Malaysia Karate Federation ( MAKAF )

Malaysia has been home to KARATE since the early 1950s. Initially introduced through Japanese instructors specially engaged to teach this art of self-defence, it was further developed with Malaysians learning the art in its native country of Japan and subsequently imparting the knowledge to Malaysians. Thus numerous Karate clubs, based on individualistic style and technique, started to be formed in the country.

 In 1978, to consolidate all the various clubs based on style under one umbrella, the Malaysia Karate Federation (MAKAF) was formed. Subsequently in 1984, MAKAF amended its constitution to allow state registered karate associations to become members. The increasing activities in Karate in almost every state in the country through the 1960s and the promotion of Karate as a sport in the 1970s was a deciding factor in the establishment of MAKAF. There was a need to unify all existing Karate clubs under one entity to create a national identity for the sport in the country. Taking the initiative, Clement Soo (the incumbent Secretary General of MAKAF) of Goshin-Ryu called all existing clubs in Peninsular Malaysia for a meeting which resulted in the election of a pro-tem committee by the attending Karate clubs, ie Goshin-Ryu, Shorin-Ryu, Shito-Ryu, Kyokushin-Kai and Shotokan.

MAKAF, recognised by the Ministry Of Youth & Sports, Olympic Council Of Malaysia & National Sports Council of Malaysia, as the National Governing Body for Karate in Malaysia, continued to spread its wings under its various distinguished Past Presidents, Dr Leong Kwok Onn, Dato’ Tan Tiong Hong, Dato’ Megat Junid Megat Ayob, Datuk Henry Chin. Today, MAKAF marches on under the able leadership of Datuk Zulkifli Mat Nor.

MAKAF's Focus :

• Facilitating seminars & coaching clinics to assist its members in improving existing skills or learning new skills in the practice, coaching & administration of traditional & sports Karate.
• Organising training camps & tournaments at Regional & National level to provide opportunities for members to participate in Sport Karate at their preferred level. MAKAF is affiliated to the World Karate Federation (WKF), Commonwealth Karate Federation (CKF) & Asian Karate Federation (AKF) and therefore provides opportunities for elite & high performance Karate athletes to compete at the international levels.
• Maintainance & electronic publication of a National register of member clubs & organisations with qualified instructors & coaches who adhere to a common code of conduct so that the general public can exercise a more informed choice before taking up Karate or Martial Arts in general.

Starting its medal journey in 1979, MAKAF has continued to nurture aspiring athletes and over the years produced numerous medal winning champions.
MAKAF has carved its name not merely in the sporting arena alone, but also in the technical and administrative aspects. Many of its office-serving members have been elected to the regional and international karate federations.
MAKAF received the highest accolade in today’s sporting world when it was given the honour, during the World Senior Karate Championship 2006 in Finland, to host the World Junior & Cadet Karate Championship in 2011 in Malaysia. MAKAF’s bid to host this event was unanimously supported by all members of the World Karate Federation.

MAKAF continues to focus on promoting Traditional and Sports Karate in Malaysia. Through its various channels, MAKAF aspires to increase participation levels in the sport, be it for self defence, sport, fitnees, and recreation or simply enjoyed as an art form & means of self development.

MAKAF’s goal is to continuously broaden its network of affiliates and contacts. Hence it encourages other Karate or organisations with similar broad goals to work together for the greater benefit of Karate as a whole in Malaysia by affiliating themselves with MAKAF and it network of affiliates. Today, MAKAF has 20 affiliations representing 3 different styles of Karate.

Source : http://makaf.net