US Weight Category Karate Championships 2011

Another fantastic event was hosted by the IKO Kyokushinkaikan on Sunday, January 30th 2011. As has been customary for the last several years, the Japan America Theater of Little Tokyo, in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, played host to the festivities. Presiding over the event was IKO International Department Director Shihan Katsuhito Gorai of New York and IKO-USA and Canada Branch Officials. Principal host organizer was IKO-USA Los Angeles Branch Chief, Sensei Taku Nakasaka and Kyokushin LA Dojo members.

The morning opened with Kyokushin kata competition. Some believe that Kyokushin is all about knockdown fighting. It is through kata however, that Kyokushin Karate can be fully expressed with fundamental fighting techniques that are not commonly utilized in competition. This year we had two divisions, and both won by local competitors. Miruyo Ito and Nariko Watanabe took the Advanced and Novice kata competition, respectively. Through their excellent control of speed, breathing, and power did the audience understand and experience the essence of advanced karate at its purest technical level.

As the morning progressed, the tranquility of kata turned into the intensity of kumite, beginning with tots no older than 4-5 years old. As the hours went by, and the divisions progressed, competitors got bigger and the punches and kicks rocked harder. This year demonstrated that the USWC is becoming more and more of an international phenomenon as competitors venture to our sunny shores from places all over the world like Kazakhstan, Romania, Costa Rica, Japan and Poland.

This year we had a single women’s division that was stacked with local favorites, familiar champions, and new faces – in the end it was Agnieszka Winek that bested two powerhouses, Miruyo Ito in the first fight and Ewelina Czergemuga in the finals, to ultimately take the Championship. Agnieszka’s “never say die” spirit was critical to her strategy, particularly as she pushed forward despite the longer reach of Ewelina. In a long bout for 3rd place that went through two extensions, Miruyo finally bested another local April Kim, in a true endurance test.

The men’s lightweight was perhaps the crowd favorite, not only because was it won by local fighter Taison Naito, but because all the fighters showed balance of blinding speed and “big technique” showmanship. This category also gave us a preview of the talents of I-Shing Wu, who represented the USA at the 10th World Open Karate Championships held in Tokyo, November 2011. Unknown to most participants and audience members alike was Paeden Sakauov of Kazakhstan. Although dropping to 3rd place, Sakauov’s two fights were so full of flare that he took home the coveted Best Technique Award of the entire tournament.

The men’s middleweight, heavyweight, and superheavyweight categories did not disappoint fight fans with great hard hits that echoed off the walls, and combinations that marveled the audience. Though everyone performed brilliantly, in the end, it was the Europeans who dominated all three adult Men’s categories. Mirel Iacob was the champion of the hotly contested middleweight category, defeating local Armon Todd and Canadian favorite Michihiro Nagase, on his way to the top of the podium. The men’s heavyweight champion was undoubtedly Nicolae Stoian, a European champion and regular on the world Kyokushin stage. The superheavyweight champion was Arkadiusz Szir who also had convincing decisions to easily claim the title of the biggest men.

Overall, it was another excellent day of competition worthy of the Kyokushin international tournament circuit. Several noted fighters from all weight and age divisions were selected to bring their talents to Japan and showcase them at the 10th World Open Karate Championships in November 2011 and several more were inspired to train hard from that day forward to reach their own goals. Congratulations everybody, Osu!

US Weight Category Karate Championships 2010

On Sunday, January 31, 2010, IKO Kyokushinkaikan hosted its annual knockdown tournament, The US Weight Category Karate Championships, in Los Angeles, California. For the 6th consecutive year, Los Angeles welcomed over 111 competitors from around the world, including Europe, Asia, and North America. The event was once again held at the Japan America Theater in Little Tokyo and welcomed over 1,000 spectators to witness competitors challenge themselves and others in this formidable pursuit of the Kyokushin spirit.

In the morning and early afternoon, the Preliminary Rounds served as the battleground for our junior and senior competitors displaying their skill in both kata (forms) and semi contact kumite (free fighting). Many of our competitors were fighting for their first time while others are quickly acquiring the fighting skill to compete worldwide. Experience aside, they all showed spirit and respect for sportsmanship that Kyokushin Karate considers one of its most important values.

Former world champion Miriyo Ito from Japan achieved a well-deserved 1st place in the Adult Kata division, performing Kanku kata with the intensity and focus of a champion. She was followed by Aleksandra Radziewcz from Poland who advanced from 3rd place in 2009. Wojciech Radzieqicz, also from Poland, followed closely in third place. All the kata performances showed excellent control of body and mind in the execution of these set routines.

As the afternoon progressed, adult fighters competed in our Main Event with full contact kumite. Both ladies and men are divided by weight, which makes for evenly matched bouts in the light, middle, heavyweight, and super heavyweight categories. After an intense and spirited bout, Chicago powerhouse Ewelina Czeremuga again dominated the women’s lightweight category after battling it out with Japanese fighter Miriyo Ito. Despite Ito's aggressive forward movement, persistence and "OSU" spirit, Ewelina's sharp low kicks and powerful punches proved too strong to overcome. Marta Lubos from Poland closely followed in a third place win.

Polish fighters continued to stand strong in the middle/heavy weight ladies category. However, with both power and precision, Yuma Tasaki from Japan claimed first place (also awarded with best spirit award). Although Polish fighters Anna Kaczynska (second place) and Katarzyna Michalak (third place) proved to be formidable opponents, they could not match the energy, ferocity and stamina of Tasaki.

In the men's lightweight category, seasoned fighter Victor Teixeira from The Netherlands (also given the best technique award) dominated this category with his calm, focused energy and sharp punches. Kotaro Zushi of Los Angeles made an impression with his intense fighting spirit and landed second place. Asel Al-Tamini, also from Los Angeles' Manhattan Beach dojo, managed to secure third place with impressive stamina against two fierce opponents.

This year's men's middleweight category offered more diversity with champions from Hawaii, Canada and Poland. A newcomer to adult fighting, up-and-coming fighter Sota Nakano from Hawaii surprised many with a first place win against Canadian fighter Michihiro Nagase. Daniel Bukowy from Poland held his third place position for the second consecutive year.

As the weights increase so does the fervor and intensity on the mat and from the audience. Despite their heavy weight, these fighters delivered their attacks with grace and precision, including Los Angeles dojo favorite Shohei Yamamoto who once again fought his way to the top after a toe-to-toe action packed bout with Demeautis Maxime from France. Canadian fighter Jordan Forget held his own and secured third place in this fierce and competitive category.

This year added a category for the super heavyweights. Marcin Sieradzki from Poland achieved first place with an ippon victory by a sharp and powerful upper cut punch to his second place opponent Mark Berg from Canada. Joe Nguyen from Los Angeles' Torrance dojo held on to third place.

The Los Angeles dojo of IKO Kyokushinkaikan looks forward to hosting the 7th Annual US Weight Category Karate Championships in 2011.

US Weight Category Karate Championships 2009

On Sunday, January 25, 2009, the IKO Kyokushinkaikan hosted its annual knockdown tournament, The US Weight Category Karate Championships, in Los Angeles, California. Yet another successful event, this year welcomed over 100 competitors from around the world, including Europe, Asia, and North America. As in previous years, the event was held at the Japan America Theater in Little Tokyo and welcomed over 1,000 spectators to witness competitors challenge themselves and others in this formidable pursuit of strength and spirit.

In the morning and early afternoon, the Preliminary Rounds served as the battleground for our junior and senior competitors challenging themselves in both kata (forms) and semi contact kumite (sparring). Divisions for our juniors and seniors include kids as young as 4 years old and seniors no younger than 35. Many of our competitors were fighting for their first time while others are quickly acquiring the fighting skill to compete worldwide. Experience aside, they all showed robust spirit and respect for sportsmanship as a full crowd cheered them on.

As the afternoon progressed, adult fighters competed in our Main Event with full contact kumite. Both ladies and men are divided by weight, which makes for evenly matched bouts in the light, middle, heavyweight, and super heavyweight categories. Newcomers were also present in these ranks, though certain fighters clearly stood out due to their experience and successful tournament record on the international Kyokushin circuit.

For the fourth consecutive year, Gergana Kostova from Bulgaria was awarded 1st place in the Adult Kata division, followed by former world kata champion Miriyo Ito from Japan. Aleksandra Radziewcz, also of Bulgaria, took 3rd place, marking the first few of many victories for their homeland. All the kata performances, and particularly those of Kostova, showed excellent control of body and mind in the execution of these set routines. Chicago powerhouse Ewelina Czeremuga dominated the women’s lightweight category after battling it out with Bulgarian newcomer Stanislava Boycheva. Displaying powerful punches and sharp low kicks in characteristic aggressive style, she was determined to fight her way to victory. An up-and-coming fighter, Boycheva achieved a surprising victory over former world champion Miriyo Ito, 2nd and 3rd place respectively, both demonstrating impressive skill and spirit.

Bulgarian competitors continued to conquer in the middleweight ladies category where Nadezhda Petrova claimed first place against veteran fighter Lisa Clarke from Florida. Petrova's relentless upper cut punch and constant forward motion made her a difficult opponent to overcome. Both displayed the intensity and strength typically seen in the middleweight women’s category. Bulgaria showed its strength in the ladies heavyweight category as well with Anna Kaczynska taking 1st place against Esther Nathe of Canada. Kaczynska dominated this category with efficient use of power, smooth and quick footwork and fighting energy to the end! Chicago fighter Katarzyna Michalak managed to secure 3rd.

In typical lightweight fashion, the men showed excellent footwork and speed as they swiftly moved around the mat weaving in and out of attack range to unleash their power. Julien Marquette of Canda stood champion against Nikola Kirov of Bulgaria with rapid fire punches that won two "wazari" half points for upper cut punches, leading to a very exciting "ippon" victory. Masashi Odate of Los Angeles, with both speed and power, secured 3rd honors in what many would consider the more exciting category to watch.

Eastern European fighters dominated the middleweight category with champions from Romania, Bulgaria and Poland represented. Nicolae Stoian from Romania fought his way to first place with strong and forceful punches to the chest as well as sharp upper cuts against 2nd place victor Stiliyan Petrov from Bulgaria. Daniel Bukowy from Poland held his own up in the third/fourth place fight-off and left with a third place medal.

As the weights increase so does the fervor and intensity on the mat and from the audience. In the heavyweight category we watched as Los Angeles dojo favorite Shohei Yamamoto astonished the crowd by knocking out his semi-final opponent (ippon – full point) with a back spin kick to the head. This category produced one action-packed fight after another, but Yamamoto prevailed despite tough bouts with Canadian fighter Jordan Forget (2nd place) as he executed sharp heavy kicks combined with floor sweeps as his opponent struggled to hold his ground. Kiril Boev of Bulgaria was honored for his 3rd place finish in this highly competitive, hotly contested category.

The goliaths are to be found in the Super Heavyweight category. Despite the Bulgarians demonstrating characteristic brawn in this category, they could not outshine Marcin Sieradzki of Chicago who took 1st place with effective low kicks and chest punches that eventually wore out his second place opponent. Petar Martinov of Bulgaria followed with 2nd and Yordan Yanev of Bulgaria finished in 3rd.

With another tournament behind us, the Los Angeles dojo of IKO Kyokushinkaikan plays host once again in 2010. Anticipation is high to see if the Bulgarians can maintain their dominance and which new faces will emerge to take the championship titles in the USA.

US Weight Category Karate Championships 2008

On Sunday, January 27, 2008, the IKO Kyokushinkaikan hosted its annual knockdown tournament, The US Weight Category Karate Championships, in Los Angeles, California. Another successful event, this year played host to over 100 competitors from Europe, Asia, and North America. The venue, as in previous years, was the Japan America Theater in Little Tokyo. Shihan Bobby Lowe, IKO International Committee Chairman and North American Representative, presided over the festivities.

As is customary, the morning and early noon Preliminary Rounds were the battleground for our junior and senior competitors displaying a wide variety of skill both in kata (forms) and semi contact kumite (sparring). Divisions for our juniors and seniors are done by age with some as young as 4 years old and seniors no younger than 35. Many of our competitors were fighting for their first time while others are quickly becoming seasoned veterans. Experience aside, they all showed their intense spirit and respect for sportsmanship in front of an exuberant crowd.

As the afternoon progressed, it was time for our Main Event with adult full contact kumite. Both ladies and men are divided by weight which makes for evenly matched bouts in the light, middle, heavyweight, and super heavyweight categories. Newcomers were also present in these ranks, though certain fighters clearly stood out due to their experience and successful tournament record on the international Kyokushin circuit.

In a repeat performance of 2006 and 2007, Gergana Kostova, from Bulgaria, was awarded 1st in the Adult Kata division, besting an international field of both men and women. Kiyoshi Nishii from Japan and Aneliya Asenova from Bulgaria were awarded 2nd and 3rd, respectively. All the kata performances, and particularly those of Kostova, showed excellent control of body and mind in the execution of these set routines. It was not the last we would see of Asenova, as she went on to fight under full contact kumite rules and was awarded 1st place in the ladies lightweight category outlasting the newcomer from Hong Kong, Carole Payre, in the final round.

Our Canadian neighbors fared well in the middleweight ladies category. Julie Lamarre and Julie Pesci, 1st and 3rd place, respectively, both displayed the intensity and strength reputed by Canadian women. Yet it was no surprise that one Bulgarian, Daniela Dineva, interrupted the Canadian sweep by making her way to the finals to take 2nd place. The Bulgarians could not be silenced in the ladies heavyweight category either, with Danaila Cherneva and Nadezhda Petrova taking 1st and 2nd place honors, respectively, and another Canadian Lindsey Heenan managing to secure 3rd.

In typical lightweight fashion, the men showed excellent footwork as they swiftly moved around the mat weaving in and out of attack range to unleash their barrage of strikes. Alexandar Petrov of Bulgaria stood champion with Piotr Jasaic from Chicago and Nikola Kirov of Bulgaria taking 2nd and 3rd honors, respectively, in what many would consider the most competitive bracket.

New Yorker and tournament newcomer, Eddie Potter, scored the ippon of the afternoon early in the middleweight category with a devastating high kick that floored his first round opponent. His performance secured him 3rd in what was looking again to be a landslide for the Bulgarians; Stiliyan Petrov took 1st with his compatriot Mladen Banushev taking 2nd place honors.

As the weights increase so does the electricity in the auditorium. Our heavyweight category final round saw Los Angeles dojo favorite Zensaku Munn, unscathed from his 3rd round success at the 9th World Open Tournament, against Japanese fighter Masaru Sato. In an action packed fight, Sato eventually prevailed and was subsequently crowned Champion after landing a solid knee kick. Canadian Victor Potvin gets honors for his 3rd place finish in this hotly contested category.

The goliaths are to be found in the Super Heavyweight category. Not to be taken lightly is New Yorker Slawek Was who is a regular face both here and in the annual All American Open held in his home state of New York. Was’ performance was consistent with past visits to Los Angeles, taking 1st place after an effective barrage of punches and low kicks that could be heard from the back row. Not sitting idly by were the courageous Bulgarians Petar Martinov and Hristo Hristov, who took 2nd and 3rd, respectively.

With another tournament behind us, the Los Angeles dojo of IKO Kyokushinkaikan is looking to 2009 to play host once again. Anticipation is high to see if the Bulgarians can repeat their dominance and which new faces will emerge to take the championship titles in the USA.

US Weight Category Karate Championships 2007

On Sunday, January 28, 2007, the IKO Kyokushinkaikan held the annual national knockdown karate championship, the US Weight Category Karate Championships, in Los Angeles, California. Over 100 competitors, coaches, officials and students were in attendance before a fervent crowd of nearly 500 in the aptly-named Japan-America Theater in Little Tokyo, downtown Los Angeles.

Preliminary events began early on Sunday, with the youth, open and senior divisions for Kata followed by Semi-Contact Kumite (with protective gear) and Full-Contact Kumite. The semi and top finalists in all divisions went on to fight or perform in the evening rounds. The early rounds were ripe with burgeoning talent, from the tender age of 4yrs all the way to the senior division, and many fighting for the first time; it was an exciting start to a full day exhibiting some of the best of Kyokushin strength and determination.

Competitors flew in from all corners of the globe for this US national event that has become a precursor to the most selective competitive challenges in North America, in particular the North American Weight and the All American Open. The presence of so many renowned international competitors at these US Weight Championships makes for splendid camaraderie and exemplary Kyokushin Spirit here in Los Angeles.

The Main Event began in the mid-afternoon, with a full house of eager and involved fans. IKO International Committee Chairman and North American Representative, Shihan Bobby Lowe, opened the event eloquently with good wishes and a reminder of the Kyokushin Spirit heralding mutual respect and appreciation, the spirit of “OSU”.

In the Advanced Kata division, Bulgarian Kata Champion, Georgana Kostova again took the title, this time from the petite Japanese Kata Champion, Miruyo Ito. In the Women’s Light-Middleweight Kumite division, a combined category, Miruyo Ito did prevail however, defeating Ewelina Czeremuga of Chicago, USA in a fiery match between the tall and the small that revealed just how the art of Kyokushin can be drawn. As a sidebar, Miruyo Ito went on to become Lightweight Champion of the 2007 Women’s World in Tokyo just 3 months later…

In the Men’s Lightweight division, Costa Rica’s Julio Del Valle fought swiftly and with sharp, fluid movement to defeat Japan’s Michiaki Motegi. –Julio Del Valle then went on to fight on the North American Regional Team in Tokyo at the 9th World Open where he fought exceptionally well for the full match-time and a respectable run opposite All Japan Champion Kentaro Tanaka.

In the Men’s Middleweight division, Damian Kolano of New York, USA and Tomasz Pelczar, also of NY, USA fought head to head, as only two Dojo-mates can. After the first minute, it was clear Damian Kolano would not let his comrade muscle his way to the top however, and so he wasted no more time in collecting the win and his first ever title match.

In the Men’s Heavyweight division, Bulgarian Zahari Damyanov was a relative unknown, but proved to be a powerhouse candidate supremely primed for world caliber competition. In the final opposite the hometown favorite, Shohei Yamamoto, Damyanov fought clean and simple to his eventual win, but not without an exceptional showing by Yamamoto, who really has surprised us all with his rise from humble beginnings to glory on the international Kyokushin circuit – he’s still a teenager.

In the Men’s Super Heavyweight division, typically the monster mash of many weight division events, two towering but unusually nimble-footed giants, Slawek Was of New York, USA and Luis Diego Giralt of Costa Rica faced off. It was a repeat showing for both, who had stood firm opposite each other a year earlier here in LA, when Giralt took the title. This time however, Was was no wuss, mounting a full scale assault on Giralt that allowed Was’ underdog status to be a thing of the past.

US Weight Category Karate Championships 2006

On Sunday, February 6, 2005, the IKO Kyokushinkaikan presented the 1st U.S. Weight Category　Karate Championships here in Los Angeles, California. Over one hundred competitors, coaches, IKO officials, and over a thousand spectators were in attendance.

The day began bright and early with Kata in both intermediate and advanced divisions. The top four finalists from the advanced division went on to compete for the Championship title in an evening run-off. Competitors flew in from nearly ten countries around the world and represented the diversity and spirit of Kyokushin Karate.

Kumite events saw semi-contact competitors in junior and senior divisions in the morning. The full contact male and female competitors in weight category divisions were at the afternoon’s main event.

The main event began at 2:00 p.m. with a full house. The much enjoyed kids demonstration featured an unforgettable presentation by Shihan Akimoto and his daughter- All Japan Junior Kata Champion- Rina Akimoto. Thereafter, the competitors marched in. Kancho Shokei Matsui spoke eloquently to the heart of all participants.

In the advanced Kata division, Takamasa Tanaka, prevailed over two excellent contenders: Anne Yalkabova from New York and Kiyoshi Nishi of Japan In the women’s light weight category, Jennifer Campoy became the 1st champion of the U.S. Weight Category event. Anne Yalkabova was 2nd place. In the Women’s heavy weight category, Shayna Rimel from Manhattan Beach, California came away with the first champion title after battling it out with another Manhattan Beach dojo fighter, Dee Dee Rodriguez. Lisa Clarke of Tampa, Florida came in at third place.

In the Men’s light weight, Tomofusa Yamanaka of Japan defeated all his opponents with several knock outs. Second place was Tomasz Pelczar and third place was Masa Nakao.

In the Middle weight division, Katsuhiko Nakakuki from New York and Seiji Hori from Los Angeles were the finalists. Nakakuki performed stable kumite and defeated Hori from Los Angeles in an aggressive battle. Vancouver resident, Michihiro Nagase, finished in third place.

In the Men’s heavy weight, no one could stop Luis Diego Giralt from Costa Rica. Slawomir Was from N.Y was second place and Stephane Parent from Canada, third place.

The 1st U.S. Weight Category Karate Championships

On Sunday, February 6, 2005, the IKO Kyokushinkaikan presented the 1st U.S. Weight Category Karate Championships here in Los Angeles, California. Over one hundred competitors, coaches, IKO officials, and over a thousand spectators were in attendance. The day began bright and early with Kata in both intermediate and advanced division. The top four finalists from the advanced division went on to compete for the Championship title in an evening run-off. Competitors flew in from nearly ten countries around the world and represented the diversity and spirit of Kyokushin Karate. Kumite events saw semi-contact competitors in junior and senior divisions in the morning. The full contact male and female competitors in weight category divisions were at the afternoon's main event. The main event began at 2:00 p.m. with a full house. The much enjoyed kids demonstration featured an unforgettable presentation by Shihan Akimoto and his daughter- All Japan Junior Kata Champion- Rina Akimoto. Thereafter, the competitors marched in. Kancho Shokei Matsui spoke eloquently to the heart of all participants. In the advanced Kata division, Takamasa Tanaka, prevailed over two excellent contenders: Anne Yalkabova from New York and Kiyoshi Nishi of Japan In the women's light weight category, Jennifer Campoy became the 1st U.S. Weight Category champion. Anne Yalkabova was 2nd place, which is equivalent to the advanced kata division. Women's heavy weight category, Shayna Rimel from Manhattan Beach, California came away with the first champion title after battling it out with another Manhattan Beach dojo fighter, Dee Dee Rodriguez. Lisa Clarke of Tampa, Florida came in at third place. In the Men's light weight, Tomofusa Yamanaka of Japan defeated all his opponents with several knock outs. Second place was Tomasz Pelczar and third place was Masa Nakao. Middle weight division, Katsuhiko Nakakuki from New York and Seiji Hori from Los Angeles were the finalists. Nakakuki performed stable kumite and defeated Hori from Los Angeles in an aggressive battle. Vancouver resident, Michihiro Nagase, finished in third place. Men's heavy weight, no one could stop Luis Diego Giralt from Costa Rica. Slawomir Was from N.Y was second place and Stephane Parent from Canada third place.