Guardian Girls Karate Officially Launched in Latvia
@WKF - Guardian Girls Karate Programme Officially Launched in Latvia
The presentation was headed by Kensuke Yoshida, Ambassador of Japan to Latvia, WKF President Antonio Espinós and Toufic Kawar, President of the Latvian National Karate Federation, and had Vladimirs Šteinbergs, President of the Council of Latvian Sports Federations and former Head of the Sports Department of the Ministry of Education and Science, and the participants in the instructors’ course from nine countries in attendance.
The ceremony was opened by Kensuke Yoshida, Ambassador of Japan to Latvia, who welcomed guests and highlighted the deep connection between karate and Japanese culture. Ambassador Yoshida emphasised that karate embodies the Japanese spirit of respect, discipline, and harmony—values that continue to inspire people around the world.
In his address, Toufic Kawar stated:
“Today’s signing represents a partnership of values, uniting Japan’s ancient martial arts traditions with Europe’s enduring belief in equality and respect. Through the Guardian Girls Karate spirit, we are opening a new path for women and girls to rediscover their strength and confidence through empowerment.”
WKF President Antonio Espinós underlined the global importance of the initiative:
“The Guardian Girls Karate Programme has become one of the core initiatives of the WKF since its launch in Los Angeles three years ago. Today, this programme represents the perfect combination of social and institutional outreach of karate and utterly showcases the tremendous legacy of karate in society. Karate is much more than a sport — it is a way of life, with Japanese roots and impressive universality. With the invaluable support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, we are convinced that the WKF is in the right conditions to start a new decisive phase for the Guardian Girls Karate Programme where this initiative reaches all corners of the world.”
Following the presentation, Mr Antonio Espinós and Mr. Toufic Kawar signed the official agreement for the implementation of the programme in Latvia, formalising the country’s participation in the international initiative.
After the institutional presentations, Antonella Nanni, Director of the Guardian Girls Karate Programme, introduced the initiative’s objectives and global mission. To conclude the event, Amy Connell, Guardian Girls Karate Head Instructor, led a practical demonstration showcasing the programme’s core techniques and principles.
The Guardian Girls Karate Programme in Latvia marks a new milestone in the global expansion of this WKF-led initiative. Supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and created by the World Karate Federation (WKF), the Koyamada International Foundation (KIF), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Guardian Girls Global Karate Programme is a gender-based violence prevention initiative designed to promote gender equality and empower women and girls through the discipline of karate.
For more information and updates, follow Guardian Girls Karate on its social media channels, via its Instagram page @guardiangirlskarate.
