European Championship Shinkyokushin weight categories 2019 – counting down! Once again, the line-up and the support of the championship are at its best. It is clear now that the Shinkyokushin European Championships are stable at the top. Comparing to others, the number of fighters in categories and not at least their proven level puts these EC trophies in the category “Most wanted” This edition we look at an EC with over 225 contenders only seniors, only fighters from the European region. It’s ready for the lightest category for men -65 kg.
Men -65 kg
In the lightest category with 20 fighters, we have some strong profiles to follow. Reign and multiply EC Champion Andrei Zinchenko / Georgia. The favorite for many. We have all been highly impressed by Zinchenko’s insane spirit and endurance – maybe some of the most memorable moments would be against far more bigger opponents in open-weight tournaments. He will be challenged by last year runner up, and European Champion from 2017 Emin Ismayilli / Azerbaijan. Ismayilli also he very strong fighter, can and will be a challenger tor the tittle. They have fought each other i previous tournaments, Zinchenko being up to now the strongest one.
Last year third placeholder Ivan Fernandez / Spain also attend. The same with Ziyafatalla Milad Samisade / Sweden. The question is he can copy his great achievement from last year (3rd place). Through the year, he has been fighting in heavier categories, and even in the open weight. In addition, he coming up from the U-22 category with a very good record, European Champion U-22 in 2016 among others.
Further, we can look out for Poland’s two fighters Daniel Sternik and Konrad Kozubowski. Kozubowski fought in the final 2017 against Emin Ismayilli, Sternik became the U-22 EC Champion in 2017 (to mention some of the merits) both very technical, well rounded and experienced. And as we mention Kozubowski, he will be one of the few going for top a spot in the Kumite as well as in Kata. Three fighters from the organizer: Mantas Chrapačas, Vilius Lipnickas and the “veteran” Jonas Eimontas. Eimontas has been representing the Lithuanian team for many years, a solid fighter with wide experience. Lipnickas and Chrapačas yet to make their name shine in the senior EC matter, but coming out from qualifying tournament in Lithuania – the level is expected to be at it very best. pufasfoto.lt ⇓
Even so, this is the lightest weight category; the top fighters have more than enough power to finish fights before full time. That together with their high pace fighting makes it a division where picture of the fight can turn very fast. And looking at the line up, with Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine and Georgia – all with full number of fighters – and all nations at a very high level that we are used to see fighting about the top 4. This gives us a indication of how (very) high and even the level is.