Karate
A Japanese martial art that uses striking, blocking and grappling techniques.
Karate became popular internationally following World War II, however it is unclear when the sport was first introduced to Australia.
Discover more about karate
Clearinghouse evidence base:
- Modified Sports - adaptations that make karate more inclusive and accessible.
Evolution:
- Australian Karate Federation (AKF) [1970-2002]
- Karate Australia [2022-]
Participation
An estimated 42,000 Australians [aged 15+] participated in karate at least once in 2025. 2
An estimated 90,000 Australian children [aged 0-14] participated in karate at least once in 2025. 2
An estimated 16,000 Australian women [aged 15+] and an estimated 26,000 Australian men [aged 15+] participated in karate at least once in 2025. 2
Explore further participation statistics for karate through the AusPlay online portal., opens in a new tab
Governing body
Karate Australia, opens in a new tab is the organisation recognised by governments at all levels as the national controlling body for the sport of karate in Australia.
History
The sport's first national body, the Australian Karate Federation (AKF), was established in 1970. 1 From 2022, the organisation began using Karate Australia as its public-facing name.
Documents
The Clearinghouse for Sport has sought permission from relevant organisations for the inclusion of their documents in this archive. Copyright ownership remains vested with the organisation and as such permission from the copyright owner should be sought if you wish to communicate, adapt or reproduce these documents.
- Australian Karate Federation Annual Report 2024[PDF • 1.82 mb]
- Australian Karate Federation (Karate Australia) Annual Report 2023[PDF • 815.61 kb]
- Australian Karate Federation Annual Report 2022[PDF • 1.57 mb]
- Australian Karate Federation Annual Report 2018-2019[PDF • 1.48 mb]
- Australian Karate Federation Annual Report 2013-2014[PDF • 1.62 mb]
- Australian Karate Federation Annual Report 2012-2013[PDF • 1.81 mb]
- Australian Karate Federation Annual Report 2010-2011[PDF • 1.9 mb]
- Australian Karate Federation Annual Report 2008-2009[PDF • 3.1 mb]
- Australian Karate Federation Annual Report 2007-2008[PDF • 4.87 mb]
- Australian Karate Federation Annual Report 2006-2007[PDF • 1.31 mb]
- Australian Karate Federation Annual Report 2005-2006[PDF • 1 mb]
- Australian Karate Federation Annual Report 2004-2005[PDF • 632.22 kb]
- Australian Karate Federation Annual Report 2002-2003[PDF • 3.06 mb]
- Australian Karate Federation Annual Report 2001-2002[PDF • 2.9 mb]
- Australian Karate Federation Annual Report 2000-2001[PDF • 5.89 mb]
- Australian Karate Federation Annual Report 1999-2000[PDF • 2.68 mb]
- Australian Karate Federation Annual Report 1998-1999[PDF • 2.34 mb]
- Australian Karate Federation Annual Report 1997-1998[PDF • 2.24 mb]
- Australian Karate Federation Annual Report 1996[PDF • 2.28 mb]
- Australian Karate Federation Financial Report 2006-2007[PDF • 153.19 kb]
REFERENCES
- Brief History of the Australian Karate Federation Inc., opens in a new tab, Australian Karate Federation, (accessed 21 September 2026)
- AusPlay Data Portal: Participation by activity, opens in a new tab, Australian Sports Commission, (accessed 21 September 2026)
- Karate, opens in a new tab, International Olympic Committee, (accessed 21 September 2026)
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