Michael Bock – General Secretary of ITKF

International Traditional Karate Federation

The ITKF intends, by popularizing and developing Traditional Karate in the proper direction and by promoting and strengthening friendly relations among its member organizations and their members in all countries, to achieve the advancement of world sports and Budo spirit and thereby contribute to the perfection of human character.

The Mission of the ITKF is to protect the original Traditional Karate based on the foundation of Budo. Its goal is to maintain the concept of human development through Traditional Karate training.

The only world federation for karate recognized by the IOC

In 1993, the 101st IOC Session (General Meeting) specified that Traditional Karate is the discipline which is practiced by the ITKF and governed by its rules. At this time “Traditional Karate” was differentiated from other “karate” disciplines. Therefore, that form of karate which is practiced and governed by the rules and regulations of the ITKF is the only officially recognized “Traditional Karate” much the same way that IOC recognized swimming as practiced under international swimming rules is distinguished from general forms of swimming.

Offical ITKF Website here

Documents concerning the ITKF – International Traditional Karate Federation and the newly named ETKU – European Traditional Karate Union (former ETKF)

In 2025, Michael Bock was officially elected Technical President of the newly named ETKU (European Traditional Karate Union), the direct successor organization to the ETKF, which was founded in Italy in 1991. He was also confirmed in his position as Secretary General of the ITKF.

Meeting report 1st Meeting ETKU – Executive Board April 9, 2025  here
Protokoll Bord of directors meeting ITKF Executive Board (Election) April 9, 2025 here

Traditional Karate Federation Slovenia – here

ITKF News