Sensei Eric Bortels has provided karate training at BuSO KIDS in Hasselt, a special school catering to children with behavioral problems.
Sensei Eric Bortels has initiated a close collaboration with Bethanië Hasselt. Thanks to the support of the Province of Limburg (Belgium), Eric now oversees all I-sports days. At regular intervals, Sensei Eric Bortels is invited to conduct sessions in various institutions, day care centers, etc. This includes working with individuals with Down syndrome, mental retardation, wheelchair users, and those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Eric initiated a collaboration with Peter Quanten, Jurgen Evens and Dr. Ilse Rayen, a developmental pediatrician and autism specialist, leading to the establishment of G-Karate Limburg (www.g-karate-vlaanderen.be). In March 2012, Eric commenced working with his own small group of children with ASD aged between 8 and 11 years.
Thanks to JKS Belgium, G-Karate Limburg has transformed into G-Karate Vlaanderen, becoming the primary organization for I-Karate in the Flanders region.
Sensei Eric Bortels received a call from Japan to establish a global organization to promote I-Karate. Alongside volunteers from the world of karate, the medical field, and the business sector, IKF (Inclusive Karate Federation) was founded.
An Erasmus+ Sport project, IKONS, was launched by the University of Rome and awarded to I-Karate Global. This project involves the application of Eric's methodology to individuals with Down Syndrome. Five enthusiastic pilot countries are participating: Belgium, Hungary, Italy, Romania, and Austria. Two coaches per country have commenced teaching two training sessions every week to 12-15 students. A strict schedule, personally devised, mandates 80 training sessions over a whole year. The project spans three years and conducts scientific research on the effects and applicability of karate for individuals with intellectual impairments.
Between 2019 and 2021, the University of Rome launched IKONS, an Erasmus+ Sport project awarded to I-Karate Global. This initiative applied Eric Bortels' methodology to individuals with Down Syndrome across five pilot countries: Belgium, Hungary, Italy, Romania, and Austria. In each country, two coaches delivered two weekly training sessions to 12-15 students, adhering to a strict, personally devised schedule of 80 sessions over one year. The three-year project included scientific research on the effects and applicability of karate for individuals with intellectual impairments. The method was scientifically proven to result in clear physical improvements. https://www.ikons-project.eu
Eric Bortels authored the first practical guide on how to teach inclusive karate to individuals with any disability. His primary goal is to connect those who typically lack opportunities to participate in sports. That same year, Eric Bortels began offering Inclusive Karate education globally.
Eric Bortels was honored with the CIFP Fair Play award for his worldwide competitions, which are accessible to everyone, regardless of disability.
In September 2024, a second book on the ICP-move method will be published, focusing on its application across various sports. In July 2024, I became world champion in the masters category. My mission in Tokyo was twofold, as I also had the opportunity to introduce G-karate (adapted karate) for various disabilities. Mission accomplished! (See article.) Furthermore, Karate Vlaanderen is relaunching a G-committee in collaboration with G-karate vzw and Eric Bortels.
In 2025, UHasselt, in collaboration with G-sport Vlaanderen, provides scientific evidence supporting Eric’s methodology. The research shows that the method offers an accessible entry point into various sports, significantly boosting sports participation among people with disabilities. Through this, Eric creates new opportunities to make multiple sports accessible to a broader audience. Additionally, Eric begins a partnership with the International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF). He joins the Inclusive Committee, where his methodology will be implemented internationally.
Eric and the Inclusive Karate Federation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Traditional Karate Federation. This agreement strengthens collaboration to advance inclusive practices, methodologies, and competitions for people with disabilities.
Premiere in Budapest of Blue Sunshine, a 50-minute documentary exploring inclusion through karate and its methodology.
In 2026, the documentary Blue Sun will be produced in Budapest, showcasing Eric’s methodology in detail. His colleague and IKF representative Attila Halasz plays a key role in this project. That same year, Eric enters into a collaboration with the World General Karate Federation (WGKF). He also joins their Inclusive Committee to further roll out his methodology internationally. Furthermore, in collaboration with the Japan Karate Shotorenmei (JKS Japan), Eric takes charge of the para-karate section at the World Championships in Brazil.
