Only 7 Elite Trainings Left: The Championship Countdown Is On

The countdown has officially begun. With 54 days left until the Championship, the energy in the dojo is incredible. Training sessions are becoming more intense, expectations are rising, and there are now only seven Elite training sessions remaining before the big day.

At this stage of the preparation, fatigue is beginning to show. Some athletes are feeling the effects of the demanding schedule, and a few are even fighting off small illnesses. This is a normal part of any serious training cycle, but it also serves as an important reminder that recovery is just as important as training.

Now more than ever, students must focus on the fundamentals outside the dojo. Eating well, hydrating properly, and adjusting sleep schedules are essential to keeping the body strong and ready for the next training session. When training several hours a week, these habits can make the difference between progressing and burning out.

Despite the fatigue, something remarkable is happening at the same time: everyone is getting stronger, sharper, and more focused.

Each Elite training session begins with an intense warm-up designed to activate the cardio system. This part of the training ensures that students develop the stamina needed for kumite, where endurance and determination are just as important as technique.

Working the core and the cardio

Once the body is fully warmed up, the technical work begins. Students spend time working on kihons, refining the fundamental techniques that form the backbone of Kyokushin karate. This is followed by ido geiko, where students practise moving techniques, improving coordination, balance, and flow. The session continues with combination drills, allowing students to sharpen their timing, speed, and power.

Practice makes perfect

After hours of demanding training, the session always finishes with something that has become legendary among the Elite group, the brick workout. For a full 30 minutes, students train using a brick to work their abs, triceps, and legs. It is a challenging full-body workout that pushes everyone past their comfort zone. By this point, muscles are already tired and breathing is heavy, but everyone digs deep to complete the final part of the training.

The brick workout

When the three hours are finally over, everyone is exhausted. And yet, despite being completely drained, there is always something special to see at the end of training: smiles across the dojo. Even the youngest participants, some only eight years old, finish the session proud of what they accomplished.

The juniors are working hard

The commitment these students show is remarkable. Most of the participants are currently training between seven and nine hours every week, and many continue working on their conditioning outside the dojo on their days off. Running, strength training, stretching, and technique practice often continue at home.

The reason for this dedication is simple: there is a bigger goal ahead. For many of these athletes, the long-term dream is to compete in a major tournament in Japan in 2027. That goal may still be some time away, but every step taken today brings them closer.

The first major milestone will be the Canadian Championship in Montréal, where students will test their skills against strong competition. After that, the focus will change to the North American Championship, which we are proud to be hosting in October.

Alongside the tournament preparation, there are also important gradings approaching. Several students are preparing for their brown belt gradings, an important step on the road to black belt. At the same time, another group is working toward one of the most meaningful moments in their karate journeyearning their black belts. For some of these students, their belts will be presented in Japan, making the achievement even more special.

One thing is certain: Kyokushin Kenbukai is not for everyone. The path is demanding. It requires dedication, discipline, and sometimes sacrifices. Long training sessions, sore muscles, and pushing beyond personal limits are all part of the journey.

But what students gain in return is something truly priceless.

Through this journey, they develop mental strength, resilience, and confidence. Perhaps even more importantly, they gain something that lasts far beyond the dojo: a karate family. Because at Centres Ray Cormier Kyokushin Kenbukai and East Coast Kyokushin Kenbukai, we believe in training together and supporting one another every step of the way.

No one is left behind.

With seven Elite sessions remaining, the team is ready to keep pushing forward together.

Osu!