Christian Buffaloe, local Kyokushin Karate fighter, won first place in the men's Lightweight Division of the Japan-sponsored Kyokushin Karate USWC Championships in Los Angeles Sunday. 

In the final match, Buffaloe faced strong Japanese fighter Kohtaroh Zushi in a very tough and technical fight. 

Buffaloe won by judge's decision, driving his opponent off the mat several times with a punching attack. 

In addition, Buffaloe won the best technique award for his performance, a high honor in a Kyokushin Karate tournament. 

The Kyokushin Karate USWC Championships this year also served as a qualifying tournament for entry into the 13th Kyokushin Karate World Open Championships in Tokyo in November. This tournament is bare knuckle full contact knockdown fighting with no rank or weight divisions.

By winning first place in the Los Angeles tournament, Buffaloe is now entered into the Kyokushin Karate World Open Championships as a top competitor representing the USA and North Carolina. Only the best 200 fighters in the world ever qualify to fight in this event, which is only held once every four years.

Sensei Kenny Buffaloe, Christian’s trainer and coach said, "I am very proud of Christian and this great accomplishment. I trained him very hard to take full advantage of this rare opportunity that only a few fighters ever realize. He will be prepared to fight at his full ability at the World Championships in November.”

Christian said is very thankful and appreciative for all the help and support he has received. When he competes in these international championships, he not only fights for himself, but for the USA and North Carolina. 

Christian hopes his accomplishments will inspire other area youth to work hard to also realize their dreams and aspirations. 

With hard work and effort, anything is possible. 

Christian teaches weekly Kyokushin Karate classes to share his knowledge and experience with area students – a way of giving back to the local community, he said.