Sri Lanka begin push to host traditional karate

Former SLTKA president and chief consultant WJB Dedunupitiya (left) speaking at the media briefing in the presence of Richard Jorgensen, Chairman of ITKF and head of the Technical Committee 

By Susil Premalal

The Sri Lanka Traditional Karate Association (SLTKA) is preparing to secure hosting rights for the inaugural South Asian Traditional Karate Championship scheduled for 2026.
Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo yesterday, SLTKA former President and chief consultant WJB Dedunupitiya said discussions are already underway with traditional karate officials from all South Asian countries to ensure their participation in the championship.
Affiliated with the International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF), the SLTKA has been active in Sri Lanka since 1993 spanning more than three decades. 
Traditional karate has grown into a popular sport, especially in the Southern, North Central, Sabaragamuwa, Central, and Southern provinces.
It is currently practiced in schools and at inter–sports club level, with more than 1000 athletes actively engaged in the sport across the country.
SLTKA also hopes to have Sri Lankan athletes at upcoming international-level traditional karate tournaments.
Traditional karate originated in Japan in 1974 and has now expanded to 64 countries worldwide according to Dedunupitiya.
Richard Jorgensen, Chairman of the ITKF and head of its Technical Committee, recently visited Sri Lanka and participated in the Traditional Karate Technical Seminar held in Colombo. During the seminar, he provided extensive training on international technical rules and regulations for athletes, coaches and administrators.
Jorgensen emphasised that traditional karate is not a sport focused on winning, but one designed primarily to develop mental discipline of its exponents.