PROJECT SUMMARY

In May 2022, World Karate Federation (WKF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Koyamada International Foundation (KIF) to officially join the Guardian Girls program, which KIF launched in 2019. That same year, WKF and KIF jointly launched the Guardian Girls Karate (GGK) project in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) as part of this global initiative. In 2024, KIF established Guardian Girls International (GGI), a new international non-governmental organization, to take over and manage all Guardian Girls programs and projects worldwide. Since then, GGI has been working closely with WKF to support the continued development and implementation of the GGK project under the new partnership framework.

MISSION

The mission of the Guardian Girls Karate (GGK) project is to empower women and adolescent girls to combat gender-based violence through Karate-based self-defense training, while fostering confidence, resilience, and leadership.

OBJECTIVES

    • Reduce violence against women and girls by equipping them with practical self-defense skills through the discipline of sport Karate.

    • Advance gender equality, aligning with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

    • Promote sport Karate as a powerful tool for social change, expanding its reach and impact through the GGK program in partnership with national federations.

    • Foster women's participation in sports by expanding access to Karate-based empowerment programs and increasing the number of certified female GGK instructors worldwide.


Global Partner

The World Karate Federation (WKF) is the international governing body for the sport of karate, recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Headquartered in Madrid, Spain, the WKF oversees more than 201 National Federations across five continents and is responsible for organizing the sport’s premier international competitions, including the World Karate Championships and Karate1 Premier League.

With a mission to promote karate as a sport and as a means of physical and moral development, the WKF ensures the uniformity of rules, technical standards, and organizational excellence across its global network. The WKF played a pivotal role in karate's historic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and continues to lead the sport's growth and recognition worldwide.


Why Karate?

The Karate, a traditional martial art originating from Okinawa, Japan, is much more than a system of self-defense. Deeply rooted in centuries of Japanese philosophy and discipline, Karate embodies the balance of mind, body, and soul. It fosters not only physical ability, but also inner strength, self-awareness, respect, and resilience—qualities essential for women and girls to overcome fear, assert their dignity, and navigate life with confidence.

As a globally recognized sport governed by the WKF, Karate offers a unique and structured platform to empower women and adolescent girls across diverse communities. Through Karate-based self-defense training, the GGK project equips participants with the practical skills and mental confidence to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. By sharpening the mind, strengthening the body, and elevating the spirit, Karate serves as an ideal vehicle for both personal transformation and social impact—advancing gender equality and promoting peace through the power of sport.


What We Do

Seminars

In collaboration with GGI and WKF, GGK Seminars are independently conducted by certified female GGK instructors, free of charge, for local women participants, through their National Federations in each respective country.

Certification

The GGK Instructor Certification Course, implemented by the WKF, is offered to female black belt Karate practitioners through their National Federations. Upon completion, participants are certified as GGK Instructors, officially recognized by both WKF and GGI.

Demonstrations

GGK Demonstrations are designed to promote and introduce the GGK project during key international Karate tournaments organized by the WKF. Led by certified female instructors, these demonstrations showcase the mission of GGK through brief performances and public engagement.