The country’s National Karate Day event took place at the Yat Sen Hall in Suva last Saturday.

In a press release Karate Fiji started that the event was in support of the World Karate Federation’s (WKF) commitment to promote the sport for all ages and social classes.

“With over 60 karate-kas entering, across all age divisions for both male and female, the event also provided families and friends the opportunity to participate in activities planned during the breaks to promote fun in karate,” stated the release.

The event also welcomed Karate Fiji’s latest affiliate, based in Nadi, to participate alongside YMCA, Suva Goju Ryu and Goju Ryu Lautoka for the first event of the year.

Head instructors, coaches, referees and senior athletes who have participated in Oceania Sports Education Programme (OSEP) courses throughout 2016 and earlier this year were also in attendance.

WKF’s executive committee member Makarita Lenoa said the day was all about participation and this was well reflected in the numbers who supported the event across all levels of the organisation.

“From the Dojos entered the number of athletes who participated, and also from the number of technical officials in attendance,” Lenoa said.

KF’s president, Angela Birch, added that ‘the skills acquired at the OSEP courses undertaken by the head instructors, coaches, referees and senior athletes are coming to fruition, and they are grateful to OSEP mentors and master educators for facilitating the courses”.

The team are now focused on preparing for the National Championship in August, whilst national representatives continue to train for international events later in the year.

Karate Fiji is grateful to Fiji National Sports Commission, FASANOC, OSEP and ONOC and all supporters for their continued assistance towards the development of the sport.