ITKF Strengthens Presence in Africa Through Training and Integration Initiatives in Egypt

Master Course in Cairo and technical seminars in Alexandria reinforce the growth of traditional karate across the African continent and highlight Egypt, the current ITKF world champion.

By Paulo Pinto / Global Sports
Curitiba, Brazil – May 9, 2025

The International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF) has taken another important step in its global strategy to strengthen traditional karate by holding a new edition of the Master Course from May 21 to 23 at the International Olympic Center in Cairo, Egypt. This technical event, which brought together representatives from several countries across the region, is part of the organization’s ongoing expansion and development plan under the leadership of Professor Gilberto Gaertner, current chairman of the ITKF.

Master Course organized by ITKF in Cairo brought together delegations from across Africa and the Middle East © Ahmed Fouad

The Brazilian chairman’s visit to the African country, accompanied by director Rui Francisco Martins Marçal and members of the Technical Committee Eligio Contarelli and Justo Gomez, reinforces the ITKF’s commitment to technical excellence, international cooperation, and the recognition of local leadership—core elements of the federation’s strategic planning.

Gilberto Gaertner presents an official ITKF tribute to Egypt’s Minister of Sport, Dr. Ashraf Sobhy © Ahmed Fouad

Right after the conclusion of the Master Course in Cairo, Professor Dr. Gaertner traveled to the historic city of Alexandria, where he led seminars focused on instructor development, the philosophical foundations of traditional karate, and the implementation of social-educational programs in partnership with the national federation.

Teisho-waza (striking techniques) class focused on self-defense at the Master Course in Cairo, held at the International Olympic Center © Ahmed Fouad

Egypt in the Global Spotlight

Located in North Africa and part of the Middle East, Egypt was chosen as the host for this important institutional agenda—and not by chance. The country was crowned overall champion at the most recent ITKF World Championship, held in 2024 in Vila do Conde, Portugal. This historic title was the result of consistent technical development led by Ramy El Mekawy, president of the Egyptian Traditional Karate Federation (ETKF), and a full alignment with ITKF’s structured programs, including the new ranking examination system, certification of social-educational projects, and the continuing education model adopted across regional courses.

Rui Marçal, Ramy El Mekkawi, Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Gilberto Gaertner and Mohamed Fawzy in a meeting at Egypt’s Ministry of Sport © Ahmed Fouad

A Strategic Continent

The decision to hold the Master Course in Egypt goes far beyond a symbolic gesture: it represents the third phase of ITKF’s strategic plan to strengthen its presence in key regions such as Africa, South America, and Eastern Europe.

Senseis Justo Gomez, Gilberto Gaertner, Ramy El Mekawi, Eligio Contarelli, Rui Marçal and Mohamed Fawzy during the Master Course in Cairo © Ahmed Fouad

According to Chairman Gilberto Gaertner, the African continent is strategic not only for its competitive potential but also for its openness to the ITKF model—centered on human values, ethical formation, and intercultural integration inspired by the principles of Budō.

Institutional meeting at Egypt’s Ministry of Sport during the ITKF mission in the country © Ahmed Fouad

“ITKF does not only produce athletes — it develops human beings. That’s a value that resonates deeply here in Egypt, where we’ve found a solid structure, committed leadership, and a youth that’s highly motivated by traditional karate,” Gaertner noted. “Moreover, the strong support of the Egyptian government for our discipline has been decisive in consolidating the country as a global reference. It proves that when sport, education, and public policy work together, the results multiply.”

Rui Marçal and Gilberto Gaertner visit the Sports City complex in Alexandria © Ahmed Fouad

Technical and Cultural Legacy

In addition to the practical sessions, the Master Course featured lectures on physiology, applied neuroscience, biomechanics, and refereeing, drawing delegations from several Arab nations, North Africa, and Western Asia.

Technical seminar organized by ITKF in the city of Alexandria © Ahmed Fouad

In Alexandria, the schedule included meetings with local authorities and sports leaders to establish new partnerships and strengthen ITKF’s presence in the Mediterranean region. The technical seminars took place at the Alexandria U Sports Club and saw strong participation from senior instructors and students. The ITKF and Egyptian federation (ETKF) boards were welcomed by the club’s CEO, Dr. Mohamed AbdElaal, and sensei Mohamed Samir, along with other board members and traditional karate instructors.

Gilberto Gaertner enjoys traditional Egyptian food in the village of Beheraa, accompanied by professors Ramy El Mekawi and Awad Mahdi © Ahmed Fouad

Certified Social-Educational Project

A very special visit took place in the rural village of Abo El Matmatmer, in the Beheraa region. Known for its agricultural production, the area welcomed ITKF and ETKF delegations at the Beheraa West of El Nobaria Sports Club, which runs a traditional karate program for children. During the visit, two seminars were held: the first for adults and black belts, and the second for children, gathering over 150 participants.

Headquarters of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital © Ahmed Fouad

The club is managed by Mr. Ali Slaam, and the head instructor of the program is Sensei Awad Mahdi. After the practical activities, a detailed meeting was held to review the initiative’s structure, which was officially approved as the first ITKF-certified social-educational project in Egypt—a significant milestone for the federation’s educational outreach.

International Participation

The Master Course in Cairo gathered around 250 instructors, practitioners, and leaders from several countries in the region. The event’s cultural diversity reflects ITKF’s mission to build a strong international community, rooted in shared values such as respect, discipline, and personal development.

Visit to Cairo International Stadium with Dr. Yousef Bin Ahmed El Hefni, Ramy El Mekawi, Gilberto Gaertner and Justo Gomez © Ahmed Fouad

The course content focused on ITKF’s Dan exam program, with emphasis on requirements for 3rd and 4th Dan levels. Classes were led by Sensei Gilberto Gaertner (8th Dan), Sensei Elígio Contarelli (8th Dan), and Sensei Justo Gomez (7th Dan).

ITKF and ETKF leaders with instructors and senior students at the West of El Nobaria Sports Club in Beheraa © Ahmed Fouad

For participants, Chairman Gilberto Gaertner’s presence not only elevated the technical level of the course, but also embodied the federation’s commitment to maintaining a horizontal, inclusive relationship with its member federations—respecting regional contexts while fostering global unity.

Ramy El Mekawi and Gilberto Gaertner with officials from Libya, Sudan and Saudi Arabia at the opening of the African Championship © Ahmed Fouad

“Egypt is proud to host an event of this scale. ITKF is helping us take traditional karate to the next level in our country,” said Ramy El Mekawy, President of the Egyptian Federation and local coordinator of the course.

Reception at Alexandria U Club with Rui Marçal, Ramy El Mekawi, Gilberto Gaertner and Dr. Muhammad AbdElaal © Ahmed Fouad

“The technical support from the international federation has been essential to our high-performance development. The world title won in Portugal was no coincidence—it was the result of method, discipline, and ongoing investment. Today, Egypt is respected not only for its number of athletes and practitioners, but also for the high technical standards shown by our karatekas on the world stage.”

Main arena of Cairo International Stadium, one of the country’s leading sports centers © Ahmed Fouad

Egyptian national coach Mohamed Fawzy added that the Master Course provided participants with invaluable insights thanks to the knowledge and experience of the ITKF Technical Committee. He concluded by emphasizing that the final meeting between ITKF, the Egyptian Federation, and the African Federation paved the way for future collaborations and for expanding traditional karate throughout the African continent.

ITKF and ETKF leaders visiting the main arena of the Sports City complex © Ahmed Fouad

Support from the Egyptian Ministry of Sport

Another important highlight of the visit was the two official meetings with the Egyptian Ministry of Sport. The first took place at the International Olympic Center and included the Minister of Sport and the President of the Egyptian Olympic Committee, Engineer Yasser Edris. The second meeting was held at the ministry’s headquarters in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital.

ITKF and ETKF leaders with directors and instructors from Alexandria U Club, in Alexandria © Ahmed Fouad

As Egypt is among the candidates to host the 2026 ITKF World Championship, the topic was discussed in detail during the second meeting with Minister Dr. Ashraf Sobhy. The minister highlighted Egypt’s investments in sports infrastructure, the country’s growing track record in hosting major international events, and expressed full support for hosting the ITKF World Championship in 2026.

Leaders from ITKF, ITKF Africa, Egypt, Libya, Congo, Niger, Sudan, Saudi Arabia and Tanzania with the Consuls of Congo and Sudan © Ahmed Fouad

Following the meeting, the ITKF delegation visited two potential venues: one at the newly built Sports City complex, and the other at Cairo International Stadium.

Egypt’s Minister of Sport with ITKF Africa leaders and young athletes during the African Championship © Ahmed Fouad

Values That Cross Borders

The ITKF’s presence in Egypt—symbolized by the success of the Master Course, the African Championship, and the seminars in Alexandria and Beheraa—goes beyond sport. In a time of political and cultural challenges, traditional karate reaffirms its role as a tool for social transformation, intercultural dialogue, and the building of bridges between nations.

Under the leadership of Gilberto Gaertner, ITKF not only preserves the technical legacy left by Master Hidetaka Nishiyama, but also projects it into a future grounded in universal values, education, and peace. What is unfolding is not just a cycle of courses and certifications, but a quiet revolution guided by the ideals of Budo.