The World Karate Union (WKU) Hall Of Fame was established in 1996 as a means to honor martial artists for their unselfish contributions to the martial arts. While some names are more recognizable than others all are deserving of respect and acknowledgement. Nominees are selected through ballots which are sent throughout the United States, Europe, Russia, South America, Canada, the West Indies and Australia. The WKU Hall of Fame event is considered "prestigious" and is attended by many notable martial arts VIPs.
The majority of inductees are recommended directly by the WKU Board Members and past inductees. The criteria are based on extraordinary excellence in the martial arts and tireless devotion to the community.
The World Karate Union has never bestowed rank or given any degrees to anyone. The WKU does acknowledge a person's rank, however if one is looking to be promoted, that is not what the organization is about and there are other organizations that can accommodate.
The World Karate Union Hall Of Fame chooses its Board Members carefully and relies on them to verify credentials of nominees.
Some noteworthy inductees include:
- Jason David Frank
- Chuck Norris
- Dan Severn
- Matt Wilson
Famous quotes containing the words world, karate and/or union:
“A man cannot wheedle nor overawe his Genius. It requires to be conciliated by nobler conduct than the world demands or can appreciate.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“Since mothers are more likely to take children to their activities—the playground, ballet or karate class, birthday parties—they get a chance to see other children in action.... Fathers usually don’t spend as much time with other people’s kids; because of this, they have a narrower view of what constitutes “normal” behavior, and therefore what should or shouldn’t require parental discipline.”
—Ron Taffel (20th century)
“... as women become free, economic, social factors, so becomes possible the full social combination of individuals in collective industry. With such freedom, such independence, such wider union, becomes possible also a union between man and woman such as the world has long dreamed of in vain.”
—Charlotte Perkins Gilman (1860–1935)