Zaragoza, a small town nestled in the windy desert foothills of the Spanish Pyrenees will see a deluge of International Karate contenders competing in the 39th edition of the Kyokushin National Championship. Organiser 6th Dan Shihan Fernando Pérez and founder of the Budo Karate Club has a long history of organising events, refereeing and participating in this intensive yet beautiful martial art. You can hear more about his passion for the Kyokushin way of life in this exclusive Bulldog interview, commemorating 25 years since the Club was established.
The 39th edition has broken previous records with an incredible number of contenders exceeding 450. Shihan Pérez says “Zaragoza has been the headquarters of three European Kyokushin Championships, held in 1991, 1998 and 2012, in addition to numerous national championships.” Spectators can expect to see something quite remarkable “Kyokushin is linked with the hard styles of karate and is known as the stronger of the styles due to the rigor of the training and the reputation of the fighters.”
On the rigorous training contenders endure Shihan Pérez says “in combat we look for absolute efficiency so training focuses on concentration and force, it is not only physical, but also mental and spiritual. The goal of the training is none other than to the strengthen the spirit of practitioners.”
The Kyokushin style of karate is “one of the most popular worldwide, with more than twelve million practitioners in five continents and is practiced in 135 countries.” The event will include Kata and Kumite (fighting) categories with 5 tatami's of competition taking place simultaneously there will be something to impress and entertain newcomers to the sport and aficionados alike.
If you would like to know more about Kyokushin and the Budo Karate Club’s 25 year history of producing World class contenders, listen to the Bulldog interview. If you are able to attend the event, tickets are available on the door of the Pabellon Siglo XXI, April 6th and cost only €3 (under 14's free) or contact Shihan Pérez for more information
Otherwise, watch this space for the Bulldog podcast of the event coming soon.
Osu!