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LOS ANGELES, CA – Christian Buffaloe, local Kyokushin Karate fighter and instructor, recently gained 2nd place in the Japan sponsored Kyokushin Karate USWC Championships held Feb. 4 in Los Angeles.

Buffaloe made it into the finals to go up against strong Japanese fighter Kazuma Koike in an intense match. Buffaloe knocked his opponent down several times but was unable to score any clear points. After several fouls and penalties, Buffaloe lost by judge’s decision.

In Kyokushin Karate tournaments, a fighter has to knock his opponent out or two complete knockdowns and unable to continue the match in order to win.

Kyokushin Karate is bareknuckle, full contact fighting with no gloves or protective equipment allowed. There are also no weight or rank divisions. A fighter has to be prepared to take on any opponent regardless of their size, experience, or skill set.

Buffaloe was the winner of the 2020 and 2023 Kyokushin Karate USWC Championships. He was disappointed that he could not win for a third time this year, but very grateful for the opportunity and support. He promises to train even harder for the next event.

Buffaloe trains locally under Sensei Kenny Buffaloe, the North Carolina Kyokushin Karate Representative and chief instructor.

Christian Buffaloe’s final match caught the attention of Kyokushin Karate Black Belt and action movie star Michael Jai White, who was a guest at the tournament. White was very impressed with Buffaloe’s fighting style and offered advice and tips for future competitions. Buffaloe was honored and very appreciative to White for his input and interest in his matches.

White is the star of several popular action movies, including The Dark Knight, Never Back Down, Undisputed Truth, The Mike Tyson Story, and Spawn.

For more information on Kyokushin Karate and area training classes, call or text (252) 589-4281.