This year’s BKK British Open & IFK Cup of Europe was one for the history books — and for HAITO Karate, it marked another powerful step in our journey.
With over 320 competitors from 33 countries, the event brought together some of the strongest Kyokushin fighters across Europe and beyond. Just standing on that tatami means stepping into Kyokushin history — and this year, HAITO proudly brought its biggest-ever team to an external tournament: 13 competitors in total.
For many, it was their first taste of international-level competition, and for all, it was a test of courage, discipline, and heart — the very values we train for every week in our Dojo.
3 Trophies, Countless Lessons
We came home with three trophies — but even more importantly, we came back with stories, growth, and the fire to keep improving.
🥈 Vice Champion – Oluwatimilehin Adelabu (U12 Boys -35kg)
Oluwatimilehin fought like a true Kyokushin warrior.
With four hard-fought matches, he advanced all the way to the final, only falling short to a much more experienced fighter. His performance earned him the Vice-Champion title in the U12 Boys -35kg category, and the respect of everyone watching.
At just 10 years old, showing that level of focus and fighting spirit at a European-level event is something truly special. We’re proud beyond words.
🥉 Bronze – Jacob Barker (U10 Boys -30kg)
For Jacob Barker, this was his first major tournament, stepping onto one of the toughest stages in Kyokushin. His composure, discipline, and determination earned him a bronze medal — and showed that even at a young age, HAITO’s students carry the same spirit as the seniors.
🥉 Bronze – Keri Perry (Novice Women’s -60kg)
Now here’s a story that makes HAITO history.
Our second bronze medal went to Keri Perry, who not only competed for the first time ever, but did so after just six months of training in Kyokushin! Her courage to step onto the mat, face other novice fighters — many of whom had more experience — and still come away with a podium finish is nothing short of inspirational.
And if that’s not amazing enough — Keri is Jacob’s mum. Yes, mother and son both stood on the podium, each bringing home a trophy for HAITO. That’s a legacy moment for our Dojo and a memory they’ll share forever.
Experience Over Everything
While trophies are a great bonus, our main goal for the BKK British Open was simple: gain experience. Competing in such a historic, high-level event teaches lessons no class or kata ever could. Every fight, every bow, every exchange is a step forward — both as martial artists and as people.
To see 13 HAITO competitors walk out there, represent our Dojo, and give everything they had — that’s what makes us proudest.
A Step Forward for HAITO
The BKK British Open has a special place in Kyokushin. To be part of it, to stand among hundreds of fighters from around the world, and to bring home results like this shows how far HAITO has come — and how far we can still go.
Every fighter, coach, parent, and supporter helped make this possible.
Thank you all — for believing, training, and showing what HAITO spirit truly means.
And after such a long, intense day — with hearts full and bodies tired — we all did what every true karate family does best…
We celebrated with a late-night McDonald’s meal 🍟🍔 — a well-earned recovery stop after giving our all on the tatami! ❤️
We step forward stronger. Osu! 🥋