The Spirit of St. Augustine’s Kyokushin kan Costa Rica Experience 2024 All Americas Kyokushin-kan Tournament: Competing Against All Odds

As Planned, Shihan Seyar Azadani of St. Augustine’s Kyokushinkan Karate Azadani Dojo made his way to the November 9th, 2024 All America Kyokushin-kan Tournament in San Jose, Costa Rica. This took place two months after the dojo’s return from Romania, where Shihan Azadani’s son Omar Azadani competed to proudly bring his first Championship trophy back home.

The 2nd All Americas Kyokushin-kan Karate Tournament in San Jose, Costa Rica, hosted by Shihan Mauricio Carranza, was the ultimate proof of dedication and resilience. The tournament had an Honorary Guest, Kaicho Hatsuo Royama, who also witnessed the resilience shown by each competitor.

One of the competitors who showed great dedication and resilience was St. Augustine, Florida’s Kyokushin kan Shihan Seyar Azadani. Earlier in the year, Shihan Azadani, a 6th Dan Black Belt, competed in Japan and had an unfortunate Achilles Tendon Injury that called for surgery after returning to the United States. He has spent most of the year recovering from his disapproving accident. However, Shihan is dedicated and highly motivated to be a role model for his students and son, who looks up to him in admiration.

Shihan Azadani fought through two hard rounds of strong competitors, with one competitor from Costa Rica and the other from Canada. Within the final round, although he fought hard, his past injury made it difficult to gain leverage in the competition. Shihan Seyar Azadani showed resilience through the pain and still respectfully and happily returned home in second place in the Senior +40 weight category.

Here is what Shihan had to say:

“Today, I competed in the Senior +40 Years Old Open Weight Category, and I managed to make it to the final match after two wins from Costa Rica and Canada. My Semifinal Opponent was 156 Kg and so strong. In the final match, my Achilles tendon, which was ruptured just 6 months ago in May in a match in the 2024 All Japan Spring Tournament, gave up on me again during my final match; I competed with my heart and soul. This was for my son to help give him motivation to practice harder. Osu “

A Leader

As you see, Shihan Azadani is a prime example of resilience and dedication. These are qualities that come from the heart and soul. This is the true strength of Kyokushin Karate and a trait that every student finds within themselves in St. Augustine, Florida’s Azadani Dojo.

Shihan Seyar Azadani is more than just a 6th dan Blackbelt who practices Kyokushin Karate. He is more than a kyokushin karate master. He is an inspiration to his students and many who know him. His dedication shows itself through his love for his family, students, and life. Shihan Azadani is one of the few who has discovered that Kyokushin Karate is not just a lifestyle but the Budo in one’s self to becoming a leader by always remaining a student. Osu!