UPCOMING EVENT: THE 10TH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011

Osu!

Long before I appeared on the movie screens, one of my dreams as a young karateka was to fight in Tokyo’s Budokan Stadium. So I did at the 2nd World Championships in 1979. It was my first real international tournament experience and in the 3rd round I faced the future world champion: Makoto Nakamura. I lost on points after three tough extensions.

After the fight, Sosai Oyama spoke to me and a young exhausted Swedish green belt received tremendous inspiration to pursue his future goals. Not just in karate but in life.
I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to later visit Japan on numerous occasions and to train under Sosai Oyama. Also, to eventually become a karate champion myself.

Kyokushin karate has taught me many things.
Never to give up. To respect myself and my fellow man. To be humble and pay my respects to my superiors. That you can accomplish anything in life you set out to do.
I believe that if I hadn’t started training karate at the age of 14 under Shihan Brian Fitkin, a shy youngster like me would have never had the guts to go from my small Nordic home-country to Hollywood, California. To become an actor and to stay in a very tough business for 25 years.
Through Kyokushin anything is possible!

It’s a real pleasure for me to have the opportunity to take part in this great event in Tokyo, Japan.
From the depth of my heart, I wish the organizers, all the participants, and especially the fighters of the 10th World Championships the very best of luck!

Sincerely in Shinkyokushin,
Dolph Lundgren, 3rd dan