09/15/2026
ATTENTION:
CKO Kick-off
The Commonwealth Karate Federation (CKF) is passionate & committed to driving and supporting the development of karate at all levels across every corner of the Commonwealth.
As part of this commitment, the CKF Board are delighted to announce the start of Commonwealth Karate Online (CKO) programme. The CKO will provide free, online coach training from world-class experts covering all aspects of karate. It aims to give coaches the tools and techniques to allow them to have a huge impact for all their pupils - from the youngest white belt to the most experienced black belt. Further details on the CKO are shown below
To kick-off the CKO we have the great privilege of legendary athlete and coach William Thomas presenting the first CKO session. As an athlete, William won multiple European & World Karate Championships medals, subsequently becoming England National Coach delivering cadet, junior and senior world championship gold medals. Since 2017 he has coached the Hong Kong National Karate Team, leading them to Olympic and World Championship success. A true legend in karate with world-class coaching skills to share across the Commonwealth.
Details of this kick-off session are:
Title: The Coachβs Edge
Presenter: William Thomas (Hong Kong National Team Coach)
Date: Sunday 27th September 2026
Time: 13:00 (GMT)
Method: Microsoft Teams online call (Call in details will be distributed no later than 20 Sep)
What do I do now
Distribute this communication to all clubs and coaches across your national association.
Communicate this invitation via all your social media channels as well to ensure wide awareness
Note: The CKO is designed for coach development. Coaches and those interested in coaching are expected to be the main attendees
Provide estimated number of attendees to Iain Scott (CKO Coordinator) at [email protected]
There are only 300 places so confirm numbers early.
About the CKO
The main principles of the CKO are:
Coach the coach β This will maximise impact to all pupils. βCoach one athlete and one person benefits, coach the coach and many benefitβ
Not just sport about karate β Only a small minority of pupils actually compete. The coaching training provided will support grass-root development for the vast majority of karateka who do not compete but will benefit hugely from karate
All inclusive β Coach training will be provided regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, location or physical & mental ability. Karate is open to all
Zero cost β The training will be provided to all CKF members free of charge
Coaching needs defined by each region β Each part of Commonwealth karate will have differing coaching needs. The CKO will work with each region & country to identify their specific needs and develop training to support them (βYou decide, we provideβ)
Region specific β As the CKO develops, coach training will be done at times suitable for each country rather than trying to cover all 22 time zones of the Commonwealth at the one time
The success of the CKO will be built on coaches from across the Commonwealth wanting to develop their skills, share their experience and support each other. The more you get involved the more you and your pupils will benefit
