On May 18, 2025, an Open Tournament called the “Beginner’s Cup” in Kyokushin Kaikan Karate (kumite) was held in Kazan.
160 athletes aged 5 to 16 years old, in various weight and age categories, took part in it.
The level of young athletes was from 0 kyu (white belt) to 7 kyu (blue belt with a yellow stripe).
Most of them started practicing this sport recently and were participating in competitions for the first time.
The number of participants is growing every year.
The tournament was organized by the OFSOO Russian National Federation of Kyokushin Kaikan Karate and the IFSOO National Karate Union.
The competitions are held annually and have long become traditional.
For several generations of guys, the tournament opened the way to sports heights.
Many of the athletes who began their journey in martial arts with this tournament are now winners of city, republican and all-Russian competitions.
They took part in the tournament as judges. In tough and spectacular fights, young athletes defended their right to take the winner’s place on the podium.
The youngest participants, 5-9 years old, made a special impression on the spectators; they demonstrated the will to win better than anyone else.
Their coaches, as well as their parents, actively worried and cheered for the young athletes. It is worth mentioning the team from Leninogorsk.
It was psychologically more difficult for them, because they performed without the support of their home walls.
The main thing is that the children went out onto the tatami, managed to overcome their fear, and felt their strength.
An important achievement of this tournament is that the children and I saw our mistakes, which we will work on.
The karatekas who took prize places were awarded cups, medals, and diplomas. All participants gained invaluable sports experience and received a lot of positive emotions.
President of the Russian National Karate Federation of Karate,
Branch Chief of Russia Sihan Ilsur Fazdalov
