Faqs
WE TRY TO ANSWER SOME OF YOUR MOST FREQUENT QUESTIONS IN THIS SPACE
Is it an inclusive, recognized/official sport for all kinds of disabilities, is it a modern invention…?
WHAT IS PARA-KARATE?
It is the Karate Adapted for people with disabilities. It is called Para-Karate because in 2016 it was recognized by the Paralympic Committee and from there it is called “Para-Karate”… The target is to try to ensure that all sports for people with functional diversity has common terminologies… And of course, it can be “Inclusive Karate” as other people and organizations call it…
BUT... PARA-KARATE IS KARATE, ISN´T IT?
Of course, as it is answered in the first question, it is an adaptation for people with functional diversity, but be aware, Karate is already a Martial Art which adapts to all people however they are and with the capacities they have.
It is clear that KARATE IS FOR EVERYONE, even though, the differences still exist in number of participants, number of competitions, aids…
#karateisforeveryone #parakarateiskarate #karateisparakarate
CAN EVERY SINGLE PERSON WITH FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY PRACTICE IT?
ALL people with disabilities can practice it. EVERYONE without exception.
If you’ve read the first and second question, I guess you’ve already answered.
If you want to, you can do it! There are no limit!
IS IT RECOMMENDED FOR A DOWN SYNDROME PERSON?
For the person who asked the question, I answer with a few names:
Victor Manuel, Tijana, Andrea, Jon, Violeta, Juan Manuel…
I ask you that you will also see some the benefits that Para-Karate has for people with functional diversity, including, of course, people who have Down Syndrome.
You have on our YouTube channel many videos with clear examples of whether it is recommended or not… It will be discovered by yourself.
CAN MY SON WITH AUSTISM PRACTICE IT?
Of course. I can also answer you with names… but it’s certainly very clear to you if you read the first three questions.
WOULD IT BE BENEFICIAL FOR MY NIECE WITH CEREBRAL PALSY?
Of course. I recommend you read Nathaly’s story
You can also watch a video of it on our Facebook page.
If you don’t agree with that, watch the videos on our YouTube channel where Nina Portolan appears.
IS IT AN OFFICIAL AND RECOGNIZED SPORT?
The answer is YES. It has his black belt examination and competition regulations. However, it has been mentioned in other question, despite of the work which is doing, we must continue moving forward and working hardly for Para-Karate competitors and Karate competitors have the same conditions.
IS IT A PARALYMPIC SPORT?
Well, unfortunately not. This year 2020* (it will be 2021 for the Covid situation), Karate will be Olympic at the first time and in it ceases to be in 2024 (Paris Olympic Games) . This incongruity seems to close a door for the Para-Karate, however, it could become Paralympic with hard Official Work (WFK )… Difficult, but no impossible…
IS IT ONLY "KATAS" OR CAN I DO "KUMITE", TOO?
The WFK regulations do not provide for kumite (combat) within its competitions. However, there are already Federations like the French one that are doing their first step.
Likewise, there are Organizations different from WFK that make their own competitions, with their own regulations including “kumite”.
WHAT HAPPENS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITY COMPETITORS?
Good question. It is interesting to ask to WFK why it does not contemplate physical disability within its regulations. We assume that within that category there are many subgroups which would mean a lot of classification work. But perhaps, this classification work could be done not to EXCLUDE people with functional diversity who compete in National Tournaments, but subsequently they cannot do it in International Competitions.
Perhaps, removing options for lack of work and investment is not very fair and supportive. This category strives like the rest of categories of the competition.
I HAVE SEEN WHEELCHAIR COMPETITORS WHO CAN WALK, COULD IT BE?
Yes, that is right. But in this question exists several answers at the same as several options. There are competitors who walk with or without help. Although we can see them compiting using wheelchair, some of them are doing because they can not stay a lot of time standing and they need the wheelchair not to fall down or to feel safer; others with their disability are considered “physical disability” and even they compete in that category in several times, but there isn´t international projection and they prefer to sit in the wheelchair (we repeat again, the requirement to change/renew/modify WFK´s regulations or they have to compete with organizations which are different from the WFK).
However, others never walk and need the wheelchair in the daily life, but in all options that we have described, there is a figure of the Classifier who evaluates them before the competition using the medical reports which give them some extra points depending on each situation.
ARE THERE ANY SUPPORTS FOR PARA-KARATE COMPETITORS?
Actually there is not any support or state aids for people who practice Para-Karate. Adapted Karate is still an inclusive and minority sport which Organizations, Federations, Associations do not help financially for their empowerment.
The costs of accommodation and maintenance in the Championships are paid by each competitor. Therefore, the participation is for the real satisfaction of improving day by day, meeting people, visiting new cities…
Perhaps, it would be interesting to find sponsors which help to our disable sport men and women.
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