The All American Karate Federation was formed in 1961 as the national governing body of Traditional Karate. In 1979 the name was changed to American Amateur Karate Federation (AAKF) when it became a nationwide, public benefit, tax exempt, non-profit corporation, under the 1979 public law concerning sports governing bodies. The AAKF is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to improve the physical and mental health of the American public through karate training.
AAKF is the US representative to the International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF) whose international office is located in Los Angeles, California. In 1965, the first international karate events--the US-Japan Goodwill Match—were hosted by the AAKF in the US. Then in 1968, the AAKF hosted the World Invitational Tournament, which consisted of athletes from Europe, Asia, the Pan American countries, and the US.
The AAKF also maintains training programs to further develop the technical skills of instructors, judges, and officials. AAKF activities include:
- Establishing standards, e.g. , competition rules, judging qualifications, and athlete qualifications. The AAKF also sets ranking standards in accordance with the international standards. It then employs these standards when it sanctions and conducts national competitions and when granting internationally recognized ranking recognition to U.S. karate practitioners.
- Sending the U.S. National Team and Officials to the world championships, continental tournaments and other international events. Participation in these events promotes athletic exchange and international goodwill.
- Planning and executing U.S. karate development programs.
- Aiding and fostering member club development plans.
- Supporting karate education, training and related academic initiatives.
- Promoting the proper understanding of karate to the U.S. public.