Karate 1 – Premier League Rome

World-class karate arrives in Rome

The Karate 1 – Premier League Rome is the Italian leg of the most prestigious international karate circuit, organized by the World Karate Federation (WKF) in collaboration with FIJLKAM (Italian Federation of Judo, Wrestling, Karate, and Martial Arts). In March 2026, the event made its debut in the Capital, bringing the world's elite to the PalaPellicone in Ostia, in the municipality of Rome (Lazio). A historic date for the Italian movement, which saw the best kata and kumite performers on the planet take to the tatami.

The PalaPellicone, a temple of martial arts

The competitions were held at the Matteo Pellicone Olympic Center, the FIJLKAM federal facility overlooking the Roman coast of Ostia. Recognizable by its characteristic samurai helmet-shaped roof, the PalaPellicone is the technical heart of Italian martial arts and provided a venue with approximately 1,400 seats that were completely sold out for the duration of the event.

Kata and kumite at the highest level

The Premier League awards crucial points for the WKF world ranking. In Rome, 384 athletes representing 68 nations faced off, divided between kata (the technical execution of forms, men's and women's) and kumite (sport combat), broken down into various men's and women's weight categories. For Italy, 38 karatekas took to the tatami, including the national team and individual entries, featuring stars such as European kata champion Terryana D'Onofrio and world medalists Alessio Ghinami and Matteo Avanzini.

Three days of spectacular action

The program spanned three days: Friday and Saturday were dedicated to eliminations, with packed schedules from morning to night, and Sunday was reserved for the bronze and gold medal finals in all categories. A crescendo of intensity that transformed the arena into a hub of passionate fans, complete with cheering, ceremonies, and the presence of top Italian sports officials.

An international event in the Capital

With the Rome leg, Rome and the Lazio region joined the great cities that host the Karate 1 – Premier League circuit, alongside venues like Paris, Istanbul, Rabat, and the Asian stages. An event that combines top-tier sport, martial arts culture, and local promotion, offering fans the chance to see Olympic and world champions live in a unique setting like the Roman coast.