Medio: https://www.wkf.net/
Fecha: 29/05/2026
The Pan American Karate Federation (PKF) unveiled its new Athletes’ Council during the PKF Congress held on Wednesday in Macaé, Brazil. The new body will work to improve athlete conditions and strengthen athlete representation across the continent.
The council is formed by three outstanding athletes from the Americas: Douglas Brose from Brazil, Hana Furumoto-Deshaies from Canada, and Andres Madera from Venezuela. Three-time World Champion Brose will act as the Commission chair, and the three members will have a seat at the PKF Executive Committee.
Douglas Brose is one of the most successful karate athletes in the history of the Americas. The Brazilian star is a seven-time continental champion and three-time world champion. He is also a member of the World Karate Federation Athletes’ Commission, bringing valuable international experience to the new PKF structure.
Hana Furumoto-Deshaies has established herself as one of Canada’s leading karate athletes. She is a four-time continental medallist and the 2024 PKF continental champion. Since 2023, she has also served as a WKF-certified Guardian Girls Karate instructor, promoting the development and empowerment of young girls and women through karate.
Andres Madera also joins the council with a distinguished career in international karate. The Venezuelan athlete is a three-time continental champion and a bronze medallist at the World Karate Championships. He is also an Olympian in the sport.
President of the World Karate Federation, Antonio Espinós, welcomed the creation of the new council and praised the appointment of the three athletes.
“The well-being of athletes is always at the core of our strategy. Seeing that the PKF continues working to improve athlete conditions and performance is very good news for our sport. The new Athletes’ Council is formed by competent and remarkable athletes who understand the needs of competitors at the highest level, and the launch of the new Athletes’ Council reflects the PKF’s commitment to giving athletes a stronger voice in the development of karate in the Americas.”