On November 29th and 30th 2008 only once every four years, the 3rd International Karate Organization Kyokushin Kaikan Matsushima World Open Tournament and 2nd I.K.O. Matsushima Female Weight Category Open Tournament was successfully held at Isesaki Citizen Gymnasium with a full audience during both days.
The opening ceremony started with the marching of all 176 contestants who had strong kyokushin spirit from 35 countries world wide.
This followed by the hoisting of the nation's flag, a speech from the Vice President of I.K.O. Matsushima Kyokushin Kaikan, Hanshi Tylor, John says “Some of contestants of this championship has strong spirit and open minded attitude, although their country may have some issues of dispute in between them.”
In addition to that, Kancho Matsushima has cheered the contestants by saying “I would like to work toward the objective as a bloomed flower standing strong in the cold, shivering wind.”

And finally, Tatsuya Katakai represents an oath of a fighters’ spirit to start the championship