Tournament story
The legendary Bohemia Cup – a tournament whose tradition dates back to 1977 – is returning to the scene. Even at its inception, it was an exceptional sporting event that was unparalleled in the world.
At a time when karate was often only tolerated in the countries of the former Eastern Bloc and stood outside the mainstream of sporting events, a bold idea emerged in what was then Czechoslovakia – to organize an international tournament that would bring together karatekas from the "East" and the "West." The Bohemia Cup thus became a symbol of sporting courage, openness, and the desire to overcome boundaries – not only sporting ones, but political ones as well.
The very first years welcomed competitors from Yugoslavia, Poland, France, Austria and West Germany. The tournament quickly gained respect and recognition from the global karate community and over the following years became one of the most prestigious international competitions of its kind. Leading figures in world karate competed in packed sports halls and the Bohemia Cup became a celebration of the sport.
One of the historic moments of the tournament was the edition held at Prague's Sazka Arena (now O2 Arena), one of the largest halls in Europe with a capacity of over 17,000 spectators. The last 31st edition in 2007 in Brno was a spectacular showcase of world-class competitors and a symbolic end to an era.
Now, after almost two decades, 2026 is coming—and with it the return of a legend. The Bohemia Cup is reopening its chapter and once again becoming an essential stop for the world's best karatekas. The tournament that made history is ready to make it again.
