Beginning the Championship activities, Hanshi Julius Thiry directed kata and kumite seminars for participants in a series of 8 Seminars.  In addition to the system's head instructor, were Sensei Katherine Jones-Thiry, Shihan Seiji Nishimura, Sensei Adam S. Kovacs and Sensei Junko Arai conducting vigorous and well attended intensives inclusive of techniques that have made the system world renowned for its attention to time honored detail.

Attended by 14 Countries and over 750 Competitors, the Championship was regulated by national and international referees inclusive of USA, USA-NKF AND AAU visitors that accompanied international dignitaries and supporters.  Notable attendees included Dr. Istvan Simicsko, Minister of Sports, Mr. Tamas Wittinghoff, Mayor of the Host City, with Hanshi Julius Thiry, President of IHSKF, Dr. Janos Meszaros as the Hungarian National Federation President with many other important dignitaries.  Organizer ZsuZsa Klima was able to deliver a superb tournament with assistance from Hungarian clubs and senseis eager to put forward a memorable event.  By all accounts, it was an outstanding tournament with the highest levels of expertise coupled with an elevated sense of the kind of camaraderie that make such meets worthwhile.

Attached are photographs of special, if not random, moments of those of the youngest and most novice levels to world class competitors.  Kudos to those who participated at every level and to those who support the long efforts of students, coaches, medical personnel, parents, referees, instructors, and organizers who have selflessly dedicated their time and resources on behalf of the best practices of traditional Karate-do.

Watch a highlight video of the event here!