The JAPAN KARATE CLASSIC 2026 saw a record 943 competitors, the largest number of participants in the history of the tournament. At the opening ceremony, Shihan Akimasa Watanabe (Naniwa Central Branch) delivered the opening address. The 2025 Grand Slam & Triple Crown Award Ceremony was also held, honoring 2 Grand Slam recipients. In addition, Sota Miyaoka (Kitajima Dojo), who received the Grand Slam, was presented with an invitation by Daihyo Masanaga Nakamura granting him el

The I.K.O.N. USA Chicago Branch, led by Sensei Marek Ociesielski, will be hosting an international seminar on April 25 and 26, featuring special guest instructor Shihan Pierre Cataford, I.K.O.N. Canada Montreal Branch Chief. This highly anticipated seminar is open to all Kyokushin groups and aims to strengthen the friendships among Kyokushin practitioners across North America. >> Contact Sensei Marek Ociesielski at Ociesielskim@gmail.com

Led by the newly appointed Branch Chief Aslan Bekamebef, the Kazakhstan Branch will host the I.K.O.N. Federation Cup 2026 on Sunday, March 1. The tournament is expected to welcome more than 500 athletes from across Kazakhstan, and an exceptionally high level of competition is anticipated. For the Kazakhstan Branch, which was established in October of last year, this event will mark its first large-scale tournament and represents a significant step forward with an eye toward i