Paris Brings Together Representatives from Four Continents on Opening Day of the 33rd ITKF Global Master Course

Event held in the French capital gathers more than 50 instructors from 11 countries and reinforces the historic role of the Master Course as one of the world’s leading platforms for the technical, philosophical, and institutional development of Traditional Karate.

By Paulo Pinto / Global Sports
Curitiba, May 14, 2026

The city of Paris officially opened, this Thursday (14), the activities of the 33rd ITKF Global Traditional Karate Master Course, one of the most prestigious international gatherings in the discipline and a historic symbol of the worldwide preservation of the technical and philosophical foundations of Traditional Karate-Do.

Held at the Gymnase Maryse Hilsz in the French capital, the event brings together approximately 50 instructors from 11 countries across four continents — Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia — once again reaffirming the global dimension of the initiative conceived nearly four decades ago by senseis Hidetaka Nishiyama and Ibrahim El Marhomy.

United Kingdom delegation registered for the 33rd ITKF Global Master Course in Paris © Facebook

Delegations from France, Brazil, Great Britain, Romania, Slovenia, Tunisia, Algeria, the Netherlands, Egypt, Poland, and Argentina are taking part in this year’s edition, reinforcing the multicultural and international atmosphere that has historically defined the France Master Course.

General view of the 33rd ITKF Global Master Course during the opening ceremony held in Paris © Angélique Lambert

Historical Dimension

According to professor Fernando Manuel Alves Maia da Silva, Vice President of ITKF Europe, the longevity of the event and its ability to unite different generations and cultures around the principles of Budō explain the historical significance the gathering has achieved within the world of Traditional Karate.

“Over more than three decades, the France Master Course has become one of the foremost technical and philosophical references in world Traditional Karate. More than an international seminar, this gathering represents a space for historical continuity, methodological development, and the strengthening of the Budō identity within the structure of ITKF Global,” he stated.

ITKF Global Chairman professor Gilberto Gaertner during the opening speech of the 33rd Master Course in Paris, alongside professors Cornel Musat, Sandrine El Marhomy, Julie Misiolek, and Justo Gomez © Angélique Lambert

Technical Development and Philosophical Preservation

The 2026 program features activities focused on the technical, pedagogical, and philosophical development of participants, including kihon, kata, kumite, self-defense, theory, refereeing, coach education, athlete preparation, as well as technical examinations and ITKF international gradings.

Among the instructors leading the activities are ITKF Global Chairman professor Gilberto Gaertner, professor Justo Gomez, and professor Cornel Musat, all members of the organization’s International Technical Committee. The program also includes the active participation of sensei Sandrine El Marhomy, host of the event and President of FKT Budo France.

Professor Cornel Musat during a technical activity at the 33rd ITKF Global Master Course in Paris © Angélique Lambert

Cultural Integration and Technical Exchange

Responsible for the local organization of the Master Course, Sandrine El Marhomy highlighted the importance of the strong international presence in Paris, emphasizing the environment of cultural integration and technical exchange promoted by the 2026 edition.

“Welcoming representatives from four continents to Paris reflects the international strength of Traditional Karate and the respect earned by the France Master Course throughout its history. We are very pleased to bring together instructors, teachers, and practitioners from different cultures in an environment centered on learning, human exchange, and the strengthening of Budō values,” she stated.

Professor Gilberto Gaertner during a technical activity at the 33rd ITKF Global Master Course in Paris © Angélique Lambert

Educational, Human, and Philosophical Principles of Karate

Beyond technical development, the opening day of the event also reinforced ITKF Global’s commitment to an educational approach grounded in the human, philosophical, and pedagogical principles of Traditional Karate, preserving the historical lineage established by Nishiyama and carried forward by the organization’s current international structure.

On the left, professor Fernando Silva during the Master Course held in Brazil in April. The Portuguese official highlighted the historical and technical importance of the traditional Paris gathering but was unable to attend the 2026 edition due to previously scheduled professional commitments © CBKT

Throughout the week, the Master Course will continue with intensive activities focused on the international qualification of instructors, referees, coaches, and athletes, once again consolidating Paris as one of the leading global centers of contemporary Traditional Karate.