Banzai Open was held 21st March, and the 15th edition of the tournament was leveled up with some nice elements!
Banzai Open has established itself, and takes its current form with annual upgrades from the hardworking team behind it. This year’s notable upgrade was the choice of a new arena for the event – a good choice of significance!
Lundbyskolan Sports Arena was completed just under two years ago. The arena is state-of-the-art, and has today’s standard when it comes to facilities. This includes ventilation (fresh indoor air throughout the day), large capacity changing rooms, a warm-up area, and not least technical details with large screens⇓ (with fight-info)
The point is: the organizer didn’t need to upgrade – but chose to. This says a lot about the will to improve. The championship is being run so efficiently that we have to add small pauses to avoid going too far ahead of schedule (!) Smoothcomp running smoothly – and can give you more info than the most of others similar software.
This year event gathered 100 + fighters, 27 Dojo’s – reasonably stable compared to 2025. Level must be said to be a bit higher this year, especially last year’s juniors are at top European international level. This is proven with fighters on the podium in Ippon Cup, Carpathia Cup, Kokoro Cup and not least the European Championship..!
Norway is a natural part of the Banzai Open. One thing is the relationships, another thing is the practical (economic and geographical) fact that the eastern region of Norway has a shorter travel distance than several Swedish clubs. But the benefit for “little brother Norway” is unique, as Sweden becomes a window to Europe.
Even with a content-packed championship day, there is development and learning at every level. With a highly competent referee team that sets clear lines, at the same time training athletes and coaches (especially young ones) to sharpen their performance at this day – and in and in future championships
⇓ From action filled junior fights, the tournament moved on the the U-21 and adults, (Semi and full-contact) As we also moved into the finals for the day, the arena was further upgraded, with a mat and lighting.
⇓ The finals was lifted on the mat as well around it! Throughout the day there were many very good matches to watch. Close and intense matches – with Budo attitude at its best. No doubt that participants are looking further than “the trophy of the day”
Organizer Banzai Kyokushin Karate (picture from Banzai ⇓ ) shows again great capacity. Organizing a great event but also have a solid group of athletes competing as well. It shouldn’t be surprising if more countries find Banzai Open interesting eventually.
We wait for the next edition of Banzai Open, and that should others do also!