Kigai Cup 2026 in Berlin
On Saturday, 16 May 2026, the sports hall at Anton-Saefkow-Platz 5 in Berlin-Lichtenberg became a meeting point for numerous karateka from all over Germany.
Der erste Kigai Cup, ausgerichtet vom Kigai Dojo Berlin unter der Leitung von Sensei Nikita Bauer, brachte über 150 Teilnehmerinnen und Teilnehmer zusammen und setzte ein starkes Zeichen für den Nachwuchs im Kyokushin Karate.
For the Shinzen Dojo Berlin, Jessica Staszkiewicz entered the Girls Kumite 10 to 11 years over 45 kg category. A tournament that became a special experience for everyone involved, not just in terms of sport, but also emotionally.
What is the Kigai Cup?
The first Kigai Cup 2026 was organised by the Kigai Dojo and impressed with a professional structure, dedicated helpers and a strong atmosphere of sportsmanship and community.
The tournament at a glance
- Venue: Sports hall at Anton-Saefkow-Platz 5, Berlin-Lichtenberg
- Date: 16 May 2026
- Number of participants: Over 150 karateka
- Discipline: Kyokushin Kumite
- Participants: Predominantly dojos from Germany
- Host: Kigai Dojo
- Direction: Sensei Nikita Bauer
Jessica Staszkiewicz represents the Shinzen Dojo Berlin
Jessica was well prepared and had trained intensively for this tournament. Shortly after the spectators were admitted, the pairings were announced. In her category, she started directly in the quarter-finals against a strong opponent from the Chikara Dojo, led by Shihan Muzaffer Bacak.
The fighting consisted of an intensive round of one and a half minutes under the typical protective conditions for children and teenagers:
- Helmet with face shield
- Shin guards
- Chest protector
- Gloves
In children's Kyokushin, the focus is on controlled technique and safety. Full contact to the body is executed in a controlled manner, while Jodan techniques such as high kicks to the head are permitted and scored.
A brave fight with great effort
The fight quickly developed into an intensive encounter. Jessica showed good combinations and powerful kicks, which from our perspective clearly hit their target several times. Her Jodan Mawashi Geri in particular created good actions.
Unfortunately, some of these hits were not scored. Towards the end of the fight, however, her opponent landed a clean head hit, which was awarded a Wazari and ultimately proved decisive.
Of course, we accept every decision of the referees with respect. Defeats are just as much a part of the path in Kyokushin Karate as victories.
What remains, however, is the experience, the courage and the will to have faced this challenge.
„Der Schritt auf die Matte ist oft der schwerste Schritt. Nicht wegen des Gegners, sondern wegen der eigenen Nervosität. Jessica hat diesen Schritt gemacht und darauf sind wir stolz.“ - Sensei Son
Shortly before the fight: An emotional moment
Shortly before the fight started, Jessica suddenly felt unwell. The nerves and excitement were clearly noticeable and almost meant the fight could not take place.
Sensei Son consciously took time to go outside with her, speak to her calmly and refocus her on her breathing and positive thoughts.
Step by step, she pulled herself together again.
An important moment that shows that karate is much more than just fighting. It is also about overcoming mental hurdles and continuing despite fear.
The fact that Jessica ultimately still went onto the fighting area deserves great respect.
Community that supports
The support from the Shinzen Dojo Berlin was particularly lovely. In addition to the coach and the fighter, members and supporters from various training groups were on site to cheer Jessica on.
Especially at children's and youth tournaments, this support makes an enormous difference.
The shared energy, the excitement and the positive words from the sidelines often give young karateka the strength to exceed their limits.
“When a dojo stands together behind its fighters, true community is created. That is exactly what makes Kyokushin so special.”
Thanks to the host and all involved
A big thank you goes to the Kigai Dojo Berlin and Sensei Nikita Bauer for the excellent organisation of this tournament.
We also thank:
- all referees from different cities
- the helpers and supporters
- all participating Dojos
- the coaches, parents and spectators
- all fighters for their effort
The first Kigai Cup showed how important such events are for the development of young karateka.
Our conclusion on the Kigai Cup 2026
The Kigai Cup 2026 was a valuable experience for the Shinzen Dojo Berlin. Such tournaments help young karateka to learn under pressure, apply techniques and build mental strength.
Of course, we also take away important insights
- Techniques must be executed even more clearly and unambiguously
- Competition experience is only developed through participation
- Mental strength is just as important as technique and fitness
Above all, we take away motivation.
We will continue to work on preparing children and teenagers from our dojo for future tournaments and giving them the opportunity to gain valuable experience in Kyokushin Karate.
Osu!