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On November 3rd, 2025, the KWU SENSHI JAPAN Karate Kanto Open Tournament will take place at the Sagamihara Gion Arena Judo Hall & Kendo Hall. Organized by KWU SENSHI JAPAN in cooperation with IBMA, the event represents a new chapter in the evolution of full-contact karate competition in Japan.

This year’s tournament carries a special mission — to redefine the very meaning of kumite. The focus is not simply on winning or losing, but on pursuing the essence of the “ultimate strike” — a concept deeply rooted in the spirit of Kyokushin.

As Shihan Akira Masuda explains in his essay “Toward a Karate Competition that Aims for the Ultimate Strike,” this approach seeks to elevate the art of kumite beyond mere scoring and into a realm of profound martial understanding. The challenge is to refine body, mind, and spirit through every movement, every exchange, and every strike — to achieve a blow that embodies perfect timing, power, and intention.

While the rules remain largely consistent with traditional competition formats, the judging criteria and perspective will introduce this renewed philosophy, emphasizing quality of technique, spirit, and precision over simple point accumulation.

This innovative direction reflects KWU SENSHI JAPAN’s commitment to preserving the essence of traditional karate while continuously challenging its practitioners to go beyond limits. The Kanto Open Tournament 2025 is not only a competition — it is a journey toward mastery, awareness, and the ultimate expression of martial spirit.

Event Details:

KWU SENSHI JAPAN Karate Kanto Open Tournament 2025

Date: November 3rd, 2025

Venue: Sagamihara Gion Arena – Judo Hall & Kendo Hall

Organizer: KWU SENSHI JAPAN

Cooperating Organization: IBMA

For those seeking deeper insight into this philosophy, we highly recommend reading Akira Masuda’s essay “Toward a Karate Competition that Aims for the Ultimate Strike.”

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