Guidelines for Participation in the Croatia WKF Youth League 2026

If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, please speak directly to Sensei PauL or Imogen, who will be happy to provide clarification or discuss individual circumstances.

This policy is in place to ensure all athletes are fully prepared—physically, technically, and mentally—for international competition, and to uphold the high training standards expected at the WKF Youth League level.

We kindly ask that all parents and athletes read the policy carefully. We understand that students may have holidays or family commitments during this period; however, the required number of training sessions must still be completed to maintain eligibility for selection.

Your support is greatly appreciated as we work together to help our athletes perform at their best and proudly represent PCKarate Academy at the WKF Croatia Youth League 2026.

TRAINING COMMITMENT

All selected athletes must attend all fighting (kumite) classes starting January 2026.
Attendance will be monitored weekly.
A minimum of 72 kumite-specific lessons must be completed between January and June 20th, 2026.
Private lessons focused on kumite may count toward this total if approved by the coach.
Missed sessions must be made up within the same month

EQUIPMENT & APPEARANCE

All athletes must wear official ARAWAZA kit for:
- All WKF training camps, and
- The WKF Croatia Youth League competition itself.
Exception: Athletes with sponsorship from other WKF-approved brands (proof required).
All protective equipment (gloves, shin guards, body protectors, belts, etc.) must be WKF-approved and in excellent condition.
Team tracksuit is mandatory for:
- Travel days
- Weigh-ins and registrations
- Official photos and ceremonies

POINT SYSTEM & QUALIFICATION

To be eligible for selection, each athlete must:

Earn a minimum of 4,000 qualification points by June 20th, 2026
Of these, 2,500 points must come from medal finishes in national/international competitions

Points are awarded for:

Participation in official events
Medals and podium finishes
Attendance at official seminars or sanctioned WKF/national courses

MANDATORY COURSES & EVENTS

All athletes must attend the following:

Xenos Brothers Kumite Course – October 2025 (both sessions required)
All club-organised courses and training camps prior to Croatia
One international open competition (e.g. Paris, Germany, or Italy) at least 4 months before Croatia – typically between February and March 2026

PRE-COMPETITION TRAINING SESSIONS

Pre-competition training sessions will begin February 2026 (dates TBC).
Attendance is mandatory, unless pre-approved by the head coach.
Training will include:
- Tactical Kumite/Kata drills
- Match simulations under WKF rules
- Conditioning and strategic preparation for the Youth League

GENERAL CONDUCT & EXPECTATIONS

Athletes must maintain professional conduct and represent the club with discipline, respect, and teamwork.

All communication, travel, and accommodation arrangements must go through the team manager or head coach.

Failure to meet attendance, points, or course requirements by June 20th, 2026 may result in non-selection for the Youth League squad.

MEDIA & ATHLETE PROMOTION

All athletes aiming to attend the WKF Croatia Youth League must maintain a dedicated Instagram page to highlight their karate journey, achievements, and athlete pathway.

The page must be kept professional and focused on karate-related content — including training, competitions, and progress updates.

Professional photos and videos are required for presentation and promotional purposes.

For assistance in setting up your page or producing professional content:

Please speak to Sophie, or

Direct message @pcka.photography on Instagram.

For photo shoots, videos, or edits, please contact the PCKA Photography page directly to arrange sessions.

Click icon for PCKA Photography page

REASON FOR MEDIA & ATHLETE PROMOTION

Promote and recognise our athletes’ hard work leading up to the WKF Croatia Youth League.
Share training progress, achievements, and updates with the wider karate community and sponsors.
Highlight the professionalism and dedication expected of athletes competing internationally.
Build athlete visibility and confidence, which is now an important aspect of being part of the modern competitive karate environment.
Encourage motivation and accountability, as athletes reflect their journey and growth through consistent posting and engagement