Yesterday IKO Honbu announced the official tournament draws for upcoming:

3rd World Weight Category Karate Championships
5th Women’s World Karate Championships
2nd International Senior Karate Championships
2nd International Kata Championships
1st International Youth Karate Championships

Click here for IKO Honbu Official Website:
www.kyokushin.co.jp

In Poland the 32nd Weight Category National Championships were held on 2-3 April. When information about the death of the Pope reached the Organizing Commitee the second day of Championships was cancelled and it was decided that the semifinals and finals will be postponed to 11 June. On 3 April only an official opening ceremony took place during which shihan Andre Drewniak delivered a short speech on John Paul II as the most outstanding Pole. The Triple World Champion,  Ewa Pawlikowska and shihan asked all the fighters and spectators to pay their respects to the late Pope and create a "chain of compassion" for the greatest Pole ever.

GALLERY

Pope John Paul II was very fit at an early age since he practiced athletics, did a lot of skiing and hiking in the mountains as well. He was interested in sports all his life. He eagerly received sportsmen from all over the world during audiences and was an advocate of modern upbringing through sports. Even when he suffered he did not give up going for long walks.

John Paul II passed away on Saturday, April 2, at 9.37 in the evening. On Friday, April 8, over 5 milion people from all corners of our globe will take part in the funeral rites in the Vatican. About 200 heads of state and royalty members are expected to come, including three US presidents: George Bush Senior, George Bush Jr. and Bill Clinton.

On March 26 a new Country Representative of Austrian Kyokushin Karate Association has been chosen. The observer of the election was EKKO Board member, sensei Christoph Fisher.

New Country Representative is sensei Marek Kubek (2 dan)
e-mail: kubmar@gmx.at
mob.: +43 676 40 46 554
website: www.karate-kyokushin.at
address: Barichgasse 21-2-15, 1030 Wien, AUSTRIA

Regarding the European Team selection for the World Weight Category Championships, IKO Honbu has made careful consideration based on recommendations and the fighters performance and potential. The following fighters will be invited to participate for the European Team at the Championships:

* Light Weight:
1. Moczydlowski Piotr (Poland)
2. Gogonel Lucjan (Romania)

*Middle Weight:
1. Kostov Emil (Bulgaria) - Pre-selected
2. Stoian Nicolae (Romania)
3. Sypien Sylwester (Poland)

*Heavy Weight:
1. Habraszka Krzysztof (Poland)
2. Banasik Piotr (Poland)
3. Estensoro Pablo -  one extra spot approved by IKO Honbu

*Super Heavy Weight:
1. Artur Hovanisian (Armenia)
2. Rodrigues Alexandre (France)
3. Najduch Tomasz (Poland)

Two official Managers will be appointed to serve for the European Team.