IFFSK KZN Regional Championship

Dear Shihan / Sensei

It is with great pleasure and eagerness that I extend this invitation to you and your organization
to our beautiful Province of Kwa-Zulu Natal to participate in the IFFSK KZN Regional Championship 2026. This event is scheduled to take place on 28 March 2026

I would like to encourage all Instructors to join me to promote this wonderful sport and most importantly strengthen the friendship bond that we currently share.
Let us come together on a common platform to expand our knowledge and make new friends
whilst being together. “An opportunity missed is an opportunity lost”

Yours in karate

Hanshi Eric Govender
8th Dan, President & Chief Instructor
International Federation of Funakoshi Shotokan Karate South Africa
Affiliated to: FSKA-World
Cell : 083 777 0727 ,
E-Mail : eric@iffsk.co.za / denver.moonsamy@gmail.com

1. Closing Date for Registrations, Corrections & Payments
All entries will be entered onto Kihap which is the electronic sports software system which we will be using. Closing date for all entries to be entered will be Friday, 20 March 2026. Any corrections that need to be made must be communicated in writing to the Tournament Director via email, denver@iffsk.co.za / denver.moonsamy@gmail.com by latest Monday, 23 March 2026
All payments need to be made by Friday, 20 March 2026. Regrettably no late entries after the 23 March 2026 will be accepted.

2. Rules & Tournament Equipment
The Championship rules will be based on the IFFSK rules adapted to be in line to WUKF Standards. It is the responsibility of the dojo instructor to be familiar with the rules and to inform their athletes accordingly.
Tournament Equipment
Compulsory equipment IFFSK KZN Regional Championship 2026
• Mitts - Athletes must use bubble type mitts (with or without thumb protector) White / Red only. No Blue Mitts allowed
• Children & Cadet Division competitors will only be required to have one pair of mitts (red or white) however Cadet, Junior, Senior elite (black belt) categories must have both (red and white)
• Gum shields must be worn for all kumite division irrespective of age, gender and belt grade. Only white or clear gum shields will be permitted
• Groin protectors for male Cadets, Juniors and Seniors

Optional - Chest protectors (Female Kumite) ,Body protectors (Children Kumite), Helmets (Children Kumite)
Allowed Equipment
• Sport glasses and contact lenses at own risk during kata. (Letter from a Medical Practitioner needs to be submitted by no later than 23 March 2026).
• Shin protectors
• Only white / red instep protectors

Forbidden Equipment
• Spectacles (glass or hard plastic) for kumite.
• Blue mitts, instep, and shin protectors.
• WKF labels on all equipment (including karate gi) must be removed or taped over.
• T-Shirts on the inside of the Gi Jacket will NOT be allowed. This applies to all male competitors irrespective of age and belt grade. Only female competitors will be allowed a t-shirt on the inside of the Gi Jacket and must be white.

4. Age Categories

Age Gender Classification
5 – 12 Years Male & Female Nihon Kumite
13 Years+ Male & Female Sanbon Kumite

5. Determination the Age of an Athlete
The age of the athlete will be determined by their age as on the 28 March 2026

6. Combining of Divisions
A minimum of four athletes must be registered for the specific category for it to be considered valid. If this quota is not met the Organising Committee reserves the right to combine divisions and accommodate these athletes in the most suited divisions based on age, weight and belt category.

7. Medal Placing
Medals will only be awarded to the top three positions in each category.ie Individual Kata, Individual Kumite