Matsushima Challenge Our Invitation To You Tournament Details Rules Divisions Entry Forms Map and Directions Cliquez ici pour tous les détails du Championnat Matsushima 2008 en français   The Canadian Matsushima Junior Championships The annual Canadian Matsushima Junior Championships (formerly called the Matsushima Challenge) is THE premier juniors-only Kyokushin karate tournament in Canada.  Created and hosted by Sensei John Kalaidopoulos of West Island Karate, the Canadian Matsushima Junior Championships provides an ideal opportunity for younger students (ages 4 to 17) to showcase their karate skills in a friendly and safe environment of spirited competition.  Since our inaugural edition in 2001, we have welcomed competitors from numerous dojos all over Quebec as well as Vancouver, Winnipeg, Moncton, the Nunavut Territories, the United States, Hungary and even the island of Aruba in the Caribbean!  It is important to note that the Canadian Matsushima Junior Championships is open to ALL karate schools regardless of affiliation or style.  In years past, we have had as many as 260 competitors from 15 different dojos!  The level of competition as well as the cooperation between all schools in attendance is always very high, making the Canadian Matsushima Junior Championships a very rewarding and positive experience for everyone. It has been our great honour to have Kancho Yoshikazu Matsushima (9th Dan) and his wife, Mikiko-san, make the long trip from Japan to attend previous editions of our tournament which is named after him.  In addition, we are fortunate and honoured to have the North American Chairman of the IKO Matsushima, Shihan Roman Szyrajew (7th Dan), attend the Canadian Matsushima Junior Championships on a regular basis.  His participation is always welcomed and very much appreciated by West Island Karate. We look forward to seeing you again at this year's edition of the Canadian Matsushima Junior Championships!  OSU!