I-KARATE GLOBAL
IKF I-Karate offers a truly unique martial arts experience, open to all. No matter your physical abilities or your martial arts background, you'll find a place here. Our methodology is scientifically proven, ensuring an effective and inclusive learning journey. The true power of I-Karate lies in connection. We foster strong partnerships between special karatekas, their coaches and buddies, and cultivate bonds between different federations. This collaborative spirit helps every individual unlock their full potential. I-Karate isn't just about physical prowess; it's about building mental toughness and emotional strength. It's a lifestyle that provides meaningful opportunities and goals for people of all ages and abilities, because everyone deserves that chance. The Inclusive Karate Federation is a global movement, passionately promoting I-Karate worldwide. We welcome anyone eager to learn more or join the IKF to get in touch. Let's create an inclusive martial arts community together. From 2019-2021, the University of Rome launched IKONS, an Erasmus+ Sport project, focusing on Eric Bortels' method. This project scientifically proved that his method led to significant physical improvements in participants with Down syndrome. https://www.ikons-project.eu
What is I-Karate
Do you want to be a partner?
For many years, the barrier to sports and movement has been too high for many individuals. Whether due to physical disability, cognitive challenges, or age-related limitations, a significant portion of our community is left on the sidelines. Our mission is to change that through two scientifically validated systems: I-Karate Global (Validated 2020) and the overarching ICP-move framework (Validated 2024).
Why Our System is Different?
Our methodology is not just "physical education." It is a holistic approach that engages three vital human functions simultaneously: 1. Movement: Improving motor patterns, balance, and physical coordination. 2. Breathing: Utilizing specific techniques to regulate the nervous system and improve focus. 3. Cognition: Stimulating brain plasticity through reaction-based tasks and patterns.
ICP-move and I-karate: The "Bridge" for Coaches and Athletes
The "Bigger Picture" of our work is ICP-move. This system acts as a low-threshold foundation that translates to almost any sport. Because it focuses on the basic mechanics of movement and cognitive response, it serves as a universal language. For your coaches and staff, this makes inclusion easy. ICP-move provides the basic "building blocks" that allow a coach—whether they specialize in soccer, tennis, or gymnastics—to connect with and train athletes of all abilities without needing a specialized medical background. It lowers the threshold for the athlete to join, and for the coach to lead.
For your coaches and staff, this makes inclusion easy.
ICP-move provides the basic "building blocks" that allow a coach—whether they specialize in soccer, tennis, or gymnastics—to connect with and train athletes of all abilities without needing a specialized medical background. It lowers the threshold for the athlete to join, and for the coach to lead. The Benefits for your organization : • A "Goal-Oriented" Culture: Every human needs a goal. We provide a structured path for participants to achieve measurable success, fostering a vital sense of purpose. • Enhanced Social Interaction: Our system removes the fear of failure, encouraging participants to engage with peers and build community. • Evidence-Based Excellence: Implement a program backed by years of international scientific study (2021 & 2024). I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can integrate a pilot program of ICP-move or I-karate within your organization to help every individual get the chance to move, breathe, and belong.
Team
These people are the unsung heroes who keep the federation going
Laura Kazilione
Secretary
Laura Kazilione Secretary IKF Global Managment countries
Adrian Magyar
Treasurer
Treasurer IKF, President I-karate Global Hungary, Responsible para-karate, Hungarian Karate Federation, Hungarian Paralympic Committee, IKF managment team, IKF Global referee commission.
Doctor Dennis Jaeken
Head medical commision
Member EPC Official classifier para-taekwondo and wheelchair dance
Doctor Carlo Oud
Medical Commision
Head of Medical Commission & TUE Panel
Jo Pollaris
IKF Global head comfort referee
Secretary Gonosen Karate Academy.
Myriam Wischlen
IKF Global referee commission
Attila Halász
IKF Global comfort referee commission
Diana Borger
Membership IKF & Confidentiality officer
Treasurer JKS Benelux, Treasurer G-karate vzw, Administrative support Gonosen Karate Academy.
Jenny Bams
Classification IKF
Peter Quanten
Website & Social Media
Co-founder G-karate vzw, Co-fouder & secretary JKS Benelux, Chairman Gonosen Karate Academy.
Official judges
The international official IKF judges
Jo Pollaris
IKF Global head comfort referee (Belgium)Eric Bortels
IKF Global head referee (Belgium)Mitja Derenda
IKF Global Chief International Referee (Slovenia)Myriam Wischlen
Comfort referee (France)Peter Quanten
Official Chief Referee (Belgium)Adrian Magyar
Official Chief Referee (Hungary)Attila Halasz
Official Chief Referee (Hungary)ludo l'ecluse
Official Chief Referee (Belgium)Rien Nieuwesteeg
Official Chief Referee (Netherlands)Alicia Stalmans
Official judge (Belgium)Anders Trapp
Official judge (Sweden)Attila Guzoran
Official judge (Sweden)Dave Kengen
Official judge (Netherlands)Fabio Verdone
Official judge (Italy)Laurent Fereire
Official judge (France)Manu Ville
Official judge (Belgium)Pontus Johansson
Official judge (Sweden)Sabrina Brenner
Official judge (Belgium)Steve Cools
Official judge (Belgium)Tatrai Katalin
Official judge (Hungary)Irène Kaelbel
Official judge (France)Ilies Bogdan
Official judge (Romania)Ivan Claudian
Official judge (Romania)Dmitri Beloshitskiy
Official judge (Belgium)IKF Worldwide
Below you will find the karate clubs that offer lessons in I-Karate in the affiliated countries. To join I-Karate Global, please download the registration form from the downloads section.
IKF timeline
The origin of IKF Global
2007
Sensei Eric Bortels has provided karate training at BuSO KIDS in Hasselt, a special school catering to children with behavioral problems.
01/01/20072009
Sensei Eric Bortels has initiated a close collaboration with Bethanië Hasselt. Thanks to the support of the Province of Limburg (Belgium), Eric now oversees all I-sports days. At regular intervals, Sensei Eric Bortels is invited to conduct sessions in various institutions, day care centers, etc. This includes working with individuals with Down syndrome, mental retardation, wheelchair users, and those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
01/01/20092012
Eric initiated a collaboration with Peter Quanten, Jurgen Evens and Dr. Ilse Rayen, a developmental pediatrician and autism specialist, leading to the establishment of G-Karate Limburg (www.g-karate-vlaanderen.be). In March 2012, Eric commenced working with his own small group of children with ASD aged between 8 and 11 years.
01/03/20122012
Thanks to JKS Belgium, G-Karate Limburg has transformed into G-Karate Vlaanderen, becoming the primary organization for I-Karate in the Flanders region.
03/14/20122013
Sensei Eric Bortels received a call from Japan to establish a global organization to promote I-Karate. Alongside volunteers from the world of karate, the medical field, and the business sector, IKF (Inclusive Karate Federation) was founded.
12/21/20132018
An Erasmus+ Sport project, IKONS, was launched by the University of Rome and awarded to I-Karate Global. This project involves the application of Eric's methodology to individuals with Down Syndrome. Five enthusiastic pilot countries are participating: Belgium, Hungary, Italy, Romania, and Austria. Two coaches per country have commenced teaching two training sessions every week to 12-15 students. A strict schedule, personally devised, mandates 80 training sessions over a whole year. The project spans three years and conducts scientific research on the effects and applicability of karate for individuals with intellectual impairments.
12/01/20182019-2021
Between 2019 and 2021, the University of Rome launched IKONS, an Erasmus+ Sport project awarded to I-Karate Global. This initiative applied Eric Bortels' methodology to individuals with Down Syndrome across five pilot countries: Belgium, Hungary, Italy, Romania, and Austria. In each country, two coaches delivered two weekly training sessions to 12-15 students, adhering to a strict, personally devised schedule of 80 sessions over one year. The three-year project included scientific research on the effects and applicability of karate for individuals with intellectual impairments. The method was scientifically proven to result in clear physical improvements. https://www.ikons-project.eu
09/25/20252020
Eric Bortels authored the first practical guide on how to teach inclusive karate to individuals with any disability. His primary goal is to connect those who typically lack opportunities to participate in sports. That same year, Eric Bortels began offering Inclusive Karate education globally.
09/25/20252022
Eric Bortels was honored with the CIFP Fair Play award for his worldwide competitions, which are accessible to everyone, regardless of disability.
09/25/2025Events
Stay Tuned! Exciting details about this event are coming soon. Check back later for updates! We can't wait to share more with you.
Stay tuned – all details will be available on our website shortly!
Stay Tuned! Exciting details about this event are coming soon. Check back later for updates! We can't wait to share more with you.
Dear JKS worldwild members, receive my cordial greetings. On behalf of JKS Brasil, I have the great pleasure in communicating the first information about the 7th JKS World Shoto Cup and Para Cup, which will be held on the 20th, 21th, 22th and 23th of august 2026, at the Tancredão Gymnasium, city of Vitória, state of Espírito Santo.
Stay Tuned! Exciting details about this event are coming soon. Check back later for updates! We can't wait to share more with you. (exact day will follow)
2nd Open Slovenian Inclusive I-Karate Global Championship, December 13th 2025 Apply before December 5th, closing time: 8pm (Brussels Time) Subscribe: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdxGlYb56O5T4t60Oe2zBFDKgQCoG6ebRqTSbaROkI6jCcOPw/viewform?pli=1
Join us for an unparalleled championship! Take part in the very first Open Flemish I-Karate Championship in Hasselt and showcase your strength, determination, and sportsmanship! This is no ordinary competition—it’s an inclusive challenge where everyone belongs. A groundbreaking concept: open to all schools and care institutions, giving everyone the chance to shine!
Welcome to Continental Cup 2025. It is a genuine pleasure and a privilege that JKS Denmark have the opportunity to welcome you to Copenhagen for the 6th JKS Continental cup 2025.
1 st OPEN INCLUSIVE KARATE LITHUANIAN CHAMPIONSHIP February 15 th, 2025 Vilnius, Lithuania
Join our Education for Inclusive Karate trainer event, where you will gain valuable insights into the principles of inclusivity in karate training. This program is designed for karate trainers who aspire to provide an equitable training experience for all participants, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities. more info: info@i-k-f.net
1st Slovenia Open I-Karate Global Christmas Championship 15th December 2024
Further information will follow soon
Also in preparation for the upcomming IKF competition in Lund
Media
Sponsors
We are proud to have the support of a number of talented and dedicated companies and organizations. These sponsors help us to make our events possible and to provide our athletes with the best possible experience. We are grateful for the support of all of our sponsors. We encourage you to visit their websites to learn more about their products and services.
DOWNLOADS
To learn more about our federation, simply click here to view the necessary documents.
Classifications Short IKF
CATEGORIES “kata – kumite – pairs - teams”
Interview with Eric Bortels
The December 2025 edition of the ITKF journal contains an interview with Sensei Eric Bortels regarding his perspective on Inclusive Karate and the upcoming partnership with ITKF aimed at individuals with disabilities.
Competition Rules Judges
IKF I-Karate GLOBAL Competition Rules Judges (version 2025.10.25)
Regulations for Member Countries
This document outlines the rights, responsibilities, and organizational guidelines for all countries affiliated with the federation. It ensures consistency, fairness, and cooperation in all official activities and events.
IKF Registration Document
Our federation appreciates your interest and eagerly anticipates collaborating with you. We've provided a concise overview of our proposal and how we envision our partnership. If you require further details or have any inquiries, please don't hesitate to reach out to us
Become a sponsor of I-Karate Global
Becoming a Partner of I-Karate Global. We invite you to become a partner and have a direct impact on the lives of people with disabilities. Your support enables us to offer accessible karate lessons and create positive change. Become a crucial part of our inclusive karate adventure! Together, we can break barriers and change lives. Contact us today to discover how you can support I-Karate Global.
Connection costs
Here you find the price of membership of our federation.
Examination
Our education to trainer or referee: all the information you need
Joining IKF I-karate Global
IKF I-karate Global: Everything you need to know to join.
Scientific proof of the IKF system
Inclusive Karate: a new perspective to decrease sedentary lifestyle and increase self-confidence in Down Syndrome
Contact
- Slangbeekstraat 21, 3511 Kuringen, België
VAT BE 0598.911.157 IBAN BE78 0689 0208 6586
