This past weekend, the Tomodachi Kata Cup once again proved why it is one of the best-organised kata tournaments in Europe. With participants from nine countries and various Kyokushin organisations, it was an inspiring display of skill, dedication and unity. DojoHUB had the privilege of contributing to this special event by awarding membership vouchers to the top three competitors in each category. Supporting the growth and progress of Kyokushin karatekas is at the heart of what we do and it was an honour to recognise the dedication of these talented athletes.
A flawlessly organised event
The tournament, expertly organised by retired kata champion An Polimeno and her team from the Tomodachi Dojo, set the bar high once again. With a professional setup, well-prepared referees and an incredibly helpful staff, everything ran smoothly from start to finish. The food selection was carefully chosen to be both high-quality and suitable for athletes, ensuring that competitors could perform at their best.
Speaking of continuous improvement — one of the core values of both dojoHUB and the Kyokushin spirit — this year's tournament introduced several exciting upgrades. It took place in a new sports hall and they even upgraded the tatamis, further enhancing the competition experience. Well done to the entire Tomodachi team for their dedication to growth and excellence.
Golden League: A battle of champions
One of the highlights of the event was the Golden League, the international elite category of the tournament, featuring an exceptional line-up of top kata athletes from across the Kyokushin world. Among them were:
- Ramon Pfändler - World Champion, IFK
- Nikolaj Lunn Jensen - Vice World Champion, Shinkyokushin
- Simon Zurfluh - Vice World Champion, IFK
- Carla Gallati - Three-time European Champion, Shinkyokushin
- Yara Polimeno - Junior European Champion, Shinkyokushin
- Alanis Schöneberger - Swiss National Champion, IFK
With such a strong field, competition was fierce and showcased an outstanding level of kata. If you want to know who made it on the podium, > here < you can find the results of all the categories.
A true celebration of Kyokushin spirit
Beyond the high-level performances, what stood out most was the strong sense of community. The atmosphere was friendly, energetic and full of mutual respect — reminding us all that Kyokushin is more than just a martial art; it's a way of life that brings people together.
This was the perfect event for dojoHUB to kick things off as it embodies the very values we stand for: growth, continuous improvement and camaraderie. This is definitely a tournament we will return to. Many thanks to the Tomodachi team for having us — Osu!
Pictures: Wilson Huber
February 23, 2025