On January 20, during the KWF World Cup in Japan 2013 Shihan Loek Hollander was awarded with the 9th dan certificate. Shihan Hollander has been studying Kyokushin Karate under the Master Sosai Masutatsu Oyama and later on spread his teachings in Europe, where he has been active for over 50 years now.
   Among others, who were awarded during the ceremony were: Shihan Antonio Pinero - 8th dan, Shihan Andre Drewniak - 8th dan,  Shihan Egberth Thomas - 7th dan, Shihan Jan Vleesenbeek - 7th dan, Shihan Bertand Kron - 6th dan, and Shihan Noriyuki Tanaka - 6th dan. Congratulations !

   The 1st KWF World Cup Karate Grandprix in Japan 2013 was organised on Jan 20, 2013 in Chiba Port Arena. Approximately 650 participants from 17 countries, such as: Japan, Holland, Spain, Poland, Norway, France, Switzerland, Russia, Ukraine, Estonia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazahstan, Pakistan, Korea, Turkey, Argentina and other, took part in this event.

KUMITE PHOTO GALLERY

   The 1st KWF World Cup Karate Grandprix in Japan 2013 was organised on Jan 20, 2013 in Chiba Port Arena. Approximately 650 participants from 17 countries, such as: Japan, Holland, Spain, Poland, Norway, France, Switzerland, Russia, Ukraine, Estonia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazahstan, Pakistan, Korea, Turkey, Argentina and other, took part in this event.
   Organiser of this historical event was Kyokushin World Federation, lead by the President Shihan Loek Hollander. Tournament was directed by the KWF Representative in Japan Shihan Noriyuki Tanaka.
   All members of KWF Board:  President Shihan Loek Hollander (from Holland), Chairman Shihan Antonio Pinero (from Spain), General Secretary Shihan Andre Drewniak (from Poland), Treasurer  Shihan Lars Hogquist (from Norway), Member of the Board Shihan Bertrand Kron (from France), came to support this event in Japan.
   The opening speech was done by Mr. Yu Kuroda - former member of the House of Representatives in Japan.
   Special guest was the Ambassador of Poland in Japan Mr. Cyryl Kozaczewski. 

   The 2nd KWF  World Cup Karate Grandprix in Japan is planned on February 2014.

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   On behalf of the Europan Kyokushin Federation, we would like to send our sincere congratulations to Alejandro Navarro, for becoming today the All Japan Kyokushin Karate Champion 2012 (Organised in Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, 3-4 Nov, by IKO Matsui group).

  Alejandro has always been a very active competitor within the European Kyokushin Federation (former EKKO) and he holds the titles of European Kyokushin Karate Champion 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. He grew up in Europe, participated in many European and international tournaments, including the Championships of Spain, Germany, Poland and others. We are very proud and happy to be part of his successful sports career.

This victory proves that "one can achieve the highest goals, as long as he keeps believing it and keeps working hard".

Dear Alejandro Navarro,
Congratulations and all the best on your future karate way !!!

Antonio Pinero - EKF Chairman
Andre Drewniak - EKF General Secretary