Novi Sad Dedicated to Traditional Karate
From May 1st to May 3rd, 2026, the Serbian city of Novi Sad became the center of the international karate community. The main focus of the event was the 38th ETKU (ETKF) European Championship of the ITKF, bringing together numerous nations, senior officials, referees, instructors, and athletes to promote international exchange and the continued development of Traditional Karate within the ITKF.
Secretary General of the ITKF Michael Bock with the President of the ETKU (ETKF) Sensei Slobodan Milicevic
International ITKF Referee Education
Several days before the championship officially began, international referees from Italy, Germany, Slovenia, Poland, and Serbia arrived in Novi Sad to participate in an intensive ITKF referee education program. The training was personally conducted by ITKF President and Chairman Sensei Richard Jorgensen, who dedicated significant energy and experience to maintaining and improving the high international standards of Traditional Karate officiating.
The referee seminars were held partly in the dojo of ETKU (ETKF) President Sensei Slobodan Milicevic and partly inside the sports arena itself. Through this educational program, the ITKF once again demonstrated its strong commitment to technical quality, education, and international cooperation.
German referees team of the DTSKF with Sensei Richard Jorgensen
Sensei Michael Bock was also present in Novi Sad in his role as Secretary General of the ITKF. In addition to supporting the organizational and representative duties of the championship, he also represented the Sovereign Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights of Malta, Federation of the Autonomous Priories.
Lectures and International Exchange
Another important highlight was the lecture given by Prof. Goran Lozo, CEO of BIZ Consulting USA. During the ITKF event, he spoke about modern training organization and strategies for attracting and developing new students and members.
Throughout the championship, delegations and competitors from Hungary, Czech Republic, Italy, Slovenia, Serbia, Bosnia, Germany, Poland, and Spain arrived in Novi Sad. Additional guests from the United States and Canada also attended the event. This strong international participation once again demonstrated the growing influence and unity of the ITKF within the worldwide Traditional Karate community.
38th ETKU (ETKF) European Championship of the ITKF
European Championship and Children’s Traditional Karate Competition
The championship competition itself was marked by high technical standards, discipline, and strong fighting spirit. The athletes demonstrated the values of Traditional Karate that the ITKF has promoted and preserved for decades.
Despite some organizational challenges during parts of the event, the championship was successfully conducted and widely recognized as an important international platform for Traditional Karate. The parallel children’s championship complemented the event and reflected the strong youth development within ITKF structures.
ITKF Strengthens Discussions with the IOC
One of the most significant aspects of the championship involved discussions concerning the international future of Traditional Karate and the strategic direction of the ITKF. Chairman Sensei Rick Jorgensen, Secretary General Michael Bock, and Sir Prof. Georg Popper held intensive meetings regarding the long-term development of the organization.
The discussions focused on ITKF educational programs, scientific studies related to human and physical development, and especially the ongoing dialogue with the IOC. The participants discussed future strategies for strengthening the international position of Traditional Karate and explored further possibilities regarding the topic of Olympic recognition.
These meetings clearly demonstrated that the ITKF continues to work actively toward expanding the global presence of Traditional Karate and creating long-term opportunities within the Olympic movement.
The refereeing team for the children’s competition
Strong Signals for the Future of Traditional Karate
The 38th ETKU (ETKF) European Championship in Novi Sad strongly reflected the international strength, unity, and future-oriented vision of the ITKF. Beyond the high-level competition, the event emphasized education, international cooperation, and the strategic future of Traditional Karate.
Participants and officials are already looking forward to the next international ITKF championships.