Portugal is ready to host the Traditional Karate World Championship

Fernando Silva, president of FBTP, explains how the country overcame challenges to organize a high-level event and evaluates the competition’s legacy.

By Paulo Pinto / Global Sports
September 7, 2024 / Curitiba, Brazil

The consecutive hosting of two World Championships by International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF) in Europe holds significant strategic importance, as it increases the visibility of the sport on the continent and attracts new practitioners. Additionally, it aids in the development and improvement of local sports infrastructure, benefiting the karate community.

“Holding high-level championships sets standards of excellence that encourage other federations to raise the quality of their competitions,” says Fernando Silva, president of Traditional Budô Karate Federation of Portugal (FBTP).

According to Silva, the invitation to host the 22nd Traditional Karate World Championship was received as a great honor and demonstrates the growth and quality of karate in Portugal, the result of years of hard work and dedication to the sport’s development in the country.

“There was a great sense of national pride, knowing that Portugal was chosen to host such a major event, placing the country in the spotlight of the karate world. Moreover, it opened doors to new national and international strategic partnerships, further strengthening FBTP’s position on the global stage.”

The opportunity to host the World Championship in Vila do Conde, a city in the Porto Metropolitan Area, inspired many Portuguese athletes, motivating them to train even harder, attracting new practitioners, and increasing interest in the sport.

Gilberto Gaertner, ITKF chairman, and Fernando Silva in Le Sables-d’Olonne, France, where the final details for the Vila do Conde 2024 World Championship were defined © Archive

Although the invitation was an honor, it brought significant logistical challenges. However, Silva assures that FBTP has successfully overcome these challenges to ensure that everything is ready for the event. FBTP’s efforts to organize all the details began as soon as the organization accepted the responsibility, including coordination with local authorities, sponsors, and volunteers.

Constant Evolution

Traditional karate in Portugal has shown significant growth in recent years, with important events like the 35th European Traditional Karate Championship, also held in Vila do Conde, putting the country on the international sports map. “For the success of this World Championship, I expect to see strong participation from Portuguese athletes, demonstrating the quality and level of training they have achieved. I believe that the continued support of ITKF and the dedication of the federations and clubs will be crucial for further developing the sport.”

With the increasing popularity of karate and the rise of international events in the country, Fernando Silva believes that there is a unique opportunity to inspire new generations of karatekas. “Additionally, I am confident that integrating new technologies and training methods can help further elevate the level of practitioners.”

Local impact

Large-scale events like this World Championship can attract future investments, establishing Vila do Conde as a destination for international competitions. According to FBTP president, the event will bring cultural diversity to the city, with athletes and visitors from different parts of the world. This will provide a rich cultural exchange, with local residents learning more about the traditions and practices of other countries, while also promoting karate as a martial art that values discipline, respect, and tradition.

The local economy will certainly benefit from increased tourism. Hotels, restaurants, shops, and the local transportation network will see more activity, which can generate additional revenue.

“The visibility of the championship will help promote traditional karate among young people and the community in general,” says Fernando Silva. “The presence of high-level athletes can inspire new practitioners and increase membership in local clubs. Additionally, media coverage will help raise karate’s profile in Portugal, highlighting the physical and mental benefits of regular sports practice.”

Event legacy

The 22nd Traditional Karate World Championship in Vila do Conde has the potential to leave a lasting legacy both in Portugal and Europe. Fernando Silva outlined several expectations:

The visibility of the event will attract new practitioners, especially among young people, increasing membership in local clubs. At the same time, the need for adequate facilities to host an event of such importance will result in improvements to local sports infrastructure, benefiting the community in the long term. Lastly, contact with top athletes and international coaches will raise the technical level of Portuguese karatekas.

Regarding Europe, the championship will strengthen communication between countries, promoting exchanges and regular competitions, setting new quality standards for future championships on the continent, and encouraging other cities to invest in similar events. Media coverage and the success of the event can help spread traditional karate throughout Europe, highlighting its values and benefits.

The presence of international athletes and visitors promotes cultural exchange, enriching the local community and creating an atmosphere of respect, understanding, and mutual comprehension. Therefore, the event can inspire future generations to get involved in karate, not only as a sport but as a philosophy of life that promotes discipline, respect, and self-confidence.

Organizing committee expectations

It is expected that the best karatekas in the world will participate in the Vila do Conde World Championship, providing a high level of competition and performances. The organizing committee also has high expectations for a rich demonstration of various styles and techniques of traditional karate, not to mention the sportsmanship and camaraderie among competitors.

So far, 40 countries have confirmed their participation in this World Championship, reflecting the global popularity of traditional karate. Once again, the presence of international delegations will provide valuable cultural exchange, enriching the experience for all involved. The competition will also help strengthen relationships between karate federations worldwide, fostering future collaborations and exchanges.

Logistical challenges

The preparation for the 22nd Traditional Karate World Championship in Vila do Conde involved several logistical and organizational challenges. The first was ensuring that sports facilities met international standards. This included upgrading gyms, training areas, and accommodations for athletes. To address this, the federation relied on significant investments from local entities and sponsors. Providing comfortable and adequate accommodations for a large number of participants and visitors also required close collaboration with local hotels and lodging services.

The Portuguese leader with the flag of the Traditional Budô Karate Federation of Portugal © Archive

The immense organizational effort required the recruitment and training of a large number of volunteers. To achieve this, the attraction campaign developed by the organizers was crucial. Another challenge was establishing effective communication between all parties involved, including athletes, coaches, officials, and the public. This was accomplished through the use of digital platforms and social media to disseminate information quickly and efficiently.

Innovations in the competition

Among the innovations adopted during the World Championship, Fernando Silva highlights the use of elevated tatamis, which provide better visibility for the audience and create a more professional atmosphere for the competitors. From a technological perspective, the digital scoring systems ensure precision and transparency in competition results. Additionally, the event’s live coverage through digital platforms will allow spectators from all over the world to follow the competitions in real time.

Other important aspects include partnerships with transportation companies to facilitate travel for participants and visitors, who will also enjoy comfortable accommodations and quality meals. Local hotels and restaurants will offer special packages. “These innovations aim not only to improve the immediate experience at the championship but also to set a high standard for future karate events in Portugal and Europe.”

Youth participation

Traditional Budô Karate Federation of Portugal has been particularly focused on encouraging the participation of young Portuguese athletes in the 22nd Traditional Karate World Championship. This effort is reflected in specific training programs led by top-level coaches, high-quality facilities, and local and regional competitions designed to identify and prepare new talent for international events.

“Participating in an event of this magnitude offers a unique opportunity for young athletes to develop their skills and gain competitive experience,” says Fernando Silva. “Competing alongside the best in the world can be extremely inspiring and motivating, encouraging them to dedicate themselves even more to the sport.”

Fernando Silva with shihan Tasuke Watanabe at the 2019 Curitiba World Championship © Archive

However, it is not just a sporting experience it is also an opportunity for personal growth, promoting values such as discipline, respect, and teamwork. FBTP has conducted awareness campaigns in schools and clubs to increase participation and interest. “The presence of young athletes is crucial for the future of karate in Portugal and around the world,” as it helps build a solid foundation of talent.”

Partnerships and support

The organization of the 22nd Traditional Karate World Championship has the support of several public and private entities. The Vila do Conde City Hall, through its president, Dr. Vítor Costa, has been a major partner, providing infrastructure and resources for the event. Local and international companies have contributed both financially and logistically, including Projemato, Metalvolt, Projemato Madeira, and FINSTOC, long-time partners in organizing FBTP events.

“We also have the support of New Step, which provided us with brand-new tatamis free of charge,” says the president of the federation. “The collaboration with media outlets and digital platforms to ensure live coverage and promote the championship also needs to be mentioned, as does the mobilization of the local community. Several karate clubs have assisted in the preparation and execution of the championship, offering technical and logistical support.”

ITKF Global has worked closely with FBTP, helping ensure that international standards are met and promoting the event among its associated federations, which has attracted a wide range of participants.

“International partnerships will strengthen FBTP’s collaborative networks, facilitating future exchanges and competitions, and raising its organizational standards in line with global best practices,” emphasizes Fernando Silva. “This will leave a lasting legacy for the development of traditional karate in Portugal and Europe.”