British Karate Federation

British Karate Federation News

 


World Technical Commission Secretary, Mike Billman, steps down

It has been announced that the Secretary of the World Karate Federation Technical Commission, Mike Billman, 9th Dan, has given notice that he is having to resign his position for personal reasons. 

 

Mike has been on the WKF Technical Commission for many years now and was also the chairman of the European Technical Commission at the same time. Mike retired from the Euro TC in May, again for personal reasons, and now feels that he has to follow suit with his current position.

 

 

 


European Technical Commission Chairman, Mike Billman, steps down

During the Congress meeting at the 2023 European Championships in Guadalajara, President Espinos gave a speech to the audience which ended with him announcing that the Chairman of the European Technical Commission, Mike Billman, had recently given notice that he was having to resign his position for personal reasons.

The President gave praise to Mike for the work he had done in the commission for the benefit of European karate.

 

 

 

 


RIP - HM Queen Elizabeth II

It is with great sadness that the British Karate Federation has learnt of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

 

The board of the British Karate Federation and the President send their sincere condolences to the Royal Family at this sad time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


RIP - Mervyn Etienne

The world of karate recently lost one of its great fighters, Mervyn Etienne.

Mervyn was an individual European kumite champion and team kumite World champion in the 1980s and 90s. One of the greatest fighters of his time and an inspiration to many karate ka. The BKF sends its condolences to his family and friends.

RIP

 

 

 


In Memorial

The BKF mourns the passing of Mr. Con Kassis who was the chairman of the WKF technical commission and a member of the WKF Sports, Rules & Ranking Commissions and had also acted as a member of the WKF Referee commission.

RIP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Billy Brennan - Tokyo 2020 Commentary

The British Karate Federation would like to forward recognition to Billy Brennan's efforts for providing live commentary on both the Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo 2020.

To those in the Olympic audience who knew nothing about Karate he forwarded clear and understandable explanations and examples.

Billy also commentated on other sports including Football, Badmington and Judo.

Well done Billy - keep up the good work.

 

 


Passing away of Bobby Morton

The British Karate Federation has today learned of the sad passing of Bobby Morton and extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.

Bobby was a great ambassador for our sport, not only in Scotland, but throughout the UK and beyond. Bobby was of huge support to the BKF, leading our events team by organising and successfully delivering the British 4 Nations Championships and the British International Open events for several years.

Bobby always made time to speak to everyone, made them feel welcome and knew how to have some laughs along the way. He had a larger-than-life personality, who made many friends throughout his years in karate, he will be deeply missed by all.

Best Regards
Roger Williams
BKF President

 

 


Karate Debut Olympics Tokyo 2020

There’s been a massive interest in karate since its debut in the Tokyo Olympics with BKF President, Roger Williams, speaking to numerous radio stations in the build up...

 

 

 

 

 


Formal Recognition for the BKF by the National Olympic Committee

The British Karate Federation has achieved formal recognition from the National Olympic Committee, the British Olympic Association (BOA) and takes its  seat at the next National Olympic Committee meeting. It is a huge honour for the BKF and a step forward for Karate in Great  Britain.

 

 

 


A BKF Thank You to Blitz

The British Karate Federation would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Blitz for its sterling support of our recent International Open Championships (held in Motherwell) as well as our forthcoming BKF Four Nations scheduled for May 2020 in Peterlee. Notably, Blitz has kindly gifted eight sets of Tatami mats to the BKF.

Blitz have also clothed a select team of BKF athletes and coaches - each has an excellent Gi, track suit and a full set of Kumite pads.

Hence, Blitz has helped the BKF to host excellent Championships and facilitated our athletes and their supporting team to attend international tournaments.

 

 

 


New Independent Directors appointed to the BKF Board

The BKF President and Board would like to welcome the new independent directors to the BKF, Marina Hallworth, Andrew Price and Ben McLean.

 

The new directors bring a wealth of experience to the Board and the BKF looks forward to working with the new directors...

 

 

 

 


British Karate Federation seeks to appoint coaches for the Olympic Qualification process

With the Olympic Games less than one year away the BKF have commenced a process to identify and recruit coaches to support the Olympic qualification process for Great Britain athletes...