offered his remarks, which were followed by a remembrance for the 10-year anniversary of Sensei Hidetaka Nishiyam’s passing, as well as a special recognition for the life of Witold Kwiecinski. The opening ceremony also included a large band orchestra and demonstrations by members of the Canadian Traditional Karate Federation. This World Championship showcased the high skills of Traditional Karate practitioners from around the globe, and included live coverage by Rogers Broadcasting throughout the event. The WTKF, as a recipient of and continuing entity of the legacy set forth by the Sensei Nishiyama has carried out the mission, technical skills, and spirit set forth by him. It has improved upon these fundamentals each year, as evidenced in the progress of practitioners in this organization.