The Executive Committee of the European Karate Federation (EKF) has decided to include the U21 Male and Female Team Kata categories in the programme of the EKF Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships. The new divisions will be introduced starting from the 2026 edition of the championships in Cyprus, scheduled for February 2026.
This decision was taken to give U21 kata athletes more opportunities to compete at the highest level in team divisions, ensuring a clear pathway for young karatekas as they transition to senior competition.
Until now, the EKF’s age-group championships featured only Cadet and Junior Team Kata categories. By adding the U21 team events, the federation aims to strengthen participation, increase competitiveness, and provide a broader stage for athletes in this important age group.
The most recent edition of the EKF Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships took place in 2025 in Bielsko-Biala, Poland, where France won the Cadet and Junior Female Team Kata title and Italy topped the Cadet and Junior Male Team Kata category.
The next edition of the EKF Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships is initially scheduled to be held in Limassol, Cyprus from February 6 to 8.