With over 300 entries, (adults and Juniors 1998-1999) the European Championship in Georgia will be almost as big as it was last year in Poland. -and that was a remarkably high number of contenders. This will also for many of the profiles be the first international tournament since the World Championship 2015. New weight categories do we also have, and that bring some new set ups among the fighters..

-65 kg, 19 fighters

In the lightest division some real merited fighters are to find, and once again we will start with the host, Georgia:

Andrei Zinchenko, top three the last four EC, European Champion 2014, and runner up last year. Incredible tough fighter, keeping the pace high and the drive through the hole fight – and the extension as well. Complete fearless and fight as “it no tomorrow” Also European Champion Royama/ Kyokushin-Kan 2015

Lasha Khachapuridze, last year European Champion -70. Lasha has been fighting for many years at the top level. Runner up in EC 2004 and  2013. Runner up in All Kyokushin Tournament 2009.

Sergo Movsesyan, runner up in EC Royama Kyokushin-Kan 2015, 2nd place in U22 EC 2013, 3rd place U22 EC 2014. Not at the same level as his team mates, but fighting on home soil for the home crowd will bring him closer to the podium.

Lithuania bring in two fighters, ⇐Jevgenij Jurut and Jonas Eimontas. Eimontas reach 3rd place i 2014 EC, ad will be a fighter to look out for. Eimontas with experience from several tournaments, and has been fighting for many year. Both used to fight in the -70 kg category, and will be strong for this -65kg category. Jurut the runner up inn U22 EC, and do also have good experience from several tournaments, where he have meet the best.

Also to name from Azerbaijan with U22 Champion, Emin Ismayilli. Azerbaijan has always produced strong fighters in the lighter weight categories,

Bulgarian fighter ⇐Georgi Lotarov will be a fighter to look out for. Reaching the final in the KWU World Championship in 2015, and on his way taking out many strong fighters, made many aware of him. Fought five time EC champion Gàbor Ròzsa, Hungary, and put up a really decent fight.

We believe that this category will be affected by the strong home team from Georgia. The draw will sett the line for who they will face early in the tournament, and that also can have a effect on the total. But as always, this is full contact Karate, and we can predict all day long, a Ippon can change it all.