KWF Championship of Russia was held on 2 March in the Mart sports hall in Chelyabinsk, with the participation of 151 contestants from 5 districts of Russia and Kazakhstan. The event was officially opened by a secretary of the City of Chelyabinsk Office, and a secretary of KWF, Andrzej Drewniak, who emphasised in his speech the historical importance of the Championship due to the participation of nearly all Kyokushin groups. The return of the Russian Organisation to the European Federation after 20 years of blocking this membership by Japan, became a fact, and now options of organising the European Championship and World Championship in the biggest cities of Russia are being considered. On behalf of the organisers, i.e. the Russian KWF Organisation, Sensei Sergey Soldatov handed a commemorative platter to shihan Andrzej Drewniak, in recognition of his long-term efforts in Kyokushin promotion in Russia. Sensei Robert Wajgelt was awarded for the efficient cooperation.

Shihan A. Drewniak was the main referee of the championship, while sensei R. Wajgelt documented the course and results for the organisers. The final fight between the European Championship Saragossa medal holders, in 80kg weight category, was considered the most exciting of all. The European Vice-Champion defeated the current Champion in this category.

A group photo of the medal winners and formal Sayonara ended the Championship.

A seminar with the participation of 75 instructors, contestants and young people was held on 1 March in Chelyabinsk in Ural. Perfecting the techniques, kata, fight combinations and use of Kyokushin in self-defence were the theme of the seminar led by shihan Andrzej Drewniak and sensei Robert Wajgelt. Moreover, a meeting with the participation of 17 leaders from Russia, Kazakhstan and Moldova was held, with a focus on implementation of the cooperation model and in relation to the KWF Championship taking place in Chelyabinsk. The Russian KWF Organisation represented by sensei Sergey Soldatov organised both events.

On 11 - 14 July 2013 there will be the 46th International Kyokushin Summer Camp at the National Sports Centre Papendal near Arnhem in the Netherlands.

More details soon.

   On January 20, during the KWF World Cup in Japan 2013 Shihan Loek Hollander was awarded with the 9th dan certificate. Shihan Hollander has been studying Kyokushin Karate under the Master Sosai Masutatsu Oyama and later on spread his teachings in Europe, where he has been active for over 50 years now.
   Among others, who were awarded during the ceremony were: Shihan Antonio Pinero - 8th dan, Shihan Andre Drewniak - 8th dan,  Shihan Egberth Thomas - 7th dan, Shihan Jan Vleesenbeek - 7th dan, Shihan Bertand Kron - 6th dan, and Shihan Noriyuki Tanaka - 6th dan. Congratulations !

   The 1st KWF World Cup Karate Grandprix in Japan 2013 was organised on Jan 20, 2013 in Chiba Port Arena. Approximately 650 participants from 17 countries, such as: Japan, Holland, Spain, Poland, Norway, France, Switzerland, Russia, Ukraine, Estonia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazahstan, Pakistan, Korea, Turkey, Argentina and other, took part in this event.

KUMITE PHOTO GALLERY