Crina Stase has been practicing Kyokushin Karate since the age of five, growing up in a family where martial arts is a way of life. With both parents as karate coaches, she was raised in a disciplined and inspiring environment. Her mother — a Vice World Champion in kata — laid the foundation for Crina’s own path to excellence.

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Following in her footsteps, Crina has become one of the most accomplished young athletes in the world, proudly carrying on her family's legacy. Her precision, determination, and passion for kata have earned her the highest recognition on the international stage.

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Her competitive achievements include:

• International Champion Kata & Kumite – Odessa, Ukraine (2021)

• European Champion Kata – Santa Susanna, Spain (2022)

• World Champion Kata – Amsterdam, Netherlands (2023)

• World Champion Kata – Astana, Kazakhstan (2024)

• European Champion Kata & Kumite – Szeged, Hungary (2024)

• 3rd Place Kata – World Championship – Szolnok, Hungary (2025)

• Balkan Champion Kumite – Ruse, Bulgaria (2025)

• International Kumite Champion & Vice-Champion Kata – Sibiu, Romania (2025)

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Crina continues to inspire the next generation of athletes with her sharp focus, deep respect for tradition, and love for Kyokushin Karate. As part of the Kyokushin Fight Academy Global Team, she represents the very best of the art — a balance of elegance, strength, and spirit.

Ana Santiso is a decorated Kyokushin athlete from Spain, known for her elegance in kata and unwavering mental strength. With a competitive career marked by international success, Ana has become a symbol of perseverance and passion in the Kyokushin world.

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Her achievements in kata include:

• European Champion (2022)

• Two-time European Bronze Medalist (2018-2019)

• Bronze Medalist – World Championships (2019)

• Silver Medalist – Team Kata at World Championships

• Champion – Open of Portugal (2022)

• Multiple-time National Champion (Spain) (2023-2024)​

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Ana began practicing Kyokushin with her best friend, and over time, her commitment to training and competition grew. When she lost her mother at a young age, karate became a source of strength and emotional resilience. Even during the Covid pandemic, Ana continued to train with discipline, focusing not only on kata but also on physical conditioning.

 

In 2021, Ana faced her greatest challenge: a pulmonary thrombosis that left her in the ICU and temporarily unable to walk even one kilometer. Doctors told her she might never compete at a high level again — but she proved them wrong. With patience and determination, she returned to the tatami and went on to win the European Championship.

 

Now retired from competition, Ana continues her Kyokushin journey by supporting the next generation, believing that strength and speed are key components in both kumite and kata.

Iulysa began practicing Kyokushin Karate at the age of 9 — a moment she describes as love at first sight. What started as a passion quickly grew into a life-shaping discipline that influenced not only her skills, but also her values and identity. Today, she is a respected instructor, champion, and leader in the Kyokushin community.

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At 1st Dan Black Belt, Iulysa has achieved success both nationally and internationally in kata and kumite. Her titles include:

• Four-time International Kata Champion – 14th Mas Oyama Memorial Cup, Sibiu (2024)

• International Kata Champion – WAKKU ROMANIA International Challenge Cup (2022)

• International Vice-Champion in Kumite – WAKKU ROMANIA (2019)

• International Vice-Champion in Team Kata – WAKKU ROMANIA (2025)

• Two-time National Kata Champion – WAKKU ROMANIA Challenge Cup (2017–2018)

• National Champion Kata & Synchronized Kata – Buzău (2019)

• National Kumite Champion – Hachiman Fighting Championship, Bucharest (2019)

• Certificate of Honor for Outstanding Dedication – awarded by Hanshi Hussein Suleiman (2018)

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Beyond competition, Iulysa actively contributes to the future of Kyokushin. She is a Board Member and Online Image Coordinator for the WAKKU Organization and founder of an affiliated dojo where she teaches and inspires the next generation of martial artists.

Vijay Nanhoe is the founder and head trainer of the Kyokushin Fight Academy and the driving force behind the Global Team initiative. Born and raised in Spijkenisse, the Netherlands, Vijay began his athletic journey as a competitive swimmer at the age of five before fully dedicating himself to full-contact karate. Over the years, he has developed into one of Europe’s most successful Kyokushin fighters, while also training in boxing, Taekwondo, Judo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to deepen his skillset.​

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As an elite athlete, Vijay holds an impressive record of national and international achievements:

• All Japan Open Champion – Miyazaki, Japan (2024)

• V. World Champion – Astana, Kazakhstan (2018)

• 3× European Champion – Netherlands (2016), Poland (2017), Russia (2018)

• 6× Dutch National Champion – Kyokushin Karate

• Spanish National Champion – Zaragoza (2019)

• Belgian Open Champion – Averbode

• Taekwondo Champion – Kawarmala Tournament, Netherlands (2016)

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Alongside his athletic pursuits, Vijay studies Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences at Leiden University, aiming to contribute to cures for untreatable diseases. He has received awards including the Youth Ribbon of Honour, Quentin L. Dietz Trophy, Boxer of the Year, and Talent of the Year.

Through the Academy and the Global Team, Vijay empowers fighters worldwide — proving that Kyokushin is not just a style, but a way of life.

Alba María Copel Montes is a dedicated Kyokushin karateka from Alicante, Spain, with over 22 years of experience in the art. What began as a family activity — watching her brother and parents train while playing quietly in the corner of the dojo — soon became her lifelong passion. At just four years old, Alba took her first karate lesson, and from that moment, the tatami became her second home.

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As her parents advanced and founded their own dojo, Alba naturally grew into the role of instructor, taking on more responsibility with each passing year. Today, she proudly leads the dojo alongside her family, inspiring new generations with her deep-rooted love for Kyokushin.

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Her competitive record reflects her dedication and talent:

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• World Champion Kata – WKB Senior Women (Poland, 2025)

• 3rd Place – World Championship Kumite -55kg (Chile, 2019)

• 2nd Place – European Cup Kata +15 years (Barcelona, 2017)

• Multiple-time National Medalist in kata and kumite

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For Alba, the most rewarding part of her journey is the bond with her students — their respect, energy, and passion. She continues to teach with heart and humility, honoring the values of discipline, tradition, and community that define Kyokushin.

Oskar Kozieł is a dedicated Kyokushin instructor and elite competitor from Poland. Introduced to karate at the age of four by his father, who also practices the art, Oskar has grown up with Kyokushin as a central part of his life — from student, to fighter, to respected coach.

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With two decades of training behind him, Oskar now leads his own team of promising athletes, many of whom have already become champions under his guidance. His approach combines traditional values with competitive sharpness, and he continues to compete at the highest levels while developing the next generation of fighters.

 

Oskar’s competitive highlights include:

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• Silver Medalist – World Championship Kata (2025)

• 4× European Champion Kata (2017, 2018, 2019, 2024)

• 2× Bronze Medalist – European Championship Kumite

• Multiple-time Polish Champion – in both kata and kumite

 

Known for his technical precision and calm spirit, Oskar remains deeply committed to improving himself and others. Whether on the tatami or in the dojo, he embodies the Kyokushin spirit through hard work, humility, and mentorship. As part of the Global Team, he continues to represent Poland with pride and inspire karateka around the world.

Julia Pracka is one of Poland’s top Kyokushin karate athletes, known for her exceptional achievements in both kata and kumite on the world stage. She trains at Yama Sports Club under the expert guidance of Konrad Kozubowski and Agata Kozubowska, and proudly represents Poland in international competitions.

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Julia is a double World Champion, having won gold in both disciplines at the WKB World Championship in Grodzisk Mazowiecki, and securing the IFK World Championship title in the Women’s Open category in Leipzig. Her career is marked by consistent national and international victories, including:

• Double European Champion – WKB European Championships, Leżajsk (2022)

• Double Polish Champion (2024) + Best Technician of the Tournament

• 1st Place Kumite – WKB European Cup

• 1st Place Kata & Kumite – IKO Nakamura European Championships (Białystok)

• Best Competitor Award – U16–U18 Category

• Multiple-time winner of Polish Cups and Championships

 

Beyond titles, Julia values the respect that karate instills and the opportunity to continuously evolve by learning from others. She believes that every athlete brings a unique style to the tatami, and she uses that diversity as motivation to improve herself every day.​

Julia Iwan is a dedicated Kyokushin karateka from Poland, known for her strength, determination, and technical skill. From a young age, Julia immersed herself fully in the world of Kyokushin, allowing the discipline to shape her into the fighter — and teacher — she is today. Her journey reflects a deep commitment not only to competition, but to personal growth and the lifelong pursuit of mastery.

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Karate, for Julia, is more than just a sport. It has instilled in her both physical power and mental resilience. These qualities have helped her become an elite competitor on the international stage, while also shaping her as a thoughtful and inspiring instructor for others.

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Her most notable achievements include:

• Silver Medal – World Championship IKO-SO Kumite, Japan (2023)

• Gold & Silver – European Championship Kumite, Kaliningrad (2018) and Portugal (2019)

• Silver Medal – Polish National Championship PZKK Kata, Poland (2024)

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Currently, Julia balances her time between teaching and training, always striving to improve and evolve. As a proud representative of the Kyokushin Fight Academy Global Team, she continues to share her passion with others and aims to inspire the next generation of karateka with her story, values, and example.

Kaan Gündoğdu is a dedicated young Kyokushin athlete from Türkiye, and one of the rising stars of the next generation. At only 15 years old, Kaan has already shown remarkable skill and maturity in international competition. He began training in karate at an early age, and quickly stood out for his sharp technique, mental strength, and unwavering determination.

 

Inspired by legendary fighter Hajime Kazumi, Kaan dreams of following in his footsteps and standing on the podium at the World Championships in Japan. That goal continues to drive his daily training and discipline — both on and off the tatami.

 

His top achievements so far include:

• 1st Place – European Championship (2025)

• 1st Place – Austrian International Championship (2025)

• 3rd Place – Kyokushin Balkan Championship (2023)

• 2nd Place – Ashihara Karate World Championship (2022)

 

In addition to his competitive success, Kaan is known for his humility, strong work ethic, and passion for representing Türkiye on the international stage.

 

As a proud member of the Kyokushin Fight Academy Global Team, Kaan aims to promote the values of Kyokushin worldwide and prove that age is no limit when it comes to heart, spirit, and fighting spirit.

Tabara Diagne is a 1st Dan black belt from Italy and proudly serves as the Councillor of the Kyokushin Fight Academy Global Team. Her journey in Kyokushin began at just six years old, born out of a need for strength and self-defense after facing bullying at school. What began as a protective measure soon evolved into a deep and lifelong passion for the art of karate.

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Throughout her path, Tabara has grown into a technical and mental powerhouse — mastering complex kata like Sushiho, while also testing herself through the demanding nature of Kumite. Living and training with hip dysplasia, she has developed a style marked by precision, intelligence, and grace — showing that discipline and adaptability can overcome any limitation.

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She grew up in the dojo alongside her Sensei Gennaro Di Donato (Yondan) and is now the third female Shodan in her dojo, following in the footsteps of Laura Senpai and Dijana Senpai. Together, they represent female empowerment in Kyokushin, breaking barriers and leading by example.

Tabara’s philosophy is rooted in quiet strength: mastering the mind under pressure and using her journey to inspire and uplift others. As a leader within the Global Team, she symbolizes not only technical skill, but emotional resilience and unwavering dedication to the Kyokushin spirit.

Angel Nanhoe is a dedicated Kyokushin athlete, instructor, and media creator at the Kyokushin Fight Academy, contributing both on and off the tatami. Angel has been involved in karate from a young age and embodies the spirit of resilience, discipline, and passion that defines Kyokushin. 

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Angel’s competitive achievements include champion titles at international tournaments, where she has represented both her dojo and her academy with pride. Notably, she has won the Championship at the All Japan Open Under-18 Open Weight Category in Miyazaki, Japan. 

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In addition to her success in competition, Angel plays an important role within the Kyokushin Fight Academy as both a trainer for the youth and a photo/video creator. She captures key moments and accomplishments of members across the academy, helping to preserve and showcase the journey of fighters and events. 

Angel’s commitment to the art extends beyond performance — she supports, documents, and celebrates the development of others, contributing to the growth of the dojo community and the visibility of Kyokushin on a broader scale. Her blend of athletic talent and creative contribution makes her an integral part of the Global Team and the Kyokushin Fight Academy family.