After six months of training
Kirkuk’s young athletes earn yellow belts in Shotokan karate
KIRKUK – The Mawhiba Gymnastics and Shotokan Karate Center in Kirkuk held a ceremony Wednesday to test and promote 30 young athletes who successfully earned their first yellow belts after five months of intensive training.
The event, overseen by a committee from the Central Karate Federation, featured final tests where groups of six participants each demonstrated their skills in six-minute sessions, showcasing the techniques they learned during their rigorous training.
Shotokan Karate, a style that originated in Japan, is recognized as a safe Olympic sport for children aged five and above, focusing on self-defense, discipline, and ethical conduct rather than violence.
Despite the success of these young athletes, karate in Iraq faces significant challenges.
Ali Hussein, a member of the Iraqi Central Karate Federation, pointed out the lack of support for the sport.
“We do not have facilities suitable for training athletes, nor sufficient funding to prepare for competitions or participate in the Olympics like neighboring countries,” Hussein said. “Iraq has global potential, but countries like Iran and Egypt invest millions in their talents, which is why they excel in the Olympics.”