ITKF Master Course Reinforces Paris as a Global Hub for Traditional Karate

Bringing together representatives from 11 countries, the 33rd ITKF Global Master Course combined technical development, international exchange and engagement with the scientific community, reaffirming the enduring legacy of Hidetaka Nishiyama in shaping future generations of Traditional Karate leaders.

By Paulo Pinto / Global Sports
Curitiba, May 31, 2026

Paris once again welcomed some of the leading figures of the international Traditional Karate community during the 33rd edition of the ITKF Global Master Course. Organized by FKT Budo France in partnership with the International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF) and ITKF Europe from May 13 to 17, the event brought together more than 60 instructors and representatives from 11 countries, further consolidating its status as one of the most prestigious and long-standing educational programs within the international organization.

Sandrine El Marhomy, Justo Gomez, Gilberto Gaertner and Cornel Musat led the seminar’s technical activities © Angélique Lambert / FKT Budo France

Participants from Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, England, Egypt, France, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovenia and Tunisia attended this year’s edition. The program was divided into two complementary components: the Master Course, designed for black belts and instructors, and the General Course, open to practitioners of various grades and experience levels. Together, they provided a unique environment where children, youth and adults could share knowledge and experiences within the educational framework of Traditional Karate.

Participants during a technical visit to the Sensorimotor Studies Laboratory at Université Paris Cité © Angélique Lambert / FKT Budo France

Over five days, participants engaged in an extensive program that included kihon, kata, kumite, self-defense training, theoretical lectures and certification activities for instructors, referees and examiners. The sessions were conducted by Gilberto Gaertner, Justo Gomez, Cornel Musat and Sandrine El Marhomy, whose instruction focused not only on technical excellence but also on educational development and the preservation of the philosophical principles transmitted by Master Hidetaka Nishiyama.

Dr. Danping Wang welcomes participants during a technical visit to the Sensorimotor Studies Laboratory at Université Paris Cité © Angélique Lambert / FKT Budo France

One of the highlights of the program took place even before the official opening of the seminar. On May 12, instructors and officials participated in technical visits to Université Paris Cité, where they toured the Plateforme d’Étude de la Sensorimotricité (PES), one of Europe’s leading centers dedicated to the study of human motor behavior and multisensory integration. The group also visited the Saints-Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences (SPPIN), internationally recognized for its research in cerebellar neurophysiology, motor learning and synaptic plasticity. The visits were accompanied by Sandrine El Marhomy who, in addition to serving as an instructor and host of the event, is a senior researcher involved in scientific projects conducted by the university.

Visit to the Neuroscience Laboratory at Université Paris Cité © Angélique Lambert / FKT Budo France

The initiative opened new perspectives for future collaboration between the scientific community and Traditional Karate, reflecting the growing interest of the ITKF Global in fostering meaningful connections between knowledge developed on the dojo floor and academic research dedicated to human movement and motor learning.

International Recognition and Institutional Strengthening

The technical quality of the activities delivered throughout the 33rd ITKF Global Master Course received widespread praise from international leaders, instructors and delegates gathered in Paris. Beyond the high standard of training, participants highlighted the event’s ability to preserve the core principles of Traditional Karate while fostering dialogue among different cultures, schools and generations of practitioners.

Visit to the Neuroscience Laboratory at Université Paris Cité © Angélique Lambert / FKT Budo France

The 2026 edition was also distinguished by the presence of French sports authorities, including Evelyne Ciriegi, President of the Regional Olympic and Sports Committee of Île-de-France; Maxime Sauvage, representing the Paris City Sports Department; and Epency Epara Epara, a regional representative of the French sports sector. Their participation underscored the growing institutional recognition of Traditional Karate and reinforced the educational values promoted by the discipline.

Among the international guests were ITKF Global President Dr. Gilberto Gaertner, International Technical Committee member Justo Gomez, ITKF Europe Vice-President Anna Kulczyńska, and Ibrahim Al-Bakr, President of the ITKF Asia-Oceania Federation. The diversity of nationalities represented and the convergence of opinions expressed throughout the event highlighted the Master Course as one of the foremost platforms for technical and institutional exchange within contemporary Traditional Karate.

The traditional opening salutation reaffirms the values of respect and discipline that guide the practice of Traditional Karate © Angélique Lambert / FKT Budo France

In their evaluations, the international leaders were unanimous in praising the outstanding organization provided by FKT Budo France, the hospitality of the team led by Sandrine El Marhomy, and the exceptional quality of the technical instruction delivered during the seminar.

Paris Reaffirms Its International Leadership in Traditional Karate

As host of this year’s Master Course, Sandrine El Marhomy emphasized the historical significance of the gathering for the global Traditional Karate community. According to her, the event once again demonstrated the discipline’s unique ability to bring together practitioners from different continents around the values of Budō.

“For more than three decades, this international event has brought together practitioners from around the world around the Budō values transmitted by Sensei Hidetaka Nishiyama. This year, more than 80 participants from Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America shared several days of training, exchange and knowledge transmission in an environment marked by discipline, mutual respect and a spirit of fellowship,” she said.

Sandrine El Marhomy leads a kata training session © Angélique Lambert / FKT Budo France

The French leader also highlighted FKT Budo France’s longstanding commitment to the development of Traditional Karate and its contribution to the growth of the discipline both in France and internationally.

“As a member of the ITKF, FKT Budo France has remained committed for more than forty years to the development of Traditional Karate in France and on the international stage,” she noted.

Gilberto Gaertner leads a kata training session © Angélique Lambert / FKT Budo France

Another aspect emphasized by Sandrine was the connection established between Traditional Karate and the scientific community through the technical visit to Université Paris Cité. In her view, the initiative opens important opportunities for future research related to human movement and motor learning.

“During their stay, participants also had the opportunity to visit the Sensorimotor Studies Platform at Université Paris Cité, with the aim of developing future research collaborations linking Traditional Karate to scientific studies,” she added.

Cornel Musat leads a self-defense training session © Angélique Lambert / FKT Budo France

Concluding her remarks, the French leader stressed that the 2026 edition further strengthened Paris’ position as one of the leading international centers for the development of Traditional Karate.

“Through this 33rd edition, Paris has once again confirmed its essential role in the international promotion and development of Traditional Karate.”

Technical excellence and the spirit of Budo earn international recognition

ITKF Technical Committee member Cornel Musat described the 33rd Master Course as a clear demonstration of technical excellence and of Traditional Karate’s ability to bring practitioners from different countries together around the values of Budō.

“I had the honor of participating in the 33rd edition of the International ITKF Training Camp in Paris, alongside exceptional practitioners, instructors and leaders from the international Traditional Karate community. This special event represented a true demonstration of technical excellence, the spirit of Budō, international friendship and the continuous pursuit of self-improvement,” he stated.

Justo Gomez leads a kihon training session © Angélique Lambert / FKT Budo France

The Romanian leader also emphasized the importance of such initiatives in preserving the authentic values of the discipline and acknowledged the efforts of those responsible for organizing and conducting the event.

“Events like this remind us that Traditional Karate is far more than technique or competition—it is a path of lifelong education, respect, character development and international unity,” he added.

Kihon training session © Angélique Lambert / FKT Budo France

A similar assessment was shared by Anna Kulczyńska, Vice-President of ITKF Europe and representative of the Polish Traditional Karate Union. According to her, the hospitality of the French team and the high technical standard of the activities provided participants with an exceptionally enriching experience.

“The referees of the Polish Traditional Karate Union are extremely satisfied with this year’s course which, as every year, was conducted by some of the finest instructors in our organization, providing participants with a solid foundation of technical and theoretical knowledge,” she said.

Sensei Sandrine El Marhomy leads a training session © Angélique Lambert / FKT Budo France

The Polish leader also highlighted the importance of the values demonstrated by the instructors throughout the event.

“Your passion for Karate is truly contagious. The respect, humility and example you convey through your actions are the pillars that guide our organization’s work and strengthen the unity of the international Traditional Karate community,” she added.

Representing the ITKF Asia-Oceania Federation, Ibrahim Al-Bakr described the gathering as a true celebration of the principles that define Traditional Karate-Do.

“The 33rd ITKF Master Course was an extraordinary gathering that genuinely reflected the spirit and values of Traditional Karate-Do. Practitioners and instructors from different countries, cultures and languages came together under a shared passion: the pursuit of excellence through Budō,” he declared.

Dr. Gilberto Gaertner evaluates technical aspects during a theoretical class © Angélique Lambert / FKT Budo France

For Al-Bakr, the commitment demonstrated by the organizers and instructors was fundamental to the event’s success.

“Their dedication embodied the true essence of the martial arts: respect, humility, unity, continuous improvement and the enduring spirit of Budō,” he emphasized.

Sharing the same perspective, Professor Kader, President of the Algerian Traditional Karate Association, described the Paris edition as a major success and highlighted the event’s steady growth over the years.

“The Master Course continues to grow every year, attracting an increasing number of practitioners, which reflects both its international reputation and the quality of its organization. I am very proud to have taken part in this 33rd edition,” he concluded.

Tradition, continuity and future perspectives

As the event drew to a close, ITKF Global President Gilberto Gaertner emphasized the historical significance of the Paris Master Course, which remains the longest-running continuous event in the history of the organization.

“Once again, the Paris Master Course was a tremendous success and continues to stand as the longest-running continuous event in ITKF history,” he said.

Specialized kumite training session © Angélique Lambert / FKT Budo France

Gaertner also paid tribute to Sandrine El Marhomy and the FKT Budo France team for their dedication to organizing the event.

“I would like to sincerely congratulate Sensei Sandrine and her team for their organization, care and hospitality. Without question, it was an event of outstanding quality,” he noted.

The ITKF Global President also acknowledged the contribution of the instructors responsible for the technical program.

“I would also like to thank Senseis Gomez, Musat and Sandrine for their excellent work throughout the event,” he stated.

Political and sports authorities join participants for the closing photograph of the Paris Master Course © Angélique Lambert / FKT Budo France

Beyond the activities conducted on the dojo floor, Gaertner highlighted the importance of the institutional and academic engagements held alongside the seminar, including meetings with representatives of the French sports movement and the technical visit to Université Paris Cité.

“In addition to the university visit, we held productive meetings with Evelyne Ciriegi, President of the Regional Olympic and Sports Committee of Île-de-France; Maxime Sauvage, representing the Paris City Sports Department; and Epency Epara Epara, a regional representative of the sports sector. These initiatives expand the possibilities for dialogue between Traditional Karate, science and sports institutions,” he concluded.

A Historic Mission

More than a technical development program, the 33rd ITKF Global Master Course reaffirmed its historic mission as a platform for education, cultural exchange and the strengthening of the worldwide Traditional Karate community.

By bringing together leaders and practitioners from different continents around a shared set of principles and values, Paris once again demonstrated why it continues to occupy a prominent place in the international development of Traditional Karate.

More than preserving a historical legacy, the Master Course demonstrated that Traditional Karate remains fully capable of engaging with contemporary challenges in education, sport development and the science of human movement. By combining knowledge, international experience and values refined over decades, the event reaffirmed the role of ITKF Global as one of the foremost guardians and promoters of the philosophy inherited from Master Hidetaka Nishiyama.