ITKF GLOBAL launches dialogue with French Olympic Committee and outlines strategic expansion of Traditional Karate in Europe

Meeting in Paris with President Evelyne Ciriegi reinforces ITKF’s global structure and paves the way for new institutional partnerships across the European continent.

By Paulo Pinto / Global Sports
Curitiba / Brazil, June 4, 2025

With the aim of strengthening institutional recognition and promoting public policies that support Traditional Karate even further, representatives of the International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF) recently met in Paris with Evelyne Ciriegi, President of the Regional Olympic and Sports Committee of France. The meeting, held in a spirit of cooperation and strategic vision, marked a significant step toward consolidating the discipline’s presence across the European sports landscape.

Shihan Eligio Contarelli leads a session during the 2025 France Master Course, reinforcing ITKF’s technical excellence in Europe © ITKF Archive

In attendance were Sandrine El Marhomy, ITKF Vice-President and representative of ITKF France; Professor Dr. Gilberto Gaertner, Chairman of ITKF Global; David Reybier, President of the French Federation of Inclusive Sport; and Ibrahim AlBakr, Chairman of ITKF Asia. The presence of leaders from multiple continents underscored ITKF’s commitment to a global expansion model rooted in inclusion, responsibility, and educational values.

Ibrahim AlBakr, Chairman of ITKF Asia; Sandrine El Marhomy, ITKF Vice-President and representative of ITKF France; David Reybier, President of the French Federation of Inclusive Sport; and Gilberto Gaertner, Chairman of ITKF Global, during a strategic meeting in Paris © ITKF Archive

Key topics discussed included the need for stronger government support for Traditional Karate, the formation of institutional partnerships with public and private entities, and the implementation of technical training programs and international events. The ITKF also presented its current organizational structure, showcasing its solid global presence and the technical and philosophical progress being made in various countries.

Gilberto Gaertner, Chairman of ITKF, alongside Evelyne Ciriegi, President of the Regional Olympic and Sports Committee of France, during the institutional meeting in Paris © ITKF Archive

ITKF Chairman Gilberto Gaertner described the meeting as highly positive and strategic. “We began by congratulating Ms. Evelyne Ciriegi for the outstanding performance of the French Olympic Committee in organizing the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Then, we presented Traditional Karate from an educational standpoint, grounded in ethical, philosophical, and scientific principles, and focused on holistic human development,” said Professor Gaertner.

David Reybier presents Gilberto Gaertner with Phryge, the official mascot of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games © ITKF Archive

At the end of the meeting, the Brazilian leader emphasized the institutional importance of the encounter. “We clearly demonstrated the strength of ITKF in both the French and global contexts. This meeting represents another decisive step in strengthening ties with the world’s leading sports institutions and building a solid foundation for the growth of Traditional Karate throughout Europe.”

ITKF Chairman Gilberto Gaertner pins the ITKF badge on the jacket of Evelyne Ciriegi, President of the Regional Olympic and Sports Committee of France © ITKF Archive

Institutional growth on a global scale

The ITKF recently entered into a partnership with the Egyptian Minister of Sports, Dr. Ashrof Sobhy, during a meeting attended by the President of the Egyptian Olympic Committee, Yasser Edris. On that occasion, the Egyptian Ministry pledged to work toward hosting the ITKF World Championship in 2026, in the city of Cairo.

Trophy presented by ITKF France to President Evelyne Ciriegi in appreciation of her valuable support for the development of Traditional Karate in France © ITKF Archive

Gilberto Gaertner believes this moment is especially promising for the organization. “ITKF is steadily expanding its institutional presence among leading Olympic committees and sports ministries worldwide. These alliances not only validate the role of Traditional Karate as a tool for ethical and educational development, but also open new avenues for funding, technical training, and the staging of major international events. Our meeting with the French Olympic Committee further solidifies this movement and strengthens ITKF’s presence in Europe, where we foresee a major axis of growth in the years to come.”