Karate, a martial art that originated in Okinawa, Japan in the 17th century, emphasizes self-defense, discipline, and respect. It harnesses the body as a weapon, incorporating strikes, blocks, kicks, and punches. Over the centuries, karate has evolved into a global phenomenon, celebrated not only for its physical techniques, but also for its ability to cultivate mental strength and discipline. Its competitive aspect has further contributed to its widespread popularity.
In recent years, karate has gained significant traction in the Kurdistan Region, with many cities and towns embracing the sport. The region’s efforts in promoting the martial art have also helped yield impressive results, with athletes excelling at both national and international competitions.
One remarkable example is the Halabja Girls’ Karate Club, which has achieved exceptional success since its establishment. Founded in 2016 by head coach Ayub Kamal, the club began modestly with just a handful of girls. Now, eight years later, it has emerged as a powerhouse, producing top-tier athletes who have dominated competitions across Iraq and beyond.
Iraq’s finest
The Halabja Sports Club's girls' karate division is organized into four categories: children, youth, juniors, and the advanced under-21 division. This structure facilitates thorough training and development across different age groups, resulting in impressive achievements.
The club consistently ranks first in national competitions, with its teams clinching top honors in both kata (forms) and kumite (sparring). Most notably, at the latest national championship in Sulaymaniyah, the Halabja girls claimed first place in Iraq under-21 division.
Their success extends beyond Iraq. In the youth, junior, and under-21 divisions, the Halabja girls have proudly represented their country on the international stage, securing over 30 gold, silver, and bronze medals in prestigious tournaments, including those in Iran.
Coach Ayub Kamal is deeply proud of the club’s accomplishments. “The goal of establishing the girls’ karate department in Halabja was to prove that these girls are no less capable than those from other Iraqi provinces or neighboring countries,” he said. “Today, our athletes stand as the top karate school in Iraq, with nine of our karateka representing the Iraqi national team. These girls are now ready to compete not just in Asia, but on the world stage.”
Kamal also advocates for more girls in Kurdistan to take up karate, emphasizing its benefits for both mental tranquility and physical health. The club’s training regimen is rigorous, with four intensive sessions per week, each lasting between two and two and a half hours. This disciplined approach has cultivated a robust roster of over 60 advanced karateka, many of whom hold international certifications and black belts.
The resilience of Halabja
Halabja, a city in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, is tragically known for the chemical attack it endured in 1988 during the closing days of the Iran-Iraq War. In what became one of the most horrific acts of the conflict, the city was bombarded with chemical weapons, killing thousands of civilians and leaving deep psychological and physical scars on the survivors. This atrocity remains a painful chapter in Halabja’s history, symbolizing the resilience of its people, who have since rebuilt their city and continue to strive for progress, as evidenced by the successes of initiatives like the Halabja Girls’ Karate Club.
The Halabja Girls’ Karate Club stands as a symbol of determination and success, inspiring young women in Kurdistan and Iraq to pursue excellence in martial arts while breaking barriers and making their mark on the global stage.
Peshraw Mahdi is a freelance journalist and photographer with substantial experience in the field, having worked for numerous media agencies over several years. He has won multiple awards in photojournalism.
