On February 21, 2025, the official ceremony for the “Athlete of the Year 2024” awards took place in Asenovgrad. Among the honorees were three competitors from “Okami Dojo,” trained by Sensei Petko Chirpanliev and Senpai Veselina Chirpanlieva, who once again affirmed their positions among the best in Bulgarian Kyokushin karate.
The highest-ranking karateka was Marian Balabanov, who secured an impressive second place in the annual poll. Balabanov won titles at the European and Balkan Championships, claimed a gold medal at the National Championship, and earned a bronze at the National Cup.
Monika Stoyanova placed fourth thanks to her triumphs at the World Cup in Kamchia, the European Championship in Armenia, and the international “Austria Open” tournament in Vienna.
Seventh place in the ranking went to Alexandra Ivanova, who also achieved outstanding results throughout the year. She became a European champion, vice-world champion, national and state champion, and also won silver medals at the Balkan and National Championships.
Recognition for the dedication and professionalism of the coaching team came with the “Coach of the Year 2024” award, which was given for the second consecutive year to Sensei Petko Chirpanliev.
In 2024, the club’s competitors won an impressive total of 126 medals, including 45 gold, 29 silver, and 52 bronze. Among the most significant achievements were world and vice-world championship titles, three European champions, nine Balkan champions, and 35 gold medalists from national championships and national cups. These results are yet another testament to the high level of training at “Okami Dojo” and the tireless dedication of both the athletes and their coach.
These latest honors for the Bulgarian Kyokushin Karate Federation (BKKF) athletes are proof of their hard work, discipline, and fighting spirit, which they bring to every training session and competition. Congratulations to all the awardees, and best of luck in their upcoming sporting challenges!
