Let me start with next year’s date: 2 October 2027. The venue will once again be K2 Crawley, and the rules remain the same. I am already looking forward to the next edition.
This year marked the 48th British Open. One of Europe’s oldest Kyokushin tournaments once again gave us plenty of reasons to appreciate quality karate and strong fighting spirit. British Karate Kyokushinkai — BKK — has long proved itself as a host and organiser. There is little I need to add on that front.
I love this tournament and the people here. Over time, they have come to feel like family. It is always an honour to be trusted to help promote the British Open and contribute whatever I can on competition day.
And it was a long day, full of emotion.
For me, the smaller number of competitors in the open categories did nothing to lower the standard of the fights. Quite the opposite — we saw highly technical, closely contested bouts.
The women’s under-60 kg semifinal between Hayley-Beth Rowlands and Olivia Pickthall was one of the most memorable fights of the day for me. They fought through the full regulation time and every possible extension, showing technique, physical endurance and exceptional fighting spirit. Hayley ultimately took the win, but both deserve enormous respect for what they showed on the tatami.
In the final, Hayley proved herself again against the exceptionally strong Jessica Krause from Germany. Every woman in this category deserves applause and recognition for the work behind her performance.
Special congratulations to Hayley-Beth Rowlands on winning the British Open and Cup of Europe for the third time. She was also awarded her third dan that same day — another reason to remember this tournament.
For the third year, as the highest-placed British fighter, Hayley received the Nicola Hughes Memorial Sword. It honours police officer and fellow karateka Nicola Hughes, who was tragically killed in the line of duty. This is an award with special meaning, and Hayley once again has the honour of looking after it.
Congratulations also to Agnes Westrin from Sweden, who won the women’s over-60 kg title. Respect to her and to every woman who stepped onto the tatami and gave her all.
In the men’s categories, there were no major surprises for me personally. I had been following the entries daily and had a good idea of who we would see competing. That did not make the fights any less interesting.
Among my personal highlights were the under-80 kg semifinal between Germany’s Steven Demanov and Spain’s Niko Pérez Guinea, and the over-80 kg final between Spain’s Hugo Cruz and Germany’s Ivan Demanov. We saw quality Kyokushin, fair play, tactics and tremendous fighting spirit. Hugo claimed the heavyweight title, with Ivan finishing second.
Congratulations also to Poland’s Grzegorz Kędzierski, who won the under-80 kg title, with Steven Demanov taking second place. Recognition well deserved by the champion and for the work behind that achievement.
I also want to give a special mention to Dave Kientz from the Netherlands, who won the under-70 kg category. Although he was not among the most talked-about names beforehand, he showed character, strong preparation and outstanding fighting spirit. Fighters like him make the tournament even more interesting — stepping onto the tatami, giving everything and leaving a lasting impression.
There was another reason to celebrate: Shihan Terry Prescott was awarded his 7th dan. A special moment for him and his entire Cardiff dojo. Osu!
My partner in crime, Roman Odessky from prokyokushin, and I may have gone slightly overboard with the stream of waza-ari and knockouts on social media. But when the day is full of moments like these, it is hard to put the phone down.
You can watch the full fights on the IFK Karate YouTube channel, and find some of the most memorable moments on BKK’s Instagram.
I left tired, but full of emotion and with another reason to return. Thank you for the trust and for making me feel part of this family.
See you again on 2 October 2027. Osu!
Osu!
With respect and gratitude,
Nadia Petrova
