INTRODUCTION: Para-karate is applying to be added to the Paralympic Games scheduled to be held in 2028. Research on the classification of para-athletes is common in other para martial arts sports [1,2], however, there is limited research on the classification of para-karate athletes. This study aimed to provide details on the impairments and disabilities of the para-karate players. The secondary objective was to investigate the relationship between the level of impairment and the athletes rankings. METHODS: The data of 197 para-karate athletes (65 females and 132 males), who had been classified over the past six years (World Para Karate Championships 2012 Bremen, 2016 Linz, 2018 Madrid, 2021), were analysed. Descriptive information (counts and percentages) was calculated for each variable. Spearman rho correlation between the athletes standing in the WKF ranking and the extra score (level of impairment) was calculated. RESULTS: The K20 class was the most popular, and 84 (43%) of the classified athletes belonged to this class (35% female / 65% male athletes), followed by the K10 sports class, 58 athletes (27%, 30% female / 70% male athletes), and K30 sport class, 55 athletes (30%, 35% female / 65% male athletes). In K30 sport class, an accident or a disease was the most frequent cause (73%) of impairment, and 27% of all impairments/disabilities occurred during 0-5 years of age. In K20 sport class, 44% of the athletes had Down syndrome. There was a weak but significant correlation (rs = 0.3, p = .00) between the ranking and the level of disability / extra score. CONCLUSION: Continued data collection that provides insights into the impairment profiles of para-karate athletes is needed to improve the current classification system to enhance safety and fairness in Para Karate competition.
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