179 Young Karatekas Compete at the National Kyokushin Championship in Veliko Tarnovo

On June 13, 2026, the National Kyokushin Karate Championship for children up to 8 and up to 10 years of age was held at Vasil Levski Sports Hall in Veliko Tarnovo.

The event was organized by Katana Karate Club, the Bulgarian Karate Kyokushin Federation (BKKF), and the Municipality of Veliko Tarnovo. The Chief Referee of the championship was Shihan Asen Asenov. 
 
A total of 179 competitors from 26 BKKF member clubs took part in the tournament, competing across various age and weight categories. 
 
The young karatekas demonstrated excellent preparation, strong fighting spirit, and exemplary sportsmanship throughout the day. The championship featured many exciting and closely contested bouts, once again proving that the future of Bulgarian Kyokushin is in good hands. 
 
In the team standings, first place was claimed by Okami Dojo Asenovgrad with 4 gold, 3 silver, and 3 bronze medals. Second place went to Nadezhda-Gabrovo, while third place was shared by Yunak-Ruse and Ikigai Burgas.

 
Special awards were presented to:

 
Boys 
• Best Technique – Bozhidar Petrov (Hikari, Tryavna)

• Fighting Spirit – Plamen Lolev (Nadezhda-Gabrovo)

 
Girls 
• Best Technique – Gabriela Doycheva (Asken, Stara Zagora)

• Fighting Spirit – Elitsa Todorova (Yunak-Ruse)

 
This was the final competition on the BKKF calendar for the first half of 2026. 
 
The next major challenge for the young athletes will be the World Cup Varna 2026 for competitors aged 14–15, 16–17, and 18–21, which will take place during the XX International Summer Martial Arts Camp from July 5 to July 12 in Varna.

We wish success to all Bulgarian competitors who will represent our country against athletes from dozens of nations around the world. 
 
Good luck, Bulgarian Lions! Osu!