Every upcoming WKF event tracked on Fightbase — dates, fight cards and where to watch.
The World Karate Federation governs the sport worldwide and runs Karate 1, its international circuit, comprising the Premier League and the second-tier Series A. It is the main competitive stage for sport karate and the source of the world ranking.
WKF official site ↗Karate World Cup 2026
Senior team kumite and kata finals · in 32 days
Karate 1 Series A Tbilisi
Kumite & kata across all weight classes · in 81 days
Karate 1 Premier League Istanbul
Kumite & kata across all weight classes · in 102 days
Karate 1 Premier League Rome
Kumite & kata across all weight classes · in 143 days
2027 Karate One Premier League Rome
Kumite & kata across all weight classes · in 144 days
Karate 1 Series A Tarragona 2027
Kumite and kata, all categories · in 179 days
Karate 1 Premier League Astana 2027
Kumite and kata, all categories · in 200 days
Karate 1 Premier League Rabat 2027
Kumite and kata, all categories · in 228 days
Karate 1 Series A Amman 2027
Kumite and kata, all categories · in 277 days
Karate 1 Series A Salzburg 2027
Kumite and kata, all categories · in 333 days
Karate 1 Series A Salzburg
Kumite & kata across all weight classes · in -17 days
Every event runs two entirely different competitions. Kumite is sparring, contested by weight class with controlled contact. Kata is a solo performance of a set form, scored by judges on technical execution and athletic performance against the recognised standard for that form. Both award world ranking points and both have individual and team versions.
Three point values apply: one for a punch to the body or head, two for a kick to the body, three for a kick to the head or for a score following a takedown. Excessive contact is penalised — control is part of the technique, not incidental to it. A bout ends early if one competitor establishes an eight-point lead; otherwise the higher score after the time limit wins, and the first competitor to score breaks a tie.
Premier League events are the top tier and carry the most ranking points; Series A events sit below them and are where competitors build toward Premier League entry. Alongside the circuit the federation stages the World Championships and a separate team World Cup, in which nations rather than individuals are drawn against each other. Karate appeared at the Olympic Games in Tokyo and was not retained on the programme afterwards, so unlike judo or taekwondo this calendar is not currently an Olympic qualification path — it is the sport's competitive summit in its own right.
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