2026 King of Kyokushin Cup!

In the Men’s Lightweight Final, Kenta Sekio (Honbu) faced Sora Kanamori (Byakuren Kaikan Yao Minami Branch). Sekio built momentum with a spectacular ippon victory in his opening match and advanced to the final after edging out Riku Natsuyama in a closely contested semifinal. Meanwhile, Kanamori defeated Taiga Iwasaki, who had made an impressive run in his debut appearance in the Adult Division. The final began with a fast-paced exchange of techniques, but from the middle stages onward, Kanamori’s powerful punches and low roundhouse kicks proved decisive. Taking control of the bout, Kanamori earned a decision victory in regulation time and successfully defended his title.

In the Men’s Middleweight Final, Teppei Nagai (Hokusetsu Branch) squared off against Yuto Okumura (Byakkokai). Nagai reached the final after surviving a grueling battle that went to a second extension, while Okumura carried strong momentum into the championship match after defeating former champion Daisuke Tsutsumi in the semifinals. Nagai attempted to dictate the pace with movement and footwork, while Okumura responded with heavy strikes. Maintaining the offensive pressure throughout the bout, Okumura secured a decision victory in regulation time to claim the title.

The Men’s Heavyweight Final featured Takahiro Fujiwara (Amagasaki Branch) against Huazi Cheng of the Taiwan Branch. From the opening bell, the fighters engaged in an intense close-range battle featuring low roundhouse kicks and knee strikes. Fujiwara, however, imposed his game with his trademark low kicks and quick attacks. Relentless until the very end, he earned a decision victory and captured the Heavyweight Championship.

【Advanced Women's Division】

The Women’s Lightweight Final saw Kokoro Imazu of the Shinki Branch take on Momoyo Yamashita of Takami Karate. Against Yamashita, who has reigned as the dominant champion in recent years, Imazu fought fearlessly and refused to give an inch. Neither the regulation bout nor the first extension produced a winner, sending the match into a second extension. In the end, Yamashita’s wealth of experience and championship composure proved decisive as she claimed a decision victory. Nevertheless, Imazu pushed the champion to the limit, producing one of the tournament’s most memorable matches.

In the Women’s Middleweight Final, Koyuki Nishioka of the Hanshin Chuo Branch faced Rio Nakata of the Hyogo Nishi Branch. Despite being only a first-year high school student competing in the Advanced Adult Division, Nakata fought bravely throughout the contest. However, Nishioka controlled the match with sharp combinations of punches and kicks, fully displaying her offensive skills on the way to a decision victory and the championship.

The Women’s Openweight Final featured Waka Uemura of Takao Dojo against Mizuki Hamamoto of the Hanshin Chuo Branch. While Uemura showed tremendous fighting spirit by constantly pressing forward, Hamamoto seized control with effective low roundhouse kicks and powerful knee strikes. Maintaining her offensive momentum until the final bell, Hamamoto secured a decision victory and claimed the Openweight title.

The fierce battles across all categories continue into the summer season.