Category: Kumite

Rafael Aghayev

For me, Karate is my life. It is in Karate that I started to take my first steps, and I will stay in the sport until I die. Rafael Aghayev Known as the ‘Panther of the East‘, Rafael Aghayev is one of the most successful competitors. He is a 5-time World Champion and an 11-time …

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Yoshinao Nanbu

…. As in any other martial arts, the fighter is only as good as they make themselves. Success will depend on the amount of effort personally expended. Some people make good fighters and some people do not. My method is similar to other martial arts – it contains the knowledge, the methods and skills, some …

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Kenji Yamaki

The positioning of your knee is the key. From a standing position, you have to be able to chamber your knee as high as possible, and that’s what gives you the luxury of options in terms of where and how are you place the kick. If you bring your knee up high, you can kick …

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Francisco Filho

That is to show in life you must never give up. Always have to persist, try harder, wish more Francisco Filho Known as the “Kyokushin Monster” by the Japanese, Brazilian Francisco Filho, was the first non-Japanese to win the Kyokushin World Championship. He was also one of the few people to complete the 100-man Kumite …

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Musings: Hyakunin Kumite – The Ultimate Challenge of Kyokushin Karate

Perhaps the most unique challenge in all of Karate is Kyokushin Karate’s Hyakunin Kumite or 100-man Kumite Challenge. Devised by Kyokushin Karate founder, Mas Oyama, the challenge is the ultimate mental and physical challenge, designed to test one’s spirit. Kenji Yamaki described the challenge as a transformative experience. Howard Collins said it was the hardest …

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Wayne Otto

Our fight to become Olympians will never stop Wayne Otto The name Wayne Otto is synonymous with tournament success. Otto is one of the most successful fighters to come out of Britain. He has appeared in the Guinness Book of Records as having won the most Karate championship medals for a male competitor. Nicknamed the …

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George Best

I enjoy the mechanics of Kata. George Best George Best, not to be confused with the great Northern Irish footballer, is one of the most talented and successful kumite competitors of his generation. Blessed with speed, power and natural athletic ability, Best was known for his fast kicking techniques and the timing of his reverse …

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Guusje van Mourik

The Dutch as a nation are well known for producing great footballers and Thai and Kickboxing champions. However, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Guusje van Mourik was a true superstar of European and World Karate. Described as a “phenomenon”. She was listed in the Guinness Book of Records for winning the most Karate …

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Christophe Pinna

I’m not seeking to prove anything, I just want to be true to myself. Christophe Pinn Frenchman Christophe Pinna was one of the best competitors of his generation. Famed for his dynamic kicking ability, he won multiple titles at European and World level. A remarkable competitor he has returned to active competition, trying to pursue …

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Hajime Kazumi

…. I started to think about the significance of Karate. I wanted to know what is Karate really. I began to question what I was doing; the way I was approaching this martial art. I now think that Karate is all about kata.  Hajime Kazumi Known for his devastating low kicks, Hajime Kazumi, was one …

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