More than 1400 people, aged between six and 60 years old, will compete in five different categories during the five day competition, being held for the first time at the sports hall in Sheffield.

Dom Stokes, general manager for Sheffield International Venues (SIV) Events, said: "This is a huge event with a major competition programme, as well as additional event activity including an opening ceremony, seminars and meetings.

"The WUKF chose EIS Sheffield because of our track record in hosting major sports events and state-of-the-art facilities, but also because of the additional space and provision for accommodation their seminars and meetings."

Competitors from over 20 countries will battle to be crowned European Champion

As well as an official Opening Ceremony before the Championships, the WUKF will host a referee and coach's seminar and a WUKF presidents meeting.

Peter Allen, WUKF European President, said: "The event is the first of its kind, combining all the age groups into a European Karate Championships for all ages. Already booked are over 20 countries from Europe."

"Our European Family of Karate Ka will join us in Sheffield which I hope will be the best European Championships to date. I hope competitors, officials and spectators alike, will take back many happy memories of Sheffield and our English culture.

"The opening ceremony is a combination of British music, football memorabilia and world famous Sheffield superstars such as Sheffield's golden girl Jessica Ennis-Hill. Sheffield is waiting."

The EIS Sheffield has staged a number of sporting events this year, including the Sainsbury's UK School Games, British Athletics European Trials and Indoor Championships and English Table Tennis Association (ETTA) National Championships.

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