News · December 4, 2021

1 vs 30 kumite test in Mexico City

In December 2021, Eduardo Gómez Quiroga, 1st Dan black belt, completed in Mexico City the extreme test of 30 continuous kumite bouts (sanjūnin kumite) of Kyokushin Karate. Organized by IKO Matsushima Mexico, it was the first time this challenge was held in the country.

The venue was the Benito Juárez sports center, in the borough of the same name. Hanshi Roman Szyrajew, Chairman of IKO Matsushima for North America, was present for testimony and international recognition, with the support of Sensei Jacobo Ramírez Chávez, president of Kyokushin Mexico – IKO Matsushima.

Origin of the test

Sanjūnin kumite is a graded version of the historic Hyakunin Kumite (one hundred bouts) associated with Sosai Masutatsu Oyama. In different Kyokushin organizations, series of 10, 20, 30 or more continuous bouts have been adapted as a requirement or voluntary challenge linked to Dan advancement.

For the challenge to be valid, clear conditions were set: bouts under Kyokushin rules of about a minute and a half each; black-belt opponents; winning at least 50% + 1 of the encounters; a medical rest of about four minutes after 20 kumite; and specialized medical service.

How the challenge unfolded

Eduardo Gómez Quiroga began by controlling the pace so as not to waste energy. After the first half and the medical review during the break, the final bouts gained intensity, with support from teammates of the Ki No Sekai dojo and the public present.

At the end of bout 30, the judges required one additional kumite to recognize the test. He thus faced a total of 31 bouts, with a record of 22 wins, 7 losses and 2 draws.

Recognition

By completing the challenge, Eduardo Gómez Quiroga became the first Mexican to finish this extreme test and received the grade of 2nd Dan, awarded by Hanshi Roman Szyrajew, along with a trophy and recognitions from Sensei Jacobo Ramírez. The event closed with a kata demonstration by children from the school.

The day remains a milestone for the Kyokushin community in Mexico: a public demonstration of endurance, character and perseverance under the demands of the style.

Editorial adaptation for So-Kyokushin Mexico, based on coverage by Sendero Artes Marciales and the prior announcement from the same outlet.