Dear WKO Branch Chiefs and Contacts,
As different seasons unfold across the world, we remain united by the unchanging bonds forged through karate.
At the same time, when we look at the international community, we continue to see wars, conflicts, economic uncertainty, and natural disasters affecting many parts of the world. In times such as these, I believe the values of Budo—bringing people together, fostering mutual understanding, and encouraging respect for one another—have never been more important.
As karate practitioners, we strive not only for strength but also for courtesy, self-discipline, and service to society. I firmly believe that these daily efforts enrich our communities, nurture friendships beyond national borders, and ultimately contribute to the foundation of world peace.
First, however, I must begin with a message of heartfelt condolences.
We have recently lost two respected members of our global Shinkyokushin family: Shihan Henry Gougon of Curaçao and Shihan Vladimir Bychkov of Kyrgyz.
I would like to express my deepest respect for their many years of dedication to the promotion and development of Shinkyokushin Karate, and for the fact that they remained true karateka until their final days. On behalf of our entire organization, I extend my sincere condolences to their families, students, and all those connected to their dojos. May they rest in peace.
It is now our responsibility to carry forward the spirit and legacy they left behind and continue advancing the path they helped create.
Looking ahead, the World Series Prelude events—the Karate Dream Festival 2026 International Championship and the 2nd Karate Champion of Champions (KCC)—are fast approaching on July 18 and 19.
A record-breaking 4,128 competitors from 24 countries and regions will gather at Yoyogi National Stadium First and Second Gymnasiums in Tokyo. Over two days, sixteen competition areas and 240 divisions will showcase the passion and dedication of karate practitioners from around the world.
Yoyogi National Stadium, an iconic venue of the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games and a world-renowned landmark of sport and culture, will once again welcome thousands of athletes to a stage worthy of their dreams. From young children to senior practitioners, every participant will have the opportunity to become the protagonist of their own karate story.
Following the Dream Festival, the excitement will continue with the 2nd Karate Champion of Champions (KCC), a premium one-night event featuring a total prize fund of 30 million yen.
The gathering of world champions on a single stage to compete at the highest level of skill and spirit will undoubtedly represent the pinnacle of modern Fullcontact karate.
Through these two major events, members of Shinkyokushin around the world will share the same excitement and inspiration, reaffirming that we are truly one global family.
Beyond these events lies the road to the 14th World Karate Championship next year. Continental Selection tournaments will soon begin across the globe. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all officials and organizers whose dedication makes these important events possible, and I wish every tournament great success.
Meanwhile, the Fullcontact Karate Movement, for which Shinkyokushin serves as the coordinating organization, continues to advance into a new era.
Since the establishment of the Japan Fullcontact Karate Organization (JFKO) in 2013, the concept of the “Japan Model”—uniting the Fullcontact karate community under a common vision—has steadily expanded beyond Japan and throughout the world.
Despite numerous challenges, including karate’s participation in the Tokyo Olympic Games, the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing international instability, we continued moving forward. As a result, last year’s KARATE EXPO and the 1st World Fullcontact Karate Championship became a reality, leading to the creation of the World Fullcontact Karate Organization (WFKO), a framework that now unites eight international federations and 120 countries and regions.
More than a decade has passed since this vision first began to take shape. Looking back, I am convinced that the journey from the inaugural JFKO Championship to the establishment of WFKO represents a major milestone in the history of Fullcontact karate.
Today, we are taking the first step toward the next decade.
As part of that journey, a new challenge has begun with the launch of KARATE+ TV, the world’s first dedicated karate television platform.
Fullcontact karate is currently entering a period of remarkable growth, both as a competitive sport and as a cultural movement. Through world-class competition footage, technical instruction from leading masters, and valuable content exploring the history and culture of karate, KARATE+ TV has the potential to become a platform where karate practitioners around the world can learn, connect, and grow together.
Passing on the knowledge, experience, and traditions cultivated within our dojos to future generations, while sharing them across countries and cultures, is one of the most important missions facing the karate community today. I hope KARATE+ TV will become a new bridge connecting karate practitioners worldwide and contribute significantly to the continued development of Fullcontact karate.
In the midst of these forward-looking initiatives, I was particularly proud to see Shinkyokushin athletes achieve outstanding success at the 10th JFKO All Japan Championship, capturing nine of the ten men’s and women’s divisions.
This achievement reflects not only the dedication of the athletes themselves but also the tireless efforts of branch chiefs, instructors, coaches, supporters, and families who guided them along the way. I would like to express my deepest appreciation to everyone involved.
We are also seeing encouraging progress around the world. In Hungary, all Fullcontact karate organizations have united under a single national structure, with Chairman Toshiaki Hasebe assuming its leadership. In addition, Shihan Koen Spitaels played an important role in strengthening international friendship and cooperation through his participation in the KWF World Championships. Reports such as these remind us that our global community continues to grow stronger.
We are moving forward.
The bonds that unite us across nations, cultures, and languages become deeper and stronger with each passing year.
When a child learns respect in the dojo, when an instructor contributes to their local community, and when karate practitioners build friendships across borders, those efforts accumulate to form the foundation of world peace. This is what I truly believe.
Together, Shinkyokushin will continue moving forward with our friends around the world.
As we look toward the 2nd World Fullcontact Karate Championship in 2028 and beyond, let us continue working together to advance Fullcontact karate and expand the circle of friendship that connects people across the globe.
I sincerely thank you for your continued support and dedication.
Osu
Kenji Midori, WKO President