On May 15th the 18th European Weight Category Championships was held in Riesa (Germany). Tournament gathered more than 120 fighters from 21 countries. There ware more then 800 spectators. Main judge was shihan Antonio Pinero.
During the opening ceremony shihan L. Hollander as IKO representative handed dan certificates and belts to the following karateka: 7 dan for shihan Joe Claronino from UK, 7 dan for shihan Andre Drewniak from Poland, 7 dan for shihan Peter Voogt from Holland, 6 dan for shihan Ton von Rijn from Holland.
On May 14th during General Meeting a new EKKO board was voted:
President - Antonio Pinero from Spain,
Vice - president - Ton von Rijn from Holland,
General Secretary - Andre Drewniak from Poland,
Treasurer - Christoph Fischer from Germany
Organiser of European Championships was GKKO led by Sensei Christoph Fischer.
Best fighter: Piotr Moczydłowski (Poland)
Best women fighter Anna Kopyrina (Russia)
Men Best Tameshiwari result: Gogonel Lucjan (Romania) - 17 boards
Women Best Tameshiwari result: Anna Kopyrina (Russia) - 9 boards