Armenia to Host ITKF Global Technical Seminar and the 6th International Ararat Cup

Featuring a technical seminar led by Shihan Gilberto Gaertner, the event will combine technical development, international competition, and cultural exchange among practitioners from different countries and backgrounds.

By Paulo Pinto / Global Sports
Curitiba / Brazil, June 23, 2026

Between the ancient traditions of a nation and the values cultivated daily in dojos around the world, Armenia is preparing to host one of the most important international Traditional Karate gatherings of 2026.

Shihan Gilberto Gaertner, Chairman of ITKF Global, will lead the organization’s Technical Seminar in Yerevan, Armenia © Armenian Traditional Karate Federation © FAKT

From July 17 to 19, the Armenian capital of Yerevan will welcome the ITKF Technical Seminar and the 6th International Ararat Cup, bringing together athletes, instructors, masters, and officials from different countries for three days dedicated to technical development, cultural exchange, and international cooperation through Traditional Karate.

Kumite matches combine technique, discipline, and respect among practitioners © FAKT

Organized by the Armenian Traditional Karate Federation, the event aims to strengthen technical and cultural exchange among practitioners while expanding international collaboration within the discipline.

Suren Matevosyan, President of the Armenian Traditional Karate Federation, Technical Director of the Asian Traditional Karate Federation, and Member of the ITKF Global Technical Committee, leads the Organizing Committee of the International Ararat Cup and the ITKF Technical Seminar in Yerevan © FAKT

The 6th International Ararat Cup will feature a comprehensive program for competitors of various age groups and technical levels, ranging from youth divisions to advanced adult categories. The competition will be conducted under ITKF international rules and will include both individual and team events for male and female athletes.

Kata practice preserves the fundamental principles of tradition and education in Traditional Karate © FAKT

In addition to the traditional individual and team kata events, participants will compete in kihon ippon kumite, jiyu ippon kumite, ko-go kumite, fuku-go, and jiyu kumite. These disciplines will provide athletes with opportunities to demonstrate their technical, tactical, and philosophical understanding of Traditional Karate across multiple aspects of the art. The diversity of events and categories further reinforces the educational character of the competition and its importance within the international Traditional Karate calendar.

ITKF Technical Seminar

The ITKF Technical Seminar will be led by Shihan Gilberto Gaertner, Chairman of ITKF Global and one of the world’s leading authorities in Traditional Karate.

The seminar will address technical, methodological, and philosophical aspects of the discipline, promoting a deeper understanding of the principles and foundations that guide the practice of Traditional Karate.

Armenia’s rich cultural heritage will also be celebrated throughout the International Ararat Cup program © FAKT

More than a sporting event, the International Ararat Cup has become a symbol of integration among different cultures through Traditional Karate.

The event was established in 2018 after members of the international Traditional Karate community recognized the high technical standard of Armenian karate practitioners and encouraged the creation of an international tournament capable of bringing together athletes from different countries in Armenia.

Concentration, precision, and control define kata performance, one of the pillars of Traditional Karate © FAKT

Since then, the Ararat Cup has evolved into an annual gathering dedicated not only to sporting excellence but also to friendship, mutual respect, and cultural exchange.

The Symbolism of Mount Ararat

The competition takes its name from Mount Ararat, one of the most powerful symbols of Armenian national identity.

Although the mountain is currently located outside Armenia’s borders, it remains deeply connected to the country’s history, culture, and collective memory. Its silhouette dominates the skyline of Yerevan and continues to serve as one of the most significant references to Armenia’s cultural heritage.

Respect for national symbols is also part of the International Ararat Cup experience © FAKT

Mount Ararat also holds a prominent place in the Judeo-Christian tradition. According to the biblical account, Noah’s Ark came to rest upon the mountains of Ararat after the Great Flood, making the region a universal symbol of hope, renewal, and new beginnings.

For the organizers, the choice of the name Ararat Cup represents far more than a geographical reference. It reflects values such as respect for heritage, perseverance, discipline, and the continuous pursuit of excellence — principles that also form the essence of Traditional Karate.

Narek Iskandaryan, Member of the Board of Directors of the Asian Traditional Karate Federation, follows the kumite competitions in Yerevan © FAKT

Throughout its six editions, the competition has become an important instrument for bringing nations together, strengthening the bonds that unite the international Traditional Karate community and reaffirming Armenia’s role as one of the discipline’s key development centers.