Full contact: 400 fighters in Vitry as French karate plans regionals

The French full contact season opened with big numbers. The North Zone Cup, held on 24 and 25 October in Vitry-sur-Seine, south-east of Paris, had 400 entries, and more than 90% turned up over the two days. It is the first of four national competitions this season in full contact and light contact. The French Karate Federation (FFK) reviewed the event on 4 November with its national head of contact disciplines, Mohamed Messadaoui.

Technical level on the rise

For the 7th dan federal expert, the level was encouraging for a season opener. He sees overall progress, driven by young fighters moving from light contact, where strikes are controlled, to full contact, where they land with power. FFK president Gilles Cherdieu travelled to Vitry to meet the clubs. According to the federation, his visit was meant to reassure them about the place of contact disciplines in its sporting plan.

Full contact has around 15,000 members within the FFK. The national calendar lists seven competitions, and nearly three quarters of regional leagues and departmental committees run their own event in light, semi or full contact.

Three goals for the season

Mohamed Messadaoui sets out three. First, keep the calendar on track: two zone cups, the French championship and the International Open in full and light contact, plus the French Cup and French championship in karate contact. Second, separate the Honneur and Élite categories more clearly for safety reasons, as the gap between young competitors and experienced fighters can be too wide in full contact. The rules will be tightened accordingly. Third, create regional qualifying championships for the French championship: this season will serve as a trial, with full roll-out within three years.

Back to contact

After three seasons running karate mix, Mohamed Messadaoui is again focused solely on contact. Jérôme Charles takes over karate mix. The national head runs the competitions, trains and appoints referees and advises clubs on rules and safety. He has practised Shotokan karate for some forty years and also trained in Kyokushin and Yoseikan Budo.

The interview published by the FFK did not give dates for the upcoming national competitions.