[2] The EKF's stated goal is to promote, organize, regulate, and popularize the sport of karate.

[4] On 15 December 1963, the French, British, and Belgian federations gathered in Paris for the first European Karate Congress.

At the Third Congress, on 21 November 1965, the delegates - now representing ten countries - adopted a constitutional structure, and standardized rules for instruction and rankings.

The event drew criticism for being too violent, as multiple participants received facial injuries.

The EKU Council offered differing opinions about the causes of the injuries, ranging from excessive rule violations to disparities in skills and conditioning.