NIJI YAMA DOJO

NIJI YAMA DOJO is a Kyokushin Karate dojo in Belgium led by Shihan Koen Spitaels, 6th Dan and Branch Chief. He has owned the non-profit dojo since 1993 and has been practicing karate since the age of 15.

At 18, Shihan Koen joined the Belgian national team and competed internationally for approximately 17 years. His competitive career includes nine Belgian Championship titles, three Dutch Open victories, the American Open – Sosai Oyama Trophy, the Swiss Open and the London tournament. He was also runner-up at the British Open and competed at major international tournaments in Japan, including the Okinawa and Fukuoka Open Weight Championships. At the World Championship under Sosai Oyama, he reached 5th place. He completed the 50-man Kumite, becoming the first Belgian to accomplish the challenge, and won the Oyama Cup in Poland. In kata, he became Belgian Champion three times.

After retiring from competition, Shihan Koen served as coach of the Belgian national team for 17 years. In 2016, he became WKO National Representative for Belgium and Branch Chief.

Shihan Koen is also actively involved in the development of full-contact and inclusive karate. He is a board member of the European Fullcontact Karate Organisation (EFKO) and WFKO, organizes EFKO camps and championships, and serves as President of the Lenny Project Diamond Cup and co-organizer of the I-Karate World Championship.

Since 2012, he has promoted karate for people with disabilities. Together with Eric Bortels, he co-founded I-Karate Global, an international organization that has grown to include members from around 30 countries.

Training at NIJI YAMA DOJO combines traditional Kyokushin Karate with extensive international competition and coaching experience. Classes include kihon, kata, kumite, physical conditioning and competition preparation for practitioners of different ages and levels.