Kiev

The trip to Kiev with the Kyokushin national team  for the European Championship was not easy.
The 800 km drive was done in two days, but was still very tiring.

The pitstop was made at Sucevita where some short training exercises were ment to make us recover from the long drive.

The participants for kata also practiced in the refreshing mountain air with whoever wanted to join.

Once arrived, the fighters must weigh themselves to see if they made their specific weight categories.

Participants and trainers alike wait for the official weighing of the fighters.

The day of the contest has arrived and the participants for kata warm up on the tatami. First, kata.

Warming up before a fight.

Bandages of any kind are forbidden before the first fight. Only after, and with the doctor’s approval, can a fighter wear a bandage.

Karate kid.

Tameshiwari, the breaking technique is part of the competition. The number of broken boards can later be used to determine the winner of an equal fight.

Given the nature of Kyokushin it can happen that the final match of an important championship is decided between two friends.

*Note: Special thanks to Senpai Vlad Pop and The Romanian Kyokushin Federation who made this trip possible.