KARATE HISTORY WAS MADE IN NAMIBIA!
- Willem Burger
- Aug 17
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 18
Yesterday was a truly historic and unforgettable day for Namibian karate when three karate federations joined forces to compete at the 2026 FNB SHOTOKAN KARATE ACADEMY INTERNATIONAL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS.
For the first time in Namibian karate history, karateka also competed in Kobudō – Traditional Okinawan Weapons. This exciting division quickly became an absolute favourite with the audience, who watched in amazement as the Kobudō competitors demonstrated tremendous skill, precision and control. 🥋⚔️
The Championship truly reflected the wonderful spirit of WUKF and its motto:
“KARATE FOR ALL”
And yesterday, that is exactly what we witnessed!
Competitors ranging from just 4 years old to 67 years old stepped onto the competition floor — different ages, different styles and different organisations, but united by the same passion and love for karate.
This wonderful day would not have been possible without the kind and generous support of FNB Namibia, who has been a valued and collaborative partner of SKAI for many years. We are sincerely grateful for FNB's continued investment in karate and in the development of our athletes. 🙏🏻
With more than 200 entries, yesterday's Championship was arguably one of the largest and most diverse karate competitions held in Namibia, and served as an important preparation event for the Namibia World Union of Karate-Do Federations (NWUKF) flagship event — the 3rd Southern Africa WUKF Open Championship, which will take place in Windhoek in September 2026. 🌍🏆
Our heartfelt thanks go to every karateka, parent, coach, referee, judge, table official, volunteer and supporter who contributed to making this Championship such a tremendous success.
A very special word of appreciation goes to Sensei Carl van der Merwe and Sensei Nico Maritz for having the vision and courage to join NWUKF and to walk this exciting road with us. Your willingness to work together represents something very special for the future of karate in Namibia.
We firmly believe that karate is stronger when we work together — respecting our different traditions and styles while sharing our knowledge, friendship and passion for this magnificent martial art.
The future of Namibian karate is exciting, and we look forward to welcoming even more karate organisations and karateka to join us.
Together, we can build something truly special.
🥋 Different styles.
🤝 Different organisations.
❤️ One karate family.
WUKF — KARATE FOR ALL!
For further information or enquiries about SKAI or NWUKF, interested karate organisations, instructors and karateka are warmly invited to contact:
Sensei Willem Burger
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