Sayokan
A martial art founded in Türkiye in 1999 that brings together striking and grappling techniques with Turkish terminology and Turkish warrior culture.
- 9news and announcements
- 1rule and regulation documents
- 2categories and disciplines
What is Sayokan?
Sayokan is a modern Turkish martial art developed with inspiration from the Turkish warrior tradition. Its name is derived from the syllables of a Turkish phrase meaning “the way of the warriors is the way of the khagans”. The branch is defined as a whole by its Turkish terminology, traditional competition practices, distinctive attire, philosophy and cultural dimension. Sayokan uses striking and grappling techniques together, and places greater emphasis on strategy, the use of distance and angles, and the ability to respond naturally to the situation than on memorised movement patterns.
Sayokan training consists of two programmes: “Alagan”, geared towards competition, and “Basagar”, geared towards self-defence. Athletes' progress is tracked through a coloured belt system starting with the white belt and extending to the black belt grades, with progression between levels made by examination. Valuing discipline, unity and awareness of cultural heritage, the branch has operated under the Turkish Federation of Developing Sports Branches since 2025. Coach and referee training courses and Turkish championships for the branch are organised under the Federation.
History
Sayokan was founded on 18 March 1999 after a nine-year period of development, and was introduced as a modern discipline encompassing Turkish terminology, traditional competition practices, attire, philosophy and culture. The branch's official introductory document emphasises the pre-Islamic period of Turkish history, citing the single combats between commanders described in the Kül Tigin Inscription of the Göktürk period as examples of the Turkish warrior tradition. Internationally, the branch is organised under the name World Sayokan Federation.
In Türkiye, with the approval of the General Directorate of Sports and by ministerial approval of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the sayokan branch was attached to the Turkish Federation of Developing Sports Branches in February 2025. Since then, coach and referee training courses and Turkish championships in the branch have been organised by the Federation.
Basic Rules
For general information only; competitions are governed by the federation's current rulebook and regulations.
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Technical scope
Sayokan uses striking and grappling techniques together. Rather than memorising set movement patterns, training emphasises strategy, distance, angles of attack and exploiting the moments when the opponent loses balance.
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Competition organisation
Turkish championships are conducted in accordance with the competition instructions published by the Federation for each event. To take part, clubs submit the governor's office approval and activity participation forms to the Federation.
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Belt examinations
Athletes progress through the coloured belt levels by examination; those who pass the examination advance to the next belt.
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Terminology
Turkish terms are used in the branch; in this respect, sayokan aims to bring the Turkish language and culture together with sports training.
Field and Equipment
- AttireSayokan is a martial art with its own traditional attire; sportswear and equipment appropriate to the branch are used in courses and competitions.
- BeltThe belt indicating the athlete's grade starts with white and progresses through blue, yellow, red and four-coloured belt levels to the black belt grades.
- Training areaThe Federation's courses and championships are held in indoor sports halls.
Categories and Disciplines
- Alagan (competition programme)
- Basagar (self-defence programme)
Age groups and weight classes may change with seasonal regulations; see the sport documents for current information.
Sayokan in Türkiye
Having joined the Turkish Federation of Developing Sports Branches in February 2025, the sayokan branch quickly began regular activities. A Sayokan Level 1 Assistant Coach Training Course was held in Safranbolu, Karabük, in November 2025, and a Sayokan Candidate Referee Course in Darende, Malatya, in April 2026. The Federation's Sayokan Turkish Championship took place in Karabük on 25–28 June 2026. A new Level 1 Assistant Coach Training Course is planned in Seydikemer, Muğla, on 4–8 November 2026.
- Championships and leaguesNational championships and events across age categories
- Referee and coach coursesCandidate referee, promotion and coaching courses
- National team workPreparation camps for international events
Rules, Regulations and Documents
Frequently Asked Questions
Key information on getting started in Sayokan, licences, refereeing and coaching.
Who can take up sayokan?
Sayokan is a branch that anyone wishing to receive disciplined martial arts training can take up. To get started, applying to a club active in the branch is recommended.
How is an athlete licence obtained?
The athlete licence is obtained via the Ministry of Youth and Sports Sports Information System (SBS) (sbs.gsb.gov.tr), through the club with which the athlete is registered.
How do I become a sayokan referee?
You need to apply for one of the Sayokan Candidate Referee Courses announced by the Federation and complete it successfully. Course dates and application requirements are published on the Federation's website.
What should I do to become a sayokan coach?
You can apply for the Sayokan Level 1 Assistant Coach Training Course run by the Federation. Applications require a criminal record certificate and a Basic Training examination result or exemption certificate.
Latest News
Coaching Courses
Sayokan Level 1 Assistant Coach Training Course / Muğla Seydikömer 4–8 November 2026
Announcements
25-28 June 2026 Sayokan Turkish Championship / Karabük
Announcements
11-12 April 2026 Malatya Sayokan Candidate Referee Course Results List
