One of the many ways that karateka can practise what they're learning is to take part in tournaments. For the kyokushin karateka, there are a number of options.

Kyokushin is fundamentally a full-contact style where competitors train hard and long to be able to take, as well as give, full contact blows to the body and legs for the purpose of knocking down the other opponent. Thus, the ultimate goal for any kyokushin proponent is to take part in a full-contact kyokushin tournament. There are a number of these conducted in Sydney over the year, and in other states too, including the IFKKA championships.

Full-contact, however, is not for everyone - especially not children. For those who would like to compete at a less intense level, but nonetheless on that requires speed, strength, stamina and skill, there are the non-contact tournaments to consider. Many organisations in Sydney conduct such tournaments, including the IFKKA. Running a tournament is a difficult job, and the IFKKA only runs one once a year. We do however strongly support the National All Styles (NAS) circuit, which organises several tournaments throughout the year, including a State Final, and then a National tournament. Shihan Doug and Sensei Shah are actively involved in the officiating of these tournaments, and count among the senior referees in the circuit.

Other organisations also run non-contact tournaments, including other kyokushin groups and our very good friends in the the Kempo Ryu Karate organisation, headed by Shihan Peter Mylonas, with whom we cooperate very closely.