The International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF) seated in Los Angeles (USA) has been an international governing body of traditional karate which set up technical standards for that martial art since 1972. It came into being after split at the World Union of Karate Organization (WUKO), which was caused by the admission of the Republic of South Africa – an apartheid country to participate at the world championships.

Traditional Karate Federation of Poland has been the ITKF member since 1990 when the Polish team participated at the World Championships in Lima (Peru) for the first time.

On August 17th, 2013 the ITKF Extraordinary General Meeting took place at the Japanese Martial Arts and Sports Centre „Dojo-Stara Wies” in Stara Wies (Poland). By the decision of the General Meeting the ITKF headquarters has been moved from Los Angeles (USA) to Geneva (Switzerland). The decision was approved by the representatives of 23 following countries: Armenia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, France, Israel, Japan, Lithuania, Moldova, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Spain, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uruguay, USA and Venezuela.

The reorganized ITKF was a non-governmental international organization (NGO) whose aim was to promote the Traditional Karate following the decision of the 101st Session of the International Olympic Committee and in accordance with the „ITKF Competition Rules”. The ITKF was a common platform organization for many schools and styles of traditional karate which are practiced worldwide.

On October 24th, 2014 by the decision of the General Assembly, International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF) seated in Geneva (Switzerland) changed its name to World Traditional Karate-Do Federation (WTKF). The main aim of the organization remains unchanged. WTKF is going to promote the Traditional Karate following the decision of the 101st Session of the International Olympic Committee.