The International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF) is a global organization and presently holds 57 registered member organizations. It was founded in 1974 by our late Master Hidetaka Nishiyama. The idea to create ITKF was to maintain the millenary principles of traditional karate versus the rising concept of sports karate.
Sports karate focuses more on fitness and competition while traditional karate on self-development, mental and spiritual balance, and the philosophy of the “BUDO for LIFE” concept. The constitutional purpose of ITKF is to “popularize and develop traditional karate in the proper direction; promote friendly relations among its member organizations; achieve the advancement of world sports spirit; and contribute to the perfection of human character”.
