IBK Budokai Pro Division (All round fighting)

First time in the Netherlands

Grand Prix tournament with all disciplines

During the World Championships Kyokushin hosted by the International Budo Kaikan on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th of November this year in Emmen (Netherlands), there will be a Grand Prix tournament, on the day of the finals, the Sunday. This tournament will contain 8 contenders, for which the first is already invited by Kancho Henk Kuipers, this place will be for the recently promoted to Shodan (first Dan, black belt) Rodney Faverus. Rodney is a contender which has been around for years, making his appearance in Muay Thai Kickboxing and also in Mixed Martial Arts. Because of this the all round fighting system which has been developed by Kaicho Jon Bluming years ago appears to be be his way of living.

The tournaments will be among the following rules: 1 round of 3 minute Kyokushin Knock Down Karate, if there is not a clear winner there will be a following round, this time without the jacket of the karate gi. The third round will be with boxing gloves on a kickboxing ruled round and the fourth round will be mixed martial arts round. Because of this form the Grand Prix winner will have to defeat 3 out of the 8 contenders before he can call himself the first world champion IBK Budokai Pro Division (All round fighting).

The allround system of Kaicho Jon Bluming was giving the Onami symbol years ago when Kaicho was swimming with famous wrestler Gene LeBell. After swimming in California Gene and Jon were put back on the beach by one single onami made by the sea which landed them in the sand within seconds. This was a revealing experience for Jon Bluming who decided that his fighting style needed to be as affective as the experience he and Gene LeBell just had. He developed the Budokai in this way that one single movement should be as effective as the onami and it should be able to neutralise your opponent in one single movement.

For the true Kyokushin people it will be nice to hear that Kuristina Oyama, the daughter of Sosai Mas Oyama will be present during these championships. The family of the founder of Kyokushin Karate will support these championships en Kuristina and top trainer Suzuki will be present as well as some Japanese top fighters who will enter the championships.