9/8/2025
When we protect our athletes, we protect Karate.
With several styles that all derive from ancient teachings, karate is often referred to as the “art of striking.” Under the guidance of a sensei at a dojo, you will work to clear your mind and practice the three Ks of karate -em id="">kihon/em> (basics),em id=""> kata/em> (forms), andem id="">kumite/em> (sparring). As you perfect your technique, you will learn to maintain your stance, pinpoint the crucial areas of your opponent’s body, and land your attack. When we protect those who practice karate, we keep this sport safe and healthy for all.
Courage First Athlete Helpline
Use this resource if you are in need of confidential emotional support, crisis intervention, informational athlete-focused resources, and guidance related to concerns about any type of abuse.
The Courage First Athlete Helpline is a no-cost call and text service for anyone in need. +1 888-279-1026
Common Karate Safeguarding Concerns
Abuse and misconduct can happen in all sports, at every level of play. Karate has some specific vulnerabilities, such as:
- Since karate is a specialized combat sport, coaches may have unchecked authority over athletes and can potentially minimize toxic behaviors demonstrated by athletes or the coaches themselves by saying, “This is how we’ve always done things.” Authoritarian coaching and unquestioned authority are linked to a higher risk of abuse.
- In karate, athletes may be taught “toxic resilience,” which means to push limits, ignore pain, and endure violence. This can lead to increased risks of injury, neglect, and abuse.
- Karate often requires frequent travel, and a variety of venues are used for practice and competition. It can be difficult to identify isolated and other high-risk areas at variable and unfamiliar locations.
What’s the difference between tough coaching & abuse?
The Coach Athlete Relationship Dynamics Diagrams below can be used as a gut check; consider the conduct you experience and observe in your sporting community, and discern whether what is occurring aligns with a caring and supportive coach-athlete relationship. For athletes who have unhealthy relationship dynamics with their coaches, inappropriate behavior can be subtle and difficult to discern. Awareness and prevention of these patterns of power and control help keep everyone safe.
Current Events
Unfortunately, news articles chronicling misconduct in sport and unhealthy coach-athlete dynamics are frequent and widespread. Abuse in sport has been occurring for decades, and the public is now becoming aware of these hidden situations as more and more survivors bravely disclose and report misconduct they have experienced. #WeRideTogether is committed to increasing awareness and continually updating this compiled list of current events on the topic of sexual abuse in sport. Sexual misconduct is happening across all sports, at all levels, internationally.
1/18/2025
Woodlands karate coach who allegedly sexually assaulted a child was also a Conroe substitute teacher
8/17/2024
Former FBISD karate instructor faces $500K in bonds for sexual assault, child porn
6/4/2024
Coach accused of sex assault against child chooses jury trial
10/18/2026
Youth Sports Families Allege Travel Company Threatened Their Kids' Playing Status If They Didn't Pay Lodging Fees
10/15/2026
Athletic trainer at San Jose school accused of sexual battery of student
10/14/2026
Details emerge on police raid of ex-Kempsville High School athletic director’s home
10/11/2026
As sports betting is normalized, college players have become targets of aggrieved bettors
Karate Resources
Below are resources related to Physical Safety and Safeguarding within Karate.
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5 Key Practices of Sportsmanship in Martial Arts
Safeguarding
Learn about key aspects of sportsmanship and how they relate to safeguarding in martial arts.
Injury Prevention Series Martial Arts
Physical Safety
Develop an understanding of injury prevention in martial arts.
Women’s Sport in Karate: Empowering Equality
Safeguarding
Contact the Women’s Commission to learn more about initiatives supporting karate’s development and preventing gender-based harassment and abuse.
Survivor Stories
Survivors are increasingly stepping forward to bravely tell their stories. The following stories reflect the survivors’ personal experiences, as told by them, and may be triggering for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse or misconduct. All information has been anonymized.
If you are a survivor interested in sharing your story and learning more about this process, please reach out to us at info@weridetogether.today.
We want to hear from you!
You are not alone.
What resources or information do you want for your sport? Contact us and let us know.
If you or someone you know has experienced misconduct or abuse, please access these resources for help. For additional information on confidential helplines, sexual assault reporting procedures, and mental health resources, click the button below.
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