The 18th Asian Games will be held in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia from 18 August to 2 September 2018. Macao athletes are to take part in a total of 16 sports, including karate.

Macao’s karate athletes have won medals at many international competitions.

The Macao Karate Youth Academy plays an important role in training a number of such athletes for the city, covering a range of skill levels and ages.

The Macao Karate Youth Academy was established in 2013, to promote karate in Macao, as well as to nurture teenage athletes and increase the number of young people pursuing such sport.

Only 20 people, ranging in age from eight to 16, are selected every year to join the Macao Karate Youth Academy.

There are only two forms of karate competition: “kata” is a performance involving a flow from one posture and movement to another; and “kumite” is a bout between adversaries.

There are only two forms of karate competition: “kata” is a performance involving a flow from one posture and movement to another; and “kumite” is a bout between adversaries.

An athlete is practising posture under the guidance of Iranian coach Mr Mohammad Reza Rashidnia (right).

Iranian coach Mr Mohammad Reza Rashidnia (front, left), shares bout techniques.

Some of the athletes carry Macao’s medal hopes with them for the coming Asian Games in Indonesia, aiming to contribute for sport development in the city.