Kyokushin American International
Karate Championships come to Rochester

On Saturday, October 28, Kyokushin Karate Fitness USA will host the 16th Annual Kyokushin American International Karate Championships at 6 p.m. at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. The event is sanctioned by the International Federation of Karate and features some of the finest bare-knuckled full contact fighters from Canada, Europe and the United States. Full contact "knockdown" matches are conducted in the traditional Japanese bare knuckle, bare feet fighting style with no protective pads or gloves. The event is opened to all ranks and styles of karate.

This year's event will feature Scott Haug of Rochester, defending his heavy weight title from last year's competition. He has won this competition seven times in the past, making him one of the premier tournament champions in the USA. Sha-Heen Hicks from Rochester Kyokushin will be defending his light weight title. Haug and his team represented the USA at the third IFK World Tournament in London, England in October 2005.

In addition to the featured event, there will be traditional karate events beginning at 9:30 a.m. including semi-contact and "clicker" (point) fighting as well as weapon, empty hand kata and breaking competitions. Men, women and children karateka are welcome to register and participate.

Spectator advance tickets are $15 adults, and $10 children under 12 years old; $20 adults, and $15 children under 12 years old at the door.

For information contact Shihan Michael Monaco, Chairman USA-IFK at (585) 227-7791/(585) 663-7680 or visit www.uskyokushin.com.

October 15, 2006