40TH ANNIVERSARY
HokushinetsuKarate Championships
Experience Authentic Kyokushin in Japan
Join us in Kanazawa, Japan for one of the most prestigious
full-contact karate tournaments preserving traditional Kyokushin rules.
Established in 1987 by Shihan Noriyasu Hamai,
this tournament has produced legendary champions for nearly 40 years.
40th
Anniversary Edition
¥100,000
Champion Prize
2025 FINALS
Championship Highlights
Watch the intensity and skill of last year's championship final
Experience the authentic spirit of Kyokushin Karate. This tournament maintains the traditional full-contact rules established by Sosai Mas Oyama, offering competitors a true test of skill, strength, and spirit.
2026 EVENT
Tournament Details
40TH HOKUSHINETSU KARATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
DATE
July 20, 2026
(National Holiday)
Opening Ceremony: 9:30 AM
VENUE
Ishikawa Prefectural Sports Center
Main Arena
Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan
Address: 222 Wakahino-machi Kita, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture 920-0355, Japan
Join karateka from around the world in this prestigious tournament
that preserves the authentic spirit of Kyokushin Karate.
COMPETITION
Rules & Requirements
Tournament Rules
Format
Traditional full-contact Kyokushin rules (Knockdown karate)
Division
Open Weight - Men's General Division (High school age and above)
Match Duration
- Quarter-finals: 2 min main + 2 min extension
- Semi-finals & Finals: 3 min main + 2 min extension + 2 min re-extension
- Weight judgment applied if tied (5kg+ difference)
Eligibility
No belt or experience restrictions. However, please note that this tournament typically attracts advanced-level competitors. International participants should carefully consider their skill level before entering.
Required Equipment
Protective Gear
Groin protector (foul cup) only
Uniform
Traditional white karate gi only
Corner Support
One (1) licensed second per competitor
Must hold valid JKO/JKJO second license and proper attire (gi or formal dress)
For international competitors: If you need a corner second but don't have a JKO/JKJO license, please apply in advance. We can issue a one-day license for the tournament.
Prize Awards
Entry Fee
Registration Deadline: May 26, 2026
Payment: International competitors must complete online payment by the deadline. Registration is only confirmed upon receipt of payment.
Refund Policy: Entry fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.
PLEASE READ
Important Information
Registration & Check-in
- Check-in will be conducted by dojo/team on tournament day
- Competition numbers (zekken) will be distributed at check-in
- If unable to participate, notify tournament office through your organization immediately
Corner Support Requirements
- Only licensed seconds with valid JKO/JKJO second license may enter (1 person per competitor)
- Must present license card upon request and wear proper attire (gi or formal dress)
- License sharing is strictly prohibited - violations result in license revocation
- For international competitors: If you need a corner second but don't have a JKO/JKJO license, please apply in advance. We can issue a one-day license for the tournament.
Venue Etiquette
- Competitors and supporters must show respect and proper manners toward officials
- No complaints regarding brackets or judging decisions will be accepted
- Tripod video recording and flash photography are prohibited as they obstruct the venue
- Please refer to competition regulations for other prohibited items and actions
LEGACY
40 Years of Tradition
The Hokushinetsu Karate Championships was established in 1987 by Shihan Noriyasu Hamai, founder of Kyokushin Hamai Group (KHG). The 2026 tournament marks the historic 40th anniversary of this prestigious event.
Originally positioned as a preliminary tournament to the All-Japan Championship during Sosai Mas Oyama's lifetime, it has produced numerous legendary fighters. Its high competitive level and rigorous management have earned it recognition as one of the most prestigious tournaments in the Kyokushin world.
While Kyokushin Karate was born in Japan and has spread worldwide with countless practitioners, tournaments maintaining the traditional Kyokushin rules from that era have become increasingly rare in Japan today.
The Hokushinetsu Championships is one of the few tournaments that continues to uphold this authentic tradition.
GATEWAY
To All-Japan Championship
LEGENDS
Producing Champions
PHILOSOPHY
The Spirit of Kyokushin
"Martial arts are not merely combat techniques,
but a means to cultivate character and discipline mind and body."
— Mas Oyama
Respect
Honoring opponents with gratitude and maintaining proper etiquette
Spirit
Unwavering mental strength and indomitable fighting spirit
Technique
Refined skills honed through daily training and discipline
JOIN US
Register for the Tournament
Ready to test your skills in one of Japan's most prestigious Kyokushin tournaments?
Complete the registration form to secure your place in this historic event.
Registration Requirements
Please prepare the following information before registering
- • Full name (as it appears on official documents)
- • Date of birth and age (as of tournament day)
- • Current address and contact information
- • Dojo/organization affiliation
- • Belt rank and karate experience (years/months)
- • Height and weight
- • Competition history (past 2 years)
- • Recent photo (digital format preferred for tournament program)
- • JKO membership ID (if applicable)
Important: Registration deadline is May 26, 2026. International competitors must complete online payment by the deadline. Registration is only confirmed upon receipt of payment. Entry fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.
For questions or assistance with registration, please contact the tournament office below.
CONTACT
Get in Touch
For inquiries about the Hokushinetsu Karate Championships,
please contact Kyokushin Hamai Group (KHG).
Kyokushin Hamai Group (KHG)
Secretary General