The Turkish Children’s and Cadet Karate Championship (Türkiye Minikler ve Yıldızlar Karate Şampiyonası) is one of the largest national karate events in Türkiye, bringing young karateka from all over the country together. In 2026, the “Metin Demir Turkish Children’s and Cadet Karate Championship” took place from 24 to 29 March at the Daima Biz Sports Hall in Kemer. This guide is for parents travelling with young athletes, club coaches and team managers.
The championship at a glance
- 2026: 24–29 March, Daima Biz Sports Hall, Kemer
- Organiser: Turkish Karate Federation
- Age groups: minikler (younger children) and yıldızlar (cadets)
- Disciplines: individual kata, team kata and kumite
- Calendar: dates are published on the Turkish Karate Federation events calendar
Kata and kumite: what you’ll be watching
- Kata: a set sequence of techniques performed against imaginary opponents, judged on technique, balance, power and rhythm.
- Team kata: three athletes perform the same kata in perfect sync.
- Kumite: controlled sparring between two athletes in age and weight categories.
Past editions in numbers
The championship draws thousands of young athletes every year, and Kemer is no stranger to it:
- 2017: held in Kiriş, Kemer, with around 2,300 athletes born between 2003 and 2009 competing in kata, kumite and team events; medallists earned places at the Balkan Karate Championships.
- 2019: held at Antalya Sports Hall, with 2,703 athletes from 62 provinces, born between 2005 and 2012, competing in 48 kumite and 22 kata categories.
- 2026: back in Kemer, at the Daima Biz Sports Hall.
Tips for parents
- Book early: thousands of athletes, coaches and families arrive in Kemer in the same week.
- Weigh-ins and schedules: kumite weigh-in times and category schedules are announced by the federation, so plan your arrival around them.
- Food: athletes making weight need regular meals; find shops and restaurants near the venue in advance.
- Long days at the venue: bring water, snacks and a light layer for hours by the mat.
- March weather: days are usually mild but evenings can be cool, so pack layers.
- A rest day: after the competition, enjoy Kemer’s seafront, the marina or a trip to Phaselis.
For clubs and teams
For team stays, room allocation, coaches’ rooms and breakfast times that fit the competition schedule all matter. Our guide to sports camps in Kemer includes a useful checklist.
Where to stay during the championship
Kemer Royal Beach Hotel is in central Kemer, about 250 metres from the sea. Families can choose family rooms for 4–5 people or connecting rooms, and there’s a children’s pool and breakfast by the pool. For group bookings, all-inclusive, full-board and half-board options are available. Ask for a team quote on WhatsApp, or check availability for an individual stay.
Frequently asked questions
Where was the 2026 Turkish Children’s and Cadet Karate Championship held?
At the Daima Biz Sports Hall in Kemer, from 24 to 29 March 2026.
Which disciplines are contested?
Individual kata, team kata and kumite.
When is the next championship?
Dates and venues are announced on the Turkish Karate Federation’s events calendar.
Other combat sports events in Kemer
In March, Kemer also hosts the IFMA International Antalya Open Muaythai Cup, and in January an international wrestling tournament. See the full Kemer events calendar.
Cover photo: GdML, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Adapted with typography and shared under the same licence.