TEHRAN – In a rare display of athletic empowerment, two five-year-old Iranian girls captivated an all-female audience during a closely watched karate match, signalling a shift in attitudes toward martial arts for women in the Islamic Republic. Dressed in traditional karategi and protective gear, the young competitors delivered precise kicks, blocks and movements, showcasing both discipline and confidence.
Their bout took place during an annual regional tournament in Tehran that drew 230 participants of all ages. The event also marked a moment of increased openness, with AFP granted rare access to film and photograph the women’s competition — a notable development in a country where female sports have long faced restrictions.
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Karate enthusiasts say the sport is an essential outlet for emotional expression and mental discipline. “This sport is anything but violent because it promotes discipline,” said Samaneh Parsa, a 44-year-old practitioner who trains alongside her daughter and son. She noted that karate has had a positive influence on her children’s behaviour, offering serenity during stressful times.
Once banned for women after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, martial arts gradually returned under stricter regulations. Today, women are embracing karate as a symbol of personal strength and social change. Authorities acknowledge shifting trends, with Kyokushin-Ryu karate head Afshin Torkpour noting that women are now “as, and often more, motivated” than men. Iran’s female athletes have also excelled internationally, with the junior women’s under-21 team winning 11 medals at the Asian Championships.
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For many, karate offers lessons that extend far beyond sports. “If you fall, you have to get back up, keep going, and never give up,” said long-time practitioner Azam Ahmadi. Others, like Mina Mahadi, say the sport helps girls build confidence and independence — qualities increasingly sought by a new, dynamic generation of Iranian women.