KWU Referee Seminar in Berlin – Pro­fes­sio­nal pre­pa­ra­tion for the future of Kyo­kus­hin Karate

Berlin-Hohenschönhausen. Am Samstag fand in Berlin ein bedeutender Schritt für die Weiterentwicklung des Kyokushin Karate in Deutschland statt: Unter der Leitung von Senpai Steven Demanow wurde ein professioneller KWU Schiedsrichterlehrgang durchgeführt.

From 11:00 to approx. 16:00 participants gained in-depth insights into the theory and practice of tournament organisation as well as the responsible role of referees.

Die Veranstaltung markiert einen wichtigen Meilenstein für die KWU Germany, die großen Wert auf Zusammenarbeit mit allen Kyokushin organisations legt und eine einheitliche, transparente Entwicklung im Sinne des Budo-Geistes vorantreiben möchte.

Cont­ents of the referee seminar

During the seminar, participants were trained both theoretically and practically. The focus was on:

• Tournament organisation and procedures in Kyokushin Karate
• Duties and requirements of referees
  • Shushin (主審) – head referee
  • Fukushin (副審) – corner referee
• Practical exercises for Kumite and Kata scenarios
• Feedback sessions and open discussion rounds
• Strengthening responsibility and professionalism in refereeing

Especially valuable was the sound knowledge of Senpai Demanow, who is currently studying sports management at the University of Potsdam. With his combination of athletic experience and academic background, he was able to provide new impetus and convey practically how refereeing can be elevated to a professional level.

Safety and fair­ness at child­ren's and youth cham­pi­on­ships

A central topic was the upcoming 4th KWU German Open 2025 in Berlin. Here it becomes clear once again:

• Full contact is a decisive characteristic of Kyokushin Karate.
• At the same time, the safety of children and young people is the top priority.
• Well-trained referees are the key to ensuring fair and transparent decisions.

Seminars like this create the basis so that all decisions are comprehensible, respected and accepted – by fighters as well as trainers, parents and spectators.

Par­ti­ci­pa­tion of Shinzen Dojo Berlin

Shinzen Dojo Berlin was also actively represented: Senpai Son, Lennart and Sophie took part in the seminar. They will use the knowledge they have acquired and their practical experience to actively support the referee team at the 4th KWU German Open 2025.

For our dojo, it was a professionally organised seminar that was characterised not only by theoretical input but also by intensive practical exercises and valuable feedback sessions.

Thanks, outlook and joint mission

We sincerely thank Senpai Steven Demanow for leading this unique referee seminar. His commitment, expertise and passion help to shape the next generation of Kyokushin Karate in Germany.

We also thank all the helpers, organisers and supporters who made this day possible.

At the same time, we see this seminar as an impetus and motivation to organise more such events in Berlin in the future together with all Kyokushin Karate dojos – regardless of their organisations. Because only together can we lift the professionalism and fairness of our tournaments to a new level.

The future of Kyokushin Karate in Germany will be fairer, more professional and more transparent.

OSU!