ITKF

Gashuku on the Black Sea consolidates the strength of Traditional Karate in Romania

Participants of the gashuku celebrate the spirit of learning and integration © FRKT/ITKF

Summer training with nearly half a century of history, held in Olimp by the Romanian Traditional Karate Federation, featured the participation of Gilberto Gaertner, chairman of the ITKF.

By Paulo Pinto / Global Sports
Curitiba / Brazil, August 31, 2025

The visit of Professor Dr. Gilberto Gaertner, chairman of ITKF Global, to Romania had a strategic character and strengthened the organization’s ties with one of the greatest powers in traditional karate worldwide. The chairman traveled to the country on the Black Sea, in the Balkans, with two main objectives: to evaluate the facilities made available by the Romanian Traditional Karate Federation (FRKT) for hosting the 2026 World Championship, and to serve as one of the instructors at the Summer Karate Seminar Olimp 2025.

Mușat, Marandici, and Gaertner in a gesture symbolizing unity to forge new paths © FRKT/ITKF

Evaluation of Brăila and participation in the Gashuku

Before immersing himself in the technical environment of the Gashuku in Olimp, the ITKF chairman emphasized the strategic nature of the trip. The first stage of the visit took place in Brăila, a city that has presented itself as a candidate to host the 2026 World Championship, where sports facilities were assessed and political support for hosting the event was discussed.

Gashuku participants lined up to begin training on the shores of the Black Sea © FRKT/ITKF

“The trip to Romania was extremely interesting and enriching. I had the opportunity to personally learn about the functional structure of one of the great powers of traditional karate worldwide — an exemplary federation, conducted with excellence under the leadership of Sensei Nicolae Marandici. During the visit, I was in the city of Brăila to evaluate the facilities proposed as a possible venue for the 2026 ITKF World Championship. In Brăila, in addition to the technical visit to the Danubius Gymnasium, we were warmly received in a meeting with Mayor Iulian Timofei and the president of the municipal council, Francisc Chiriac. On that occasion, we discussed aspects of infrastructure and the institutional support of the city for holding the event,” said Gaertner.

Gilberto Gaertner and Mayor Iulian Timofei seal a commitment to the future of traditional karate © FRKT/ITKF

Subsequently, the chairman took part in the traditional Summer Gashuku in Olimp, on the shores of the Black Sea, which brought together more than 70 instructors and young practitioners.

At the meeting point of tradition and nature, karate is renewed on the shores of the Black Sea © FRKT/ITKF

“The group of Romanian karateka showed exemplary receptiveness and took part with dedication and determination in the training sessions. One of the highlights was the spirit of camaraderie and friendship among all participants. The senior instructors form a true family, creating a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere. We had ample opportunities for productive dialogue and exchanges of ideas, which certainly strengthened both personal and institutional ties,” added Gaertner.

The promising alliance between Gaertner and Marandici strengthens the future of traditional karate © FRKT/ITKF

The tradition of the Gashuku in Olimp

More than an annual technical gathering, the Gashuku in Olimp has been consolidated as one of the pillars of traditional karate in Romania and in the Balkan region. With more than half a century of history, the event carries not only the role of preparing national teams, instructors, and referees, but also a profound symbolism for the Romanian community. This relevance was highlighted by FRKT president, Nicolai Marandici, when speaking about the longevity and importance of the gathering.

“The Summer Gashuku held in Olimp has a long and significant tradition within the Romanian Traditional Karate Federation. Its first edition took place in 1979, organized by the founder of FRKT and father of traditional karate in Romania, Sensei Dan Stuparu. Conceived as a technical platform for national teams, instructors, and referees, it has always been one of the pillars of our annual calendar. This event also carries a strong emotional dimension, as it was the most cherished time of year for our mentor, Sensei Vladimir Jorga, who recently passed away.”

More than a group, a community united in preserving the legacy of Professor Nishiyama © FRKT/ITKF

According to Marandici, the 2025 edition honored the legacy of the event. “We had the honor of welcoming ITKF Global Chairman, Sensei Gilberto Gaertner, as our special guest. Over three days he led inspiring seminars and left a significant mark on our community. Alongside him, Senseis Roxana Cruher, Cornel Mușat, Ilie Dobre, Dobre Oliwer, Marincas Călin, and Popa Mircea also conducted seminars, enriching the technical program. The Summer Gashuku remains not only a technical landmark for the FRKT, but also a moment of unity, strengthening our teams as we approach the national and international competitions at the end of the year.”

Meeting attended by Cornel Mușat, Francisc Chiriac, Gilberto Gaertner, Iulian Timofei, and Nicolae Marandici © FRKT/ITKF

Mușat praises the Gashuku and Gaertner’s presence

A technical and institutional reference in traditional karate, Cornel Mușat is head coach of the Romanian national team, an adviser to the ITKF Technical Committee, and one of the most respected figures on the international stage. A multiple world champion with numerous global titles and European records, he closely followed every detail of the Olimp Gashuku and made a point of highlighting the importance of Gilberto Gaertner’s presence and the impact of the event on the future of the discipline in Romania.

Cornel Mușat and Gilberto Gaertner in front of the Danubius Gymnasium in Brăila, where Romania projects to host the 2026 ITKF World Championship © FRKT/ITKF

“The Summer Gashuku was an extraordinary success, providing an excellent opportunity for practitioners to come together, learn, and evolve under the guidance of ITKF Global President, Sensei Gilberto Gaertner. We are deeply grateful for his willingness to share with us his vast experience and knowledge. The atmosphere was marked by camaraderie and dedication, demonstrating the power of karate to unite people,” he stated.

Gilberto Gaertner with Romanian multi-champion Cornel Mușat, visiting Dracula’s Castle in Transylvania © FRKT/ITKF

Mușat reinforced the significance of the visit. “The presence of Professor Gaertner was of utmost importance and demonstrated the support of the ITKF global organization for the Romanian community. His visit represented a valuable opportunity to discuss the organization of the 2026 World Championship and to evaluate the preparations already underway.”

A moment of fellowship that reinforces bonds and strengthens friendship in traditional karate © FRKT/ITKF

He concluded by reaffirming the FRKT’s commitment. “We are highly motivated and fully prepared to organize the 2026 World Championship under the aegis of ITKF Global. We feel honored to host this prestigious event and are committed to providing participants with an unforgettable experience. We will work in close collaboration with ITKF Global to ensure the event’s success and to promote the values of traditional karate. OSS!”

Gaertner praises Romanian leadership

In his final assessment of the trip, Gilberto Gaertner emphasized not only the quality of the infrastructure and the political support received in Brăila, but also the institutional strength of the FRKT. For the ITKF chairman, the combination of these factors positions Romania as a leading force in the global landscape of traditional karate.

“The facilities provided in Brăila and the readiness of the municipal government to support the 2026 World Championship give us full confidence in Romania’s candidacy. Added to this is the inspiring leadership of Sensei Nicolae Marandici and the technical and institutional reference of Cornel Mușat, which consolidate Romania as one of the great powers of traditional karate worldwide. This trip was not only productive from an organizational and technical standpoint, but also profoundly meaningful on a human and institutional level. It strengthened bonds, opened new perspectives, and consolidated ITKF’s confidence in the partnership with Romania for the upcoming global challenges,” concluded the Brazilian chairman.