There can be only one – we’ve heard it many times, and it still goes on. However it seems that there is more than one – when it comes to become a World full-contact Karate Champion. (⇓ Photo by Pi-photo.pl )
Talking to some Kyokushin friends in different organizations, the topic of World Championship came up. One by one was mention – and it struck us suddenly: how many do we have now?! After a short random search we came up with eleven World Championship in Kyokushin only this year – and it is probably several more! This is only for 2023, next year we got some other organisations organizing their World Championship. (⇓ Photo by Pi-photo.pl )
Some of the championships (as you know) have all ready been held, and some are yet to come. When it comes to number of World Championships being held, there are no doubt that the number of world Championships are increasing. The possibilities are many, and the same with size, format,quality and level. Several organizations that have participated in each other’s WT are now holding their own, which means that there may be a lack of athletes in some places. Some hold their World Championship with open weight category, others with a weight classes. Some with only seniors, others with the whole range from “old Masters” to children from the age of 10-12 etc.
Kyokushin Union – Rengokai / 8-9 April, 2023, Yokohama, Japan
Kyokushin World Union – World Cup / 5th July, Varna, Bulgaria
World Kumite Organisation 27. August, Pattaya, Thailand. (The topic are discussed around in same setting, in this case: Russian athletes are stated to participate in this tournament. Source superkarate.ru)
The 13th World Open Karate Championship Shinkyokushinkai – 14/15 October
November is packed with World Championships, and some of them held at the very same day. Some of the championships are their firs edition also, so it is a little exciting what to expect.
1st Kyokushin-Ryu World Tournament – 11-12th November, Philippines
Following up with three World Tournament at the same day:
13th World Championship Kyokushinkaikan 17-19th November / Japan. (The IKO has allowed Russian athletes to enter the World tournament, same as in All Japan Open)
World Kyokushin Budokai – 1st World Open Kyokushin Karate Championship – 18th November, Lorca / Spain. First time coming up with a World Championship, after several successful European Championships. Opened a cooperation with World Kumite organisation this Spring for further development.
KWF World Championship – 17/18th November – The Netherlands
Further on in November:
World Championship of Kyokushin-Kan / 24-26th November, Kazakhstan. This is a little special, since the last one was in 2009. Kyokushin-Kan “lost” their World Championship when the KWU was established (KWF and IFK kept their) now, it seems that it is time for organizing a World Championship again.
2nd So-Kyokushin World Karate Championship – 25/26th November / Japan
6th IKO Matsuhima World Cup / 9th & 10th December – Chile
Some athletes are ready to enter several of the World Championships also, that is also a possibility with so many events.