News

Karate Demonstration at Lugner City – Rebels Karateclub Wien Live

Experience Karate Vienna Live – Our Performance at Lugner City

On February 8, 2025, the time had come: right in the heart of Vienna, in the bustling Lugner City, the shopping center was transformed into a stage for the fascinating world of karate. Organized by the Association of Viennese Karate-Do Clubs, athletes from various clubs came together – including of course us from the Rebels Karateclub Wien – to share our passion for Shotokan Karate with the public.

Autumn Gasshuku with Shihan Tatsuya Naka

A special training weekend with Shihan Tatsuya Naka (7th Dan, Shotokan Karate) and the Rebels Karateclub. The master instructor is known worldwide for his impressive technique, precise movements and the unique ability to convey the essence of Shotokan Karate.

The event focused on essential Budo principles with detailed kata analysis, practical application through partner exercises and emphasis on discipline, respect and harmony. Dr. Christian Osterbauer organized the gathering, which proved to be an inspiring experience demonstrating the tradition and depth of Shotokan Karate.

15th Karate Austria Day 2024 – New Participation Record

Over 200 participants from Austria and Germany attended the 15th Karate Austria Day at the Stadthalle Steyr – a new participation record! The two-day event offered 15 diverse training topics, including Kata & Bunkai, Kobudo (traditional weapons training), Kumite and Kyusho (vital point principles), as well as obstacle courses for children.

An experienced team led by Ferdi Yanardag and office secretary Helene Ely ensured smooth operations from registration to catering. On Saturday evening, a communal dinner was held where the “60th Anniversary Trailer of Karate Austria/OKB” was premiered.

Ruiji in Japan: A Semester Abroad Full of Karate and Culture

Ruiji spent a semester abroad in Tokyo at Waseda University, combining academic studies with elite karate training. The university is known for its highly professional karate team, which brings together top athletes from across the country for intensive training and knowledge exchange.

Beyond sports, Ruiji explored Tokyo’s cultural landscape – from historic temples like Senso-ji to modern technology districts. Training with top Japanese athletes provided mentoring and friendship opportunities.

The experience combined the best of both worlds: technical advancement in karate while fostering international connections and cultural understanding during his five-month stay.

Process Support for Efficient Club Management – Register Now

Sport Austria offers a professional development course on process optimization in club management, led by Ing. Edvin Kuric, BSc. The workshop is aimed at club members, officials and coaches who want to modernize their workflows and use resources efficiently.

Course Content

• Critical process analysis
• Identifying weak points
• Innovative organizational tools
• Introduction to automation
• Artificial intelligence applications

The interactive training was specifically developed for sports organizations. The course took place on September 13, 2024 from 1:00 to 5:00 PM online, with a maximum of 30 participants.

2nd Rebels Training Camp 2024 in Carinthia

The Rebels Karateclub held its second training camp in late August at Carinthia’s Ebene Reichenau – a week full of karate, fun and team spirit – a highlight of the year!

The event offered practitioners of all skill levels varied daily training sessions focusing on technique, kata training, kumite sessions and a belt examination.

Team-building activities included rope competitions and creative challenges, with evenings of barbecues and nature excursions. The coaches led intensive sessions developing coordination, strength, endurance and flexibility.

World First: Referee in a Pocket – AI Prototype for Karate Sparring

The world’s first prototype of an automated solution for attack detection in semi-contact sports was presented – specifically for Karate Kumite (sparring). This AI-powered technology analyzes video footage using machine learning and advanced image processing to revolutionize competition scoring.

Technical Implementation

The technical implementation uses YOLOv3 for participant identification and LSTM networks for analyzing attack sequences. Tests showed a 97.47% classification accuracy for technique recognition and point scoring.

The system detects potential rule violations with a precision previously unavailable to referees.

Passed with Distinction: Edvin Kuric Completes State-Certified Karate Coaching Program

Edvin Kuric has completed the state-certified karate coaching program at BSPA Graz on April 20 with distinction – a personal milestone and a gain for the Rebels Karateclub and the entire karate community.

His thesis “Practical-methodical approaches to developing reaction speed in combat sports” examined critical principles of rapid reaction development. The presentation received high praise from examiners and attendees.

Kuric looks forward to implementing this knowledge in club training. His success exemplifies the importance of lifelong learning. With his expertise and passion, he strengthens Austria’s karate community through applied knowledge and mentoring.

Final Symposium of the Alliance for Sports Engineering Education (A4SEE)

The final symposium on December 14, 2023, at TU Delft brought together experts, scientists and students from several countries to present innovations in sports technology. Club official Edvin Kuric attended as a participant and gained deeper insights into the field.

Highlights

• Keynote presentations by renowned speakers on the latest trends in sports technology
• Interactive lectures on innovative approaches
• Innovation exhibition featuring university projects from institutions worldwide – from revolutionary sports equipment to AI-powered training systems

The symposium served as a platform for knowledge exchange and networking. A4SEE’s mission connects sports engineering and education, fostering the next generation of innovators.