We are approaching this year’s big event, the 6th World Cup in Karate Shinkyokushin,and in this context we will take a closer look at athletes in the respective classes.. Four divisions for men/women, and the best fighters from each region are chosen through results from notable tournaments as All Japan open, European Championship etc.

Light Heavyweight category -85 kg, seems to be packed with top fighters! The category also bring fighters together that before fought in different weight-classes. We also believe that this category strong nations as Japan, Lithuania, Russia and Kazakhstan maybe are strongest represented her, compering to the other categories!

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From the draw, the first name to notice will be Russia top man, Nazar Nasirov. He has achieved several noticeable strong results in recent times. Receiving Technical Award and placed at number 5 in the 11th World tournament in 2015 was a statement, was the runner up in Szolnok European Cup 2015 before that. In 2016 many turned their heads when he went through European Champions, World Champions and Russian champions – winning the Russian Open very convincing. He will be a factor in this category.

Last times 3rd place winner Kazufumi Shimamoto, Japan will be the man Nasirov could met, if they both win their first fight. Shimamoto would have to in against Mubariz Aghamaliyev, Azerbaijan – not an easy task, but possiblefor the All Japan Open Champion from 2010 and 2011. But he is not the only All Japan Open Champion in this category..

⇐ Kazuhito Yamada, Japan – 4 times All Japan Open champion weight category, 1st JFKO heavyweight champion, and 40th All Japan Open weight champion. his routine will be a big factor, with a win is first fight – possible Russian top fighter Kantemir Beslaneev KWU, will face him. The Russian fighter coming fresh off a  3rd place in the IFK World Championship and will be a hard nut to crack.

Vladimir Artyushin, Kazakhstan. One of the big profiles from the host nation, and well known. Among top 16 in World Championships 2011/15 and he has met the best fighter and gone went the distance with them. Made a huge impact in the 40th British Open 2016, winning the heavyweight, facing several champions included world champion. But his draw will be hard, if win in the first fight, Japanese fighter Yuto Eguchi will possible face him.

Yuto Eguchi, Japan, many notice him in 2016, winning the Diamond Cup ,light heavyweight. Represented Japan in the World Championship, reached 4th round before loosing to Nasirov after extension. Also placed on the podium in the JFKO All Japan Open.One of the biggest favorites: Valdemaras Gudauskas , Lithuania. He will for certain be one we expects advances in the tournament. Showing good skills in European Championships, EC Champion 3 years a row. Lost in the 4th round against Kazufumi Shimamoto in the World Championship 2015. 

On the other side of the draw, first name: Marius Ilas, Romania. Seven times European champion, in the middleweight division, a thought category always well represented. Also winning the Open Weight in 2013, and winner of a very strong Szolnok European Cup in 2015. Reaching the EC final in 2016 and  2017, the last advancing with victories against top European fighters Marek Wolny, Poland and Vasil Vangelov, Bulgaria. 

Once again hard fights from the start, Kazuhisa Mikami, Japan in the first fight – the winner will met (most possible) KWU World Champion Merey Suyunov, Kazakhstan. -and for sure, a strong contender fighting in front of the home crowd.

Further down, the possibility will come to face another top name from Japan: Daiki Kato. Placed among the too three several ties in the All Japan tournament. Further down Artem Semenov, Russia and Vytautas Cepla , Lithuania, both strong fighters – but one of the really top names would be Shota Maeda, Japan. Winner of All Japan Open and on the podium several times.Incredible high pace fighting.

As said this category do have so many strong fighters, that it would be a lot harder to predict who that will go all the way!