News 2019

Posted 31st December 2019
EKF Assistant National Coaching Appointments

Following recent interviews we are pleased to announce the completion of the EKF National Coaching Teams. 

The standard of applications was extremely high and that is testament to the depth and breadth of the quality of coaches within the EKF.

Congratulations to:

John Gardener and Vasile Munteanu who have been appointed to the position of EKF Assistant National Kata Coach. John and Vasile will join Ady Gray concluding the National Kata Coaching Team.

Sat Sehra, Rory Daniels and Dean Lowe who have been appointed to the position of EKF Assistant National Kumite Coach. Sat, Rory and Dean will join Junior Leferve and Juliette Toney concluding the National Kumite Coaching Team. 

Further details about the newly appointed assistant coaches will follow.

We wish them all the very best in their new roles.

The Regional Coaching Teams will be concluded during January.

Winston Williams, EKF Performance Director, Junior Leferve, EKF National Kumite Coaches, Ady Gray, EKF National Kata Coach

Posted 11th December 2019
Passing of Sensei Kanazawa

Recently, we heard the very sad news that Sensei Kanazawa peacefully passed away on the 8th December 2019 aged 88 years.

Sensei needs no introduction - the legendary Shotokan Master who graduated from Takushoku University and founded the SKIF, was seen as one of the great masters of Karate and was recognised within the sport worldwide.

In 2000 he achieved the rank of 10th Dan, the highest level in Karate and was a student of Sensei Funakoshi who was regarded by many as the Father of Modern Day Karate. We say goodbye to a true gentleman and great Karate-Ka who trail blazed Shotokan Karate for what it is today.

The EKF are extremely sad to hear this news and pass on our deepest condolences and sympathy to his immediate Family - The Kanazawa's - Nobuaki, Daizo & Fumitoshi.

Rest in Peace and Oss!!!

Posted 4th December 2019
Karate included in the Youth Olympics 2022

Karate will be included in the Youth Olympic Games in 2022 in Dakar, Senegal. This is excellent news following the disappointiment of Paris 2024.

Click here for full press release from the WKF.

Posted 24th November 2019
Recruitment to: Assistant National Coaches, Head Regional Coaches and Assistant Regional Coaches.

Following the successful appointments of Ady Gray, Junior Leferve and Matt Handley to the National Coaching roles and Juliette Toney to the Assistant National Coaching role. We are now looking to conclude the Kumite and Kata coaching structures.

We are therefore looking to appoint National assistant Coaches and Regional Coaches (Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches).

The EKF is keen for it’s coaching teams to reflect its membership, therefore we would encourage applications from under-represented groups.

The changes to the structures for Kumite and Kata will also include creating a fourth region for Kumite by dividing the south region to create a South East Region and a South West Region. We will also introduce two Kata regions, North and South’ Regions.

From January 2020 the age for attendance at National Squad will be lowered to 12yrs. The Head Regional Coach will need to give consent for athletes to attend National Squad Training.

The closing date for all applications is 5pm on Monday 2nd December 2019.

Further information about the coaching roles and how to apply PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Posted 17th November 2019
Thank you to Greg Francis

As some will know there have been a few changes to the EKF Board following the AGM.

The Board is constructed as highlighted elsewhere, but we would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Greg Francis who has now moved on.

Greg worked as one of the Directors in the Performance department, and was involved in the re-structuring of that department.

We wish Greg every success for the future.

The EKF Board

Posted 29th October 2019
EKF & Black History Month

We are coming towards the end of the month of October and the end of Black History Month. This month has been celebrated now nationwide every year for nearly 40 years.

The Karate arena in England has been a platform for Diversity for many years and continues to be. With Karate providing opportunities for all backgrounds, not just dependent on Race. With Black representation firmly embedded into the History of English Karate from top to bottom.

The EKF are proud to be a representative organization that embraces the many differing cultural backgrounds that make up England and this is evident in the make-up of our federation.

Posted 23rd October 2019
EKF Board Appointments following 2019 AGM

Following the EKF AGM on Sunday 20th October 2019, Steve Coupland was re-elected as the President of the EKF. Steve will now serve a four year term of office.

In addition, Winston Williams, Mike Davies, Sonny Roberts, Ivor Thomas and Patience Kakitie were all appointed as Board directors, serving a two year period of office. They join Paul Campbell (vice president) who was in post already.

The AGM brought about considerable discussion across a variety of issues, which will give this new Board significant food for thought. 

We would like to thank all members that participated in the AGM and look forward to working to further the progress of the EKF.

Posted 11th September 2019
EKF & CIMAC Press Release

The English Karate Federation Ltd (EKF) and Cimac Martial Arts Wear Ltd (Cimac) are delighted to announce that they have finalised a mutually beneficial and lucrative sponsorship deal.

Read the full press release here.

Posted 29th August 2019
Junior Leferve appointed as the EKF Head Kumite Coach

Dear Members,

On the 13th and 27th August interviews were held for the appointment of the Head Kumite Coach role. As with the Head Kata role we were very impressed with the standard of applicants and the quality of the interviews. 

Whilst it was an incredibly tough decision, we are delighted to announce that Junior Leferve has been appointed the new Head Coach for kumite. 

Junior has a wealth of experience which he brings with him and as well as being a former World Champion Junior has coached a number of National Teams around the World. This experience will stand him in good stead as he further develops the EKF performance framework and squad. 

We are also pleased to announce that Juliette Toney will be appointed Assistant National Coach, Juliette will be Head National Coach designate and will succeed Junior in future years. Juliette’s pedigree will be better known to England Karateka as she is a former X 2 World Karate Champion and former England Assistant Coach (2007-2012). She will support Junior in leading the EKF Kumite Squad through this next exciting chapter. 

The Para appointment will be made in the near future as well as additions to the Kata and Kumite Coaching Teams.   

We would like to thank Paul Newby and Davin Pack for their hard work and successes during their time as National Kumite Coaches.

We wish Junior and Juliette very best in their new roles. 

The EKF Board

Posted 5th August 2019
Ady Gray appointed as the EKF Head Kata Coach

Dear Members,
 
On Tuesday this week we held interviews for the Head Coach roles for kata, kumite and para. We were very impressed with the standard of applicants and the quality of the interviews. 

Whilst it was an incredibly tough decision, we are delighted to announce that Ady Gray has been appointed as the new Head Coach for Kata. 

Ady has a wealth of experience which he brings with him, this will stand him in good stead as he begins to draw up a performance framework for the squad. Ady will be hitting the ground running and will be leading the squad training this Sunday in Walsall. 

We would like to thank Interim Head Kata Coach Paul Braid for all his hard work supporting and leading the Kata Squad over the last 10 months.

We wish Ady all the very best in his new role. Kumite and Para appointments will be made in the near future.

EKF Board

Posted 4th August 2019
EKF AGM Sunday 20th October 2019

Dear Heads of Association

Please be aware that the Annual General Meeting has been changed from the 22nd September to 20th October 2019. 

The Venue for the Event will be:

Holiday Inn Coventry M6 J2, Hinckley Road, Walsgrave, Coventry CV2 2HP

Direct Lines: 02476 587473
Fax : 02476 587404
Reception : 0871 942 9021

The AGM will start at 11:00 and is scheduled to finish by 14:00, tea and coffee will be available in the room. 

All HOA's must submit proposed Member Agenda items to Company Secretary, Mike Davies by no later than 11th August 2019. Click here for the Nomination form in respect to candidatures for the EKF Board for the attention of HOA's; this also needs to be returned to Mike by 11th August 2019.

Should HOA's require a vote by proxy to be presented at the AGM, please follow the process outlined in the Articles of Association (found here) and email Mike Davies the completed proxy notice by 11th August 2019.

For clarity, a draft of the Agenda will be issued on the 23rd August 2019. 

Key contact details:
Mike Davies
mike@bushidoryu.org

Posted 4th August 2019
EKF become registered partners to Inclusive Activity Programme (IAP)

The EKF are delighted to announce that they have become registered partners to the National Lottery and Sport England funded Inclusive Activity Programme (IAP). This is something which we are incredibly proud to be part of and are one of the few martial arts governing bodies (and first karate governing body) to have signed up as registered partners. This fits strategically with our ambition to develop an English karate para-athlete squad – building upon our advertisement for a National Para Coach and the excellent work that Sensei Matt Handley has been doing already on behalf of the EKF.

IAP will help equip karate coaches with the skills to more effectively engage disabled people, and people with long-term health conditions during classes. It will provide a unique opportunity that will significantly improve the confidence and competence of coaches to deliver inclusive activity.

As registered partners the EKF will be rolling out 4 training sessions each year with the first one being planned for early October – further details are due to be announced in due course. The EKF Board are also pleased to announce that the first course will be provided to members free of charge.

For further information on the programme please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srmt7TlzVxo

EKF Board

Posted 22nd July 2019
EKF AGM 2019

EKF AGM will be in September (Holiday Inn Coventry).... More information will follow shortly. 

Nominations for all positions (President, Vice President, and seven Board directors) are invited and should be sent to EKF Admin by Sunday 11th August. All nominations must be EKF licence holders and be supported by your association. Please see articles for more details.

Posted 19th July 2019
EKF National Championships June 2019

Click here to view results at Sport Data.

Posted 8th July 2019
EKF AGM & Board News update July 2019

Posted 8th July 2019
The EKF wish to stand in solidarity with the LGBT+ Community during Pride.

Pride is about communities coming together in celebration, protest, unity and solidarity. It has become an important time to show support for equality for all LGBT people.

The EKF is proud to support all our LGBT+ members in saying No to Homophobia, Transphobia and any other form of discrimination.

Posted 1st July 2019
Unification Statement

Dear Members, Colleagues and Friends of England Karate

For quite some time now there has been on-going negotiations regarding setting up a recognised body for Karate in England.

Five major English groups....  AMA (Amateur Martial Arts Association), EKF (English Karate Federation) FEKO (Federation of English Karate Organisations) KE (Karate England) and KUGB (Karate Union of Great Britain) have been seeking new accords based upon common interests and common ground. We have worked on what unites us rather than on that which divides.

Read more

Posted 1st July 2019
ENHANCED DBS for EKF Nationals

Dear Coach/Colleagues

As you are aware there is requirement for all those who wish to coach at the EKF Nationals to produce an up to date ENHANCED DBS or reference number prior to the event and no later than Thursday 11th July (note: You must also send your Date of birth with any reference number please)

Many of you have already complied and we thank you. Please don't be concerned that on Sportdata you are still held on the 'waiting List' over the next few days your coaching application to this competition will be processed.

There are still some coaches that have not fulfilled this obligation. Could we ask that you attend to this immediately, or you will NOT be allowed to coach at the Nationals.

Please note you must have your EKF tatami coach accreditation in conjunction with the above measure.

We are taking these measures to further tighten our Safe Guarding protocols which I am sure you will all feel is a good thing and wish to support.

If you have any issue acquiring a Enhanced DBS or wish for further clarity, then please do not hesitate to contact us at admin@englishkaratefederation.com

ALL DBS's should be sent to paulcampbell12@hotmail.com.

Kind Regards
The EKF Board

Posted 5th June 2019
Applications are invited for the National Coaching positions of: National Head Kata Coach, National Head Para Coach and National Head Kumite Coach 

The English Karate Federation is seeking to appoint to 3 National Coaching positions:

• National Kata Head Coach - Download Job Description
• National Para Head Coach - Download Job Description
• National Kumite Head Coach - Download Job Description

Read full details here INCLUDING 16th JUNE BOARD UPDATE

Posted 16th April 2019
EKF Squad Administration Appointments

Introducing the New EKF Administration Team

The EKF is pleased to announce the appointments of a new squad administration team. Following a recruitment process the following positions have been appointed to:

Senior Squad Administrator – Gregg Peers
Squad Administrator – Isla Hall
Squad Administrator – Sally Boakes

Read more

Posted 24th March 2019
EKF Registrations slips not available 27/03 - 01/04

The EKF Registration Director will be away at the Senior Europeans in Spain from Wednesday 27th March and return back at his desk Monday 1st April. If you require Registration/Licence Slips or Insurance renewals, we encourage you to contact Ivor before he goes away.

Posted 12th March 2019
WKF continues with Paris 2024 campaign

For your information, click here to read the latest press release which has been published by the WKF regarding our efforts to promote the inclusion of Karate in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. As you will see, the press release includes the guidelines that we are following to continue fighting for our goals.

Sincerely, Antonio Espinós, WKF President

Posted 11th March 2019
New DBS System

At an EKF Board Meeting dated the 13th January 2019, it was agreed that all Provisional Members must have a New DBS with the updating Service and this will apply to all New Applications in the future.

It was also agreed that once completed that this criteria would then be rolled out to all Members that are in Full Membership.

The Board would ask that All Chief Instructors and their Assistant Instructors produce a New DBS with the updating Service (if not already doing so).

The Board would like this to be given full priority with a completion date the end of May 2019.

Scanned copies will be accepted and can be sent to the complianceofficer@englishkaratefederation.com. Mob 07814106847.

Failure to comply with this requirement could impact on your Membership within the EKF.

Posted 10th March 2019
Meeting of the WKF with Paris 2024

In the enclosed files we are sending you the press release with the outcome of the meeting which we had yesterday with the representatives of the Organising Committee of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Please, make sure that you do your utmost to spread the contents of this press release. We need your cooperation, so that the information included in these documents reaches as many people as possible.

Click here to read the press release

With your help, we will continue fighting for our goals. We will not give up.

Sincerely, Antonio Espinós, WKF President

Posted 7th March 2019
EKF Disability Ambassador Matt Handley attends the ‘Inclusivity Activity Programme’ workshop.

The training workshop held at Loughborough University saw representatives from various National Governing Bodies to include: FA England Football, English Netball, Rowing, British Gymnastics, England Cricket, Bowling and British Cycling to name a few, all came together for the training workshop. They discussed ideas on inclusion and how they could move their sports forward and promote inclusion and participation within their National Governing Bodies.

The EKF is committed to improving our reach and participation and the learning from this workshop will be applied to the way we operate. We hope to further develop our engagement with Activity Alliance Sport England in the future.

Posted 6th March 2019
WKF produces website campaign banners to support 2024

As we informed you last week, the WKF has launched a digital campaign to show our unity against the exclusion of Karate from the Olympic Games in Paris 2024. Once again, we request your help so that all the karatekas in the world can participate in this project in order to demonstrate the strength of our sport.

The WKF has created a banner, which we send you in different sizes in the attached files. Please, place this banner on your website in a preferred place so that all your members get to know about this campaign. We kindly ask you to link this banner to the information that you may have published on your website on this subject. Otherwise, you can link it directly to the WKF.

In case you need the banner in another format or in other sizes, please contact our communication department at press@wkf.net.

Click here to download all 4 banners in a zip file

We hope to have your support again.

Antonio Espinós, WKF President

Posted 4th March 2019
EKF Board meeting February 2019

The EKF Board met on Sunday 24th February in Leicester to discuss a variety of issues and to seek to further progress the EKF.

Following the resignations of Chris Thompson and John De Bono there was discussion on what we might do with the two vacant seats on the Board. To this end, we are conducting a Skill set analysis of the Board, and will then seek to advertise for two new board members, indicating the kind of skills we need to execute Board business. We of course also encourage applications from under represented groups. Keep an eye out on the web and facebook for more information.

We have agreed small Board shuffle, and we are pleased to announce that Peter Dennis will take over the role of Technical Director for the EKF. He will oversee the Dan grade register, as well as issuing Dan grades. We encourage members who wish to further gradings to contact Peter for more information.

The Board also looked at the recent report from Moore Stephens, who have reviewed the EKF and have made several recommendations to help us improve our governance. Not least was the need for new Articles. Mark Symmonds is putting these together, which will ultimately be put to the membership for approval.

Pictured above left to right: Winston Williams, Beckie Hill, Michael Dinsdale, Ivor Thomas, Greg Francis, Peter Dennis, Steve Coupland and Paul Campbell

Reports from Ivor Thomas indicated good membership figures, and consistent revenue from licence purchases. Winston Williams informed the Board that there had been some excellent applications for the newly created Squad Admin post, and hoped to make a formal appointment in the coming weeks. 

A discussion was had about the recent Cadet, Juniors and under 21 European Championships and the up coming Senior European Champions.

Greg Francis and Peter Dennis presented their 'grass roots' report......look out for more of this in coming weeks with what we hope will be excellent initiatives to engage the wider membership.

The meeting lasted for the whole day, but was productive and we hope beneficial to the EKF.

We also like to record thanks to Beckie Hill for taking the minutes of the meeting and for patience during the day.

Posted 28th February 2019
WKF launches #Karate2024 campaign to request Paris 2024 inclusion

Today we have launched the campaign #Karate2024 on social media to demonstrate our unity and to request our inclusion in the programme of the 2024 Olympic Games.

Your support for the success of this campaign is crucial. For this, I kindly ask you to distribute this campaign among all your affiliates and clubs. Please, send them this information so that all the karatekas in your country can publish their videos and photos participating in the challenge #TsukiForKarate2024.

In this way, we will not only showcase our unity but also how strong Karate in your country really is.

I am sure that with your collaboration, we will achieve our goal of being in Paris 2024.

https://wkf.net/news-center-new/wkf-launches-karate2024-campaign-to-request-paris-2024-inclusion/903/

Antonio Espinós
WKF President

Posted 25th February 2019
Olympic Games Paris 2024 - a meassage from the WKF President

On 21st February we have received the hard news that the Paris 2024 Organising Committee has not proposed Karate as an additional sport to the IOC.

First and foremost, I want you to know that the WKF is not going to give up on this obstacle. WKF has never done so facing adversity and this is not going to be an exception.

Last Friday 22nd February, one day after, I have met in Lausanne with the IOC President and I have asked him, also in writing after the meeting, that the IOC requests Paris 2024 to reassess its proposal to IOC, including Karate as an additional sport. Fundamentally, based on the tremendous strength and quality of this sport in France and that it is absolutely not acceptable to exclude Karate before being evaluated in Tokyo 2020.

Click here to read more

Posted 21st February 2019
Karate not proposed for the Olympic Games Paris 2024

Unfortunately, I have to inform you that the Organising Committee of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 has not proposed Karate as one of the additional sports.

We have worked for this and we have done so restless in these past months, hand in hand with the French Federation, however it has finally not been possible to achieve our goal, which I already presented in Madrid last November as a difficult and complex goal.

Once again, we must recover quickly and continue working as we have always one. This is how we have been capable to have a Federation and a sport of which we all feel proud of today. Therefore, I count on your support and cooperation as always.

Antonio Espinós
WKF President

Posted 17th February 2019
John De Bono has resigned from the EKF Board.

John has served on the EKF on several occasions over the last decade in numerous capacities. We would like to thank him for all his work, and the effort he has made to help the EKF to succeed.

We wish John all the best for the future.

Posted 7th February 2019
Chris Thompson has resigned from the EKF Board.

Chris has been director of the EKF (and formerly the EKGB) for over 20 years. In that time he has made a significant contribution to governance in in English karate, and also chaired the Technical Committee.

We wish him well in his new ventures, and formally thank him for his contribution.

The EKF Board

Posted 4th February 2019
EKF Squad Administrator Position / Opportunity

The English Karate Federation is seeking to appoint to a voluntary role of Squad Administrator.

This is an exciting opportunity to work with England’s National Governing Body for Karate. If you would like to work within the EKF’s Performance Department, supporting the Performance Director’s and EKF Coaches and can demonstrate that you meet the role requirements then, this might be the role for you. Please note that full support and appropriate training will be provided.

How to apply:

Having regard for the role requirements (below), you are asked to submit a CV no greater than two A4 pages outlining your skills and relevant experience. You are also asked to submit a brief covering letter explaining why you would like to undertake this role.

Summary of the role: EKF Squad Administrator

The EKF Squad Administrator will carry out administrative support to a high standard ensuring that squad administration is undertaken in an efficient, effective and friendly manner. Reporting to the EKF Performance Director’s he/she will work with them to ensure the objectives of the department are met.

Typical requirements of the role:

Act as the face of the Performance Department, providing an administrative service, to include: typing, photocopying, mailing, e-mailing, filing, receiving and responding to enquiries, liaising with parents, carers and member clubs / associations as necessary in connection with the role, providing website updates to the website administrator, updating the EKF Facebook Page with information specific to the EKF squad, arrange meetings in connection with the squad and maintain records in line with GDPR. Plus all other duties as required by the role as it develops.

Characteristics of the ideal person:

Terms

This is a voluntary Role and therefore will not attract a salary but will receive out of pocket expenses in line with the remit of the role. It is anticipated that the role will require someone who has the available time (approximately 1.5 days each week) to dedicate to supporting the EKF Squad development.

Application closing date: 5pm on Monday 25th February 2019

Please email your application to: performancedirector@englishkaratefederation.com. Should you wish to discuss the role further, then please contact EKF Performance Director’s Winston Williams or Greg Francis by emailing them with your name and contact number via: performancedirector@englishkaratefederation.com

Posted 14th January 2019
New Year Board Message and Update

The Board of the EKF would like to wish all its members, their families and loved ones, and the wider Karate community a Happy New Year and a great 2019

It’s been a while since there has been a posting on the web from your Board, so it seemed an opportune time to update on what has been happening …..And there has been quite a lot!!

Click here to continue reading ...

Posted 6th January 2019
Matthew Handley Appointed Interim Disability Ambassador for the EKF

At its August meeting the EKF Board agreed to support the Performance Director’s recommendation to appoint an interim Disability Ambassador and their recommendation was that person should be Matthew Handley. This appointment was shared with those who attended the coaches meeting on 27th October. The purpose of the role is explained in the extract from the report to the EKF Board below.

Extract from Performance Director’s report the August EKF Board:

‘In order to really increase our reach and ultimately participation there is a need to establish a dedicated role in the form of a disability ambassador. It is therefore our intention to appoint a disability ambassador who will focus on raising awareness and increasing participation as well as developing an EKF para squad. In the interim the Performance Director’s have asked Matthew Handley to look into this, undertaking this role on an interim basis pending a formal recruitment’.

Matthew has already commenced this work and will update the Board in due course. The work will ultimately fall under the responsibility of Board member John De Bono who has the remit for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.