Current World Champion, Tariel Nikoleishvili completes the 100 Man Kumite
On April 26th, 2014 at IKO Honbu
Ebisu Dojo, Tariel Nikoleishvili challenged Kyokushin’s ultimate test of the
human spirit, the 100 Man Kumite.
The duration for each match was 90 seconds,
and Tariel faced 100 fresh opponents, black belts from all over the world. The 100
Man Kumite was held this year in particular to commemorate the 50th
Anniversary of the IKO Kyokushinkaikan and to honor Sosai Oyama on the 20th
Memorial Day of his passing. Only 8 Kyokushin Karateka have ever accomplished
this challenge, the toughest in IKO’s 50year history.
After Kancho Matsui’s opening remarks of
encouragement to all participants, Nikoleishvili started his first match at
1:10pm opposite Makoto Akaishi. Nikoleishvili used Ahikake-Gendan-Zuki often to
score many wazaari in the early matches. After the match #50, he seemed to lose
stamina and began slowing down and lost his first match at #57. His toughest moment
came in the matches 60 to 80 as he faced many of the Best 8 fighters from the
recent All Japan Open Tournaments. Nikoleishvili sustained those toughest
matches to finally face his 100th opponent, Kyohei Ajima, the current
All Japan Open Karate Champion. While all participants and spectators cheered
Nikoleishvili on, he used his last remaining power and energy to throw strong
punches and jumping drop kicks, ending the Final match with a sharp
Jodan-Mawashigeri.
Nikoleishvili completed the 100 Man Kumite
at 4:31pm to become the 9th person to accomplish this incredible
feat. In total it took 3 hours and 21 min to complete, and the following is the
official count:
Win by Ippon or Awase-Ippon: 21
Win by Wazaari: 30
Win by decision: 13
Draw: 27
Lost by decision: 9
Nikoleishvili, who is just 23 years old
from Russia, commented “Kyokushin Karate is everything for me. I dedicated my
entire life to challenge today.” Though overall he appeared physically sound,
he went to the hospital immediately after completion for a check-up, and is
well.
Kancho Matsui commented, ” Nikoleishvili’s
kumite style is very straightforward and is not the ideal style in which to
face many different opponents. However, he fought very well on the whole. He
had a tough time physically and mentally after around the 60th match,
but he preserved his power very well and finished strong. I believe Sosai Oyama
was watching him, and cheered him on.”
Not only Japanese Branch Chiefs and
students were present at this rare event, but also many international members were
able to witness this inimitable Kyokushin challenge. Everyone was moved by
Nikoleishvili’s accomplishment, and at the closing, many shed tears in
recognition for this momentous Kyokushin example of bravery and spirit.
