CARACAS, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- World Championship in Martial Arts on Friday started in the Venezuelan capital, welcoming 1,700 participants from 13 countries in a tournament that will last three days.

Participating countries include France, Spain, Chile, Sweden, Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, Colombia, the United States, the Dominican Republic, Panama and host Venezuela, the official Venezuelan news agency AVN reported.

The tournament is organized by the Venezuelan Kenpo Federation and all competitions will be held in the sports compound within the grounds of the United Nations Park located in the south-eastern part of Caracas.

Competitions will be held in a number of martial arts disciplines including kenpo, karate-do and taekwondo, while as part of the inaugurating activities on Friday competitions will be held in categories for both children and adults.

On Saturday competitions will focus on combat and personal defense between the sportsmen.