Our mission is to help create a karate community in which safety, welfare, respect and dignity are never compromised.

We are committed to:

Putting welfare first

The welfare and wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk must always take priority.

Creating safe environments

We want karate to provide a positive environment in which people can train, compete, develop and participate with confidence.

Taking concerns seriously

Safeguarding concerns should never be ignored or dismissed. Concerns raised with the EKF will be treated seriously and handled through the appropriate safeguarding processes.

Supporting our clubs and associations

Effective safeguarding depends on people understanding their responsibilities. We are committed to providing our affiliated clubs and associations with access to safeguarding policies, guidance and appropriate resources.

Promoting respect and inclusion

Everyone involved in karate deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

Safeguarding is an important part of our wider commitment to Karate Without Barriers. Helping create a community where people can participate safely and positively, whatever their background or circumstances.

Encouraging people to speak up

People should feel able to raise a concern when something does not feel right.

Creating a strong safeguarding culture means listening, responding appropriately and making it clear where people can go for help.

Continually improving

Safeguarding is an ongoing responsibility. We are committed to reviewing and strengthening our safeguarding arrangements, policies and practices as our organisation and the wider karate community continue to develop.

Keeping karate safe is a shared responsibility.

Athletes, instructors, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents, carers, clubs, associations and the EKF all have a part to play.

This means:

• treating others with dignity and respect;
• following appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures;
• maintaining suitable professional boundaries;
• recognising and responding to concerns;
• listening to children, young people and adults;
• challenging poor practice appropriately; and
• Reporting safeguarding concerns rather than assuming someone else will handle them.

A strong safeguarding culture is created when people understand that speaking up is part of protecting our karate community.