Report: 4th KWU German Open 2025 in Berlin
On Saturday, September 20, 2025, Berlin hosted the 4th KWU German Open. In the large sports hall at Anton-Saefkow-Platz, karateka from many countries and at least ten German federal states competed – including those from Latvia and Israel.
Die Veranstaltung war von Beginn an ein starkes Zeichen für Gemeinschaft, Professionalität und die Zukunft des Kyokushin Karate in Deutschland.
Julius in action in kumite
Our junior fighter Bo-lin Julius Chien courageously faced his first major challenge.
His fight unfortunately ended early against a student from the Kigai Dojo under Sensei Nikita Bauer. With two quick jodan mawashi geris, the opponent decided the fight for himself. Nevertheless, Julius showed full effort and embodied the Kyokushin spirit.
As Sosai Mas Oyama once said:
"A strong spirit only grows if it also overcomes defeats."
Great praise goes to the Kigai Dojo and Sensei Bauer, who showed impressive performances with his fighters.
Shinzen Dojo as a referee team
For Shinzen Dojo, it was also a premiere: Senpai Son, Lennart, and Sophie appeared for the first time as fukushin (corner judges) in kata and kumite. Of course, not every decision was perfect right away, but that is exactly part of this path.
Senpai Son even took on a dual role as coach and referee – a demanding task that illustrated his passion and commitment to our dojo.
The exchange with experienced referees was particularly educational. The head referee, only 20 years old, already brought six years of experience with him – an impressive example of how early expertise can be built. For us, it was a jump into the deep end, but a valuable experience.
Organisation and professionalism
The event showed how highly professional karate events can now be organised:
- Hundreds of helpers took care of the smooth running
- Security, supporters, and carers were on standby
- Fighters were professionally prepared, from red ribbons to equipment
- Everything was digitally managed via the software platform Kumite Technology
- Drone shots, videos, and a YouTube live stream made the event visible internationally
The awards ceremony took place in the evening around 20 – a long, intense and unforgettable day for everyone involved.
Political messages and cooperation
In his speech, Steven Demanow emphasised that it was time to expand the professionalism of Kyokushin referees in Germany.
Only together could this goal be achieved.
During the ceremonial opening, the appeal was also renewed to work more closely together under the umbrella of the KWU in Germany – across organisational boundaries.
Representatives of different schools such as IKO Nakamura, WKB, IFK Germany, and Shinkyokushin (DKO) were present and were officially welcomed at the table of honour.
In doing so, the event sent a strong signal for unity in Kyokushin.
Thanks and recognition
Special thanks go to:
- the Dankezu Dojo
- the KWU Germany
- Sensei Demanow and his son Steven Demanow
- as well as all sponsors of this event
The enormous effort was noticeable in every detail – from the professional posters to the technical equipment and media coverage.
Without this support, an event of this scale would not have been possible.
Conclusion
Even though we couldn't take home a title this time, the KWU German Open was a valuable experience for us. Julius gained important fighting experience, and our referee team took their first steps on an international stage.
We are taking insights, new friendships, and inspiration back to Berlin. For Shinzen Dojo Berlin, this tournament was a great learning experience and an even greater incentive.
OSU!
