GUARDIAN GIRLS KARATE LAUNCHED IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
The Guardian Girls Karate (GGK) project was inaugurated in South Australia at Government House by Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, together with GGI President and Co-Founder Nia Lyte, in the presence of WKF CEO Sara Wolff and WKF Secretary General Toshihisa Nagura.
“The launch of the Guardian Girls Karate Programme in Oceania marks a proud and meaningful moment for the World Karate Federation. This programme is one of our most important initiatives, as it shows how karate can help bring real change to our societies. We truly believe that Guardian Girls Karate can make a real difference in the lives of thousands of women, not only in this region but around the world,” said WKF President Antonio Espinós.
“The launch of the Guardian Girls Karate Programme in Oceania marks a proud and meaningful moment for the World Karate Federation. This programme is one of our most important initiatives, as it shows how karate can help bring real change to our societies. We truly believe that Guardian Girls Karate can make a real difference in the lives of thousands of women, not only in this region but around the world,” said WKF President Antonio Espinós.
“Karate teaches discipline, respect, and strength. This programme brings those values to life. I am confident that the Guardian Girls Karate launch will help spread the true spirit of karate across Oceania and show its strong social impact,” added Mr Espinós.
Around the world, one woman is killed every ten minutes by her partner, and one in four young women aged 15 to 24 who have been in a relationship will have experienced gender based violence (GBV), according to the United Nations Women 2024 report. In response to this global crisis, the Guardian Girls Karate Programme teaches women and girls with essential tools to defend themselves, build resilience, and take control of their safety and well-being.
“The Guardian Girls Karate Programme goes beyond sport—it is a movement with a purpose: to empower women and girls through Karate and to take an active stand against one of the most urgent challenges our societies face—gender-based violence. Our presence here in Adelaide reflects the importance we place on this initiative, and we attend the unveiling of the programme in Oceania to showcase the WKF’s core determination to contribute to the betterment of society. We believe that by launching the programme in Oceania, we are laying the foundation for a meaningful legacy across the region. From urban centres to remote communities, the message is clear: violence against women has no place in our society, and Karate can be a force for change,” said Sara Wolff.