HAITO Karate proudly hosted its 2nd Open Kyokushin Karate Kata Tournament, a resounding success that brought together 66 participants from six different clubs 🥋. Beyond simply a competition, the event served as a vibrant display of dedication, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence inherent in Kyokushin Karate. With 45 children and young juniors, alongside 21 adults, the tournament fostered a spirit of camaraderie and healthy competition across all age groups. It was a platform for participants to demonstrate not only their mastery of kata, but also the core values instilled through rigorous training.
Tournament Highlights
The tournament featured a diverse range of competitors, from young children taking their first steps in competitive karate to experienced adults showcasing their refined techniques 💪. More than just individual performances, the event was a testament to the growing popularity and accessibility of Kyokushin Karate within the region, highlighting the commitment of various dojos to nurturing talent and promoting the art. The dedication of the participants, coaches, and supporters underscored the positive impact of martial arts on personal development and community building.
Kids Divisions (5-13 years)
The younger participants brought an infectious energy to the tournament 🎉. Their enthusiasm and dedication were evident in their performances, demonstrating a strong foundation in Kyokushin Karate principles. It was inspiring to witness their focus and determination at such a young age, indicating a bright future for Kyokushin Karate in the region.
Kids 5-7yo (Boys and Girls)
This division saw eight competitors vying for the top spot. Jacob Barker from HAITO Karate emerged victorious, demonstrating excellent form and focus. Nojus Steiblys from Northampton BST secured second place, while Aasiya Marzia Shahjahan, also from HAITO Karate, took third.
🥇 Jacob Barker (HAITO Karate)
🥈 Nojus Steiblys (Northampton BST)
🥉 Aasiya Marzia Shahjahan (HAITO Karate)
Kids Girls 8-9yo
Nine young karateka competed in this division. Symphony Snow from IKK showcased her skill and precision to claim first place. Sophia Manea from Northampton BST secured second place, and Zainab Maryam Shahjahan from HAITO Karate took third.
🥇 Symphony Snow (IKK)
🥈 Sophia Manea (Northampton BST)
🥉 Zainab Maryam Shahjahan (HAITO Karate)
Kids Boys 8-9yo
This division featured three competitors, with Aronas Armonas from Northampton BST taking first place. Robert Cristian Buzatu from HAITO Karate secured second, and Benas Paskevicius, also from Northampton BST, finished third.
🥇 Aronas Armonas (Northampton BST)
🥈 Robert Cristian Buzatu (HAITO Karate)
🥉 Benas Paskevicius (Northampton BST)
Juniors Girls 10-11yo
Eight competitors showcased their developing skills in this division. Dominika Dubiel from HAITO Karate impressed the judges to win first place. Luka Jasineviciute from Northampton BST secured second, and Lara Clarke from IKK took third.
🥇 Dominika Dubiel (HAITO Karate)
🥈 Luka Jasineviciute (Northampton BST)
🥉 Lara Clarke (IKK)
Juniors Boys 10-11yo
Thomas Clarke from IKK emerged as the winner in this division, demonstrating a strong understanding of kata principles. Stanley Crossan-Ward from HAITO Karate secured second place, and Alexander Stelmasik-De Sousa from HAITO Karate finished third.
🥇 Thomas Clarke (IKK)
🥈 Stanley Crossan-Ward (HAITO Karate)
🥉 Alexander Stelmasik-De Sousa (HAITO Karate)
Juniors Girls 12-13yo
Six competitors participated in this division. Gabriele Narkeviciute from Northampton BST impressed with her performance, securing first place. Mija Anastasija Oneil from HAITO Karate took second, and Zina Ringler, also from HAITO Karate, finished third.
🥇 Gabriele Narkeviciute (Northampton BST)
🥈 Mija Anastasija Oneil (HAITO Karate)
🥉 Zina Ringler (HAITO Karate)
Juniors Boys 12-13yo
Darius Junevic from HAITO Karate claimed first place in this division. Adam Pilarski, also from HAITO Karate, secured second place, and David Alexandru Buzatu from HAITO Karate finished third, highlighting HAITO Karate’s strength in the junior divisions.
🥇 Darius Junevic (HAITO Karate)
🥈 Adam Pilarski (HAITO Karate)
🥉 David Alexandru Buzatu (HAITO Karate)
Junior and Adult Divisions (14+)
The older divisions displayed a higher level of technical proficiency and strategic understanding of Kyokushin Karate. The dedication and experience were palpable, with competitors demonstrating years of training and a deep commitment to the art.
Novice Juniors 14-15yo
Four competitors participated in this division, with Devesh Mishra from HAITO Karate taking first place. Ayorinde Ogunfuye, also from HAITO Karate, secured second place, and Calvin Schelts, also representing HAITO Karate, finished third.
🥇 Devesh Mishra (HAITO Karate)
🥈 Ayorinde Ogunfuye (HAITO Karate)
🥉 Calvin Schelts (HAITO Karate)
Open Juniors 14-17yo
Calvin Schelts from HAITO Karate demonstrated his versatility by winning the open division after placing in the novice division. Grace Dennison from IKK secured second place, and Devesh Mishra from HAITO Karate took third.
🥇 Calvin Schelts (HAITO Karate)
🥈 Grace Dennison (IKK)
🥉 Devesh Mishra (HAITO Karate)
Novice Females 18+
Aina Zeltuchinaite from Northampton BST emerged as the winner in this division, showcasing excellent kata form. Kameliya Antonova Ulndreaj, also from Northampton BST, secured second place, and Ilze Pulina from HAITO Karate finished third.
🥇 Aina Zeltuchinaite (Northampton BST)
🥈 Kameliya Antonova Ulndreaj (Northampton BST)
🥉 Ilze Pulina (HAITO Karate)
Novice Males 18+
Andy Gray from HAITO Karate claimed first place in this division, demonstrating a strong understanding of Kyokushin Karate fundamentals. Bartosz Dubiel, also from HAITO Karate, secured second place, and Darius-Viorel Spac from Northampton BST finished third.
🥇 Andy Gray (HAITO Karate)
🥈 Bartosz Dubiel (HAITO Karate)
🥉 Darius-Viorel Spac (Northampton BST)
Open Females 18+
Valeria Proietti from IKK showcased her skill and experience to win first place in the open female division. Lina Kurgoniene from Northampton BST secured second place, and Deagon Wilford-Ball from IKK took third.
🥇 Valeria Proietti (IKK)
🥈 Lina Kurgoniene (Northampton BST)
🥉 Deagon Wilford-Ball (IKK)
Open Males 18+
This division featured some of the most experienced competitors in the tournament. Jay Stedman from Wimbledon Karate Kyokushinkai emerged as the winner, demonstrating exceptional kata technique and precision. Ryan Harden from IKK secured second place, and Matt Casey from Shinjitsu Kyokushin finished third.
🥇 Jay Stedman (Wimbledon Karate Kyokushinkai)
🥈 Ryan Harden (IKK)
🥉 Matt Casey (Shinjitsu Kyokushin)
Gratitude and Recognition 🙏
The success of the 2nd Open Kyokushin Karate Kata Tournament was made possible by the unwavering support and dedication of numerous individuals and organizations.
Special Gift from Aem Hai Martial Arts
Aem Hai Martial Arts, led by Sensei Dan, presented a special gift to HAITO Karate (Sensei Gabi): their national championship medal 🏅. This profoundly symbolic gesture was a token of appreciation for organizing the tournament and for the continued efforts in fostering the spirit of Kyokushin Karate within the community.
Support from Blitz Sport
HAITO Karate gratefully acknowledges the generous support of Blitz Sport, who provided outstanding quality gis (karate uniforms) with bags for the first-place winners, as well as the judges and referees 🎁. Blitz Sport’s commitment to supporting Kyokushin Karate and recognizing the importance of both participants and officials is truly appreciated 👏.
Judges and Referees
The tournament benefited from the expertise and dedication of the judges and referees, who ensured fair and accurate scoring ⚖️. These individuals, representing various dojos and organizations, volunteered their time and considerable knowledge to uphold the standards of Kyokushin Karate. Their commitment was essential to the event’s success.
The judges and referees were:
- AEM HAI MARTIAL ARTS: Sensei Dan, Sensei Cody, Senpai Ruby, Senpai Bessie
- NORTHAMPTON BST ACADEMY: Lina, Paulius, Sandra, Klaida
- SHINJITSU KYOKUSHIN: Senpai Lee
- HAITO KARATE STUDENTS: Bartosz, Ilze, Calvin
- IKK CANTERBURY: Shihan Amy, Senpai Brendon
- Sensei Lia
HAITO Karate extends sincere thanks to all participants, supporters, judges, and referees for making the 2nd Open Kyokushin Karate Kata Tournament a resounding success. The event served as a celebration of Kyokushin Karate and a testament to the dedication and skill of its practitioners, reinforcing the positive values and community spirit at the heart of this martial art.
OSU!