Abbreviation WKU Type Sports association Website World Karate Union | Formation 1996 Legal status Federation | |
Official language English is the official language. | ||
The World Karate Union (WKU) Hall Of Fame was established in 1996 as a means to honor martial artists for their unselfish contributions to the martial arts. Nominees are selected through ballots which are sent throughout the United States, Europe, Russia, South America, Canada, the West Indies and Australia. The WKU Hall of Fame event is considered "prestigious" and is attended by many notable martial arts VIPs.
The majority of inductees are recommended directly by the WKU Board Members and past inductees. The criteria are based on extraordinary excellence in the martial arts and tireless devotion to the community. The World Karate Union has never bestowed rank or given any degrees to anyone.
The first annual World Karate Union Hall of Fame tournament was held on June 27, 1999, in Tannersville, Pennsylvania and was dedicated to the late Isshin-ryu karate instructor Harold G. Long.