East African Regional Karate Championship 2025

About the Championship

A Continental Stage in the Heart of Africa

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Participating Countries

Region 5

East Africa · UFAK

2025

Addis Ababa · December

The Ethiopia Karate Federation proudly hosts the East African Regional Karate Championship 2025, gathering fourteen nations from Region 5 of the African continent at the iconic Addis Ababa — the diplomatic capital of Africa.

From Kata's poetic precision to Kumite's lightning fire, the tournament will crown the region's finest under the gaze of the President of the Africa Karate Federation and the Vice President of the World Karate Federation. This is more than a competition — it is a celebration of discipline, brotherhood, and the unbreakable spirit of African martial arts.

Over six days of competition, athletes, coaches, and officials will gather to write the next chapter of East African karate history. Welcome to Addis Ababa. Welcome to the dojo of nations.

World Karate Federation

WKF · Official Recognition

Africa Karate Federation

UFAK · Continental Authority

Ethiopia Karate Federation

Host Federation · 2025

Championship

Where Legends Are Forged

The Welcome Arch

Athletes are greeted at the official UFAK East Regional Championship welcome gate — a symbol of unity between Ethiopia, Africa, and the world karate community.

Officials & Dignitaries

Leadership from WKF, the Africa Karate Federation, and the Ethiopia Karate Federation gather to oversee the championship and ensure global standards.

Honored Guests

Dignitaries & Officials

The championship is graced by the highest authorities of world and African karate, alongside Ethiopian dignitaries from the Ministry of Culture and Sport.

World Karate Federation

Vice President

World Karate Federation

"Karate is a bridge between cultures. Ethiopia is a fitting host."

Africa Karate Federation (UFAK)

President

Africa Karate Federation (UFAK)

"Region 5 is the heartbeat of African karate."

Ethiopia Karate Federation

President

Ethiopia Karate Federation

"Addis Ababa welcomes the continent. Let the championship begin."

Government / Ministry

Honored Delegation

Ministry of Culture & Sport

Region 5 — Africa

Fourteen Nations. One Tatami.

🇪🇹

Ethiopia

32 Athletes

🇰🇪

Kenya

28 Athletes

🇺🇬

Uganda

22 Athletes

🇹🇿

Tanzania

24 Athletes

🇷🇼

Rwanda

18 Athletes

🇧🇮

Burundi

16 Athletes

🇸🇴

Somalia

14 Athletes

🇩🇯

Djibouti

12 Athletes

🇪🇷

Eritrea

15 Athletes

🇸🇸

South Sudan

12 Athletes

🇸🇩

Sudan

20 Athletes

🇲🇬

Madagascar

17 Athletes

🇰🇲

Comoros

10 Athletes

🇸🇨

Seychelles

8 Athletes

Why Ethiopia

An Ancient Land. A Modern Capital.

" ድል የሚገኘው በትጋት ነው "

— Victory is earned through dedication.

Ethiopian Cross

A symbol of millennia of faith, craftsmanship, and resilience — values that echo in every karateka who steps onto the tatami.

Lion of Judah

Strength, sovereignty, and dignity. The Lion of Judah is the emblem of Ethiopia's unconquered spirit — a fitting patron for warriors of discipline.

Coffee Ceremony

Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee. The ceremony — slow, deliberate, communal — is a daily practice in mindfulness. Just like karate.

Addis Ababa — The Diplomatic Capital of Africa

Home to the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa, Addis Ababa is where the continent's most important decisions are made. In December 2025, the city adds another title to its legacy: the capital of East African karate.

3,200melevation — the city in the clouds

1886founded by Emperor Menelik II

55African Union member states

Gallery

Moments from the Federation

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Event Schedule

Six Days of Karate. One Unforgettable Week.

Day 1 · Dec 16

Arrival, Registration & Opening Ceremony

Delegations arrive in Addis Ababa. Official accreditation, weigh-ins, and a grand opening ceremony featuring traditional Ethiopian performances.

Day 2 · Dec 17

Kata Eliminations

Individual and team Kata across all categories. The poetry of karate — precision, balance, and spirit.

Day 3 · Dec 18–19

Kumite Eliminations

Two days of full-contact Kumite — every weight category, every age division, every country.

Day 5 · Dec 20

Finals & Medal Ceremony

The road to gold. National anthems. Champions of Region 5 are crowned in front of WKF and AKF dignitaries.

Day 6 · Dec 22

Closing Gala & Cultural Night

A final celebration — Ethiopian coffee ceremony, traditional dance, farewells, and the handover to the 2026 host nation.

Disciplines

Competition Categories

From the poetry of Kata to the thunder of Kumite — every division, every weight class, every age.

Kata

Senior Male

Individual Kata — Senior Men

Kata

Senior Female

Individual Kata — Senior Women

Kumite

Senior Male -67kg

Lightweight men's kumite

Kumite

Senior Male -75kg

Middleweight men's kumite

Kumite

Senior Male -84kg

Light-heavyweight men's kumite

Kumite

Senior Male +84kg

Heavyweight men's kumite

Kumite

Senior Female -55kg

Lightweight women's kumite

Kumite

Senior Female -61kg

Welterweight women's kumite

Kumite

Senior Female -68kg

Middleweight women's kumite

Kumite

Senior Female +68kg

Heavyweight women's kumite

Team Kata

Senior Male

Three-athlete team kata — Men

Team Kata

Senior Female

Three-athlete team kata — Women

Team Kumite

Senior Male

Five-athlete team kumite — Men

Team Kumite

Senior Female

Three-athlete team kumite — Women

Kata

Junior Mixed

Junior individual kata

Kumite

Cadet Mixed

Cadet kumite — all weight classes

News & Announcements

Welcome arch unveiled at championship venue

Featured

November 18, 2025

Welcome arch unveiled at championship venue

The official UFAK East Regional Championship welcome arch is now in place at the Addis Ababa competition hall, marking the final preparations.

November 15, 2025

14 federations confirm participation

All fourteen national federations of Region 5 have confirmed their delegations for the December 16-22 championship.

November 11, 2025

Junior development squad in final training camp

Ethiopia's junior squad enters its final training camp ahead of the regional championship, training daily in Addis Ababa.

Register

Athlete Registration

Federations and athletes can submit a registration expression of interest below. Final entries will be confirmed by your national federation in coordination with the EKF.

Full Name *

Email *

Phone

Country *

National Federation

Date of Birth

Gender

Weight (kg)

Belt Rank

Discipline *

Division *

Notes

By submitting, you agree that the EKF may contact you regarding entry confirmation.

Partners

Sponsors & Supporters

Gold Partners

Silver Partners

Bronze Partners

Become a Sponsor

Get in Touch

Contact the Federation

Ethiopia Karate Federation

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

info@ethiopiakarate.org

+251 11 000 0000