Tehran, Iran, In a brightly lit sports hall in Tehran, two five-year-old Iranian girls faced off in a closely watched karate match, signalling a shift in the country’s attitude toward martial arts for women. Clad in white karategi with coloured belts and protective headgear, the young opponents circled the tatami mat, executing precise kicks and blocks to the applause of an all-female audience.
A Growing Space for Women in Martial Arts
The bout was part of an annual regional tournament that brought together 230 participants of all ages. AFP was granted rare access to film and photograph the event, highlighting the increasing official openness toward women practising martial arts in Iran.
Samaneh Parsa, a 44-year-old mother who trains alongside her children, described karate as a sport that “promotes discipline” and positively influences children’s behaviour. She added that it helps release emotions and “bring serenity during stressful times,” reflecting a shift from past decades when martial arts were largely frowned upon for women.
From Ban to Acceptance
Following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, martial arts were temporarily banned for women but later reinstated under strict dress codes. Today, karate has become a symbol of a young, urban generation quietly challenging traditional gender roles and societal norms.
Afshin Torkpour, head of Kyokushin-Ryu karate in Iran, noted that women are increasingly drawn to sports “once considered violent,” and they often show exceptional motivation and develop a “strong mindset.” Approximately 150,000 people practise karate across genders in Iran, with estimates suggesting the real number may exceed two million.
International Achievements and Inspiration
Iranian women’s karate teams have also made their mark internationally. Last week, Atousa Golshadnezhad won a gold medal at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia. At the Asian Championships, the national junior women’s under-21 team won 11 medals, including six golds.
For practitioners like Azam Ahmadi, karate teaches life skills: “If you fall, you have to get back up, keep going, and never give up.” Mina Mahadi, vice-head of the women’s Kyokushin-Ryu karate section in Iran, adds that the sport allows girls to “gain confidence” and assert themselves rather than “saying yes to anything.”
A Wider Societal Shift
The growth of women’s participation in karate is part of a broader movement in Iran, where young women have increasingly challenged restrictive societal rules, particularly since the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022, sparking nationwide protests and calls for greater personal freedoms.
Karate, once restricted and controversial, now stands as both a sport and a quiet symbol of empowerment for Iranian women and girls.
