FIJLKAM Karate Coppa Italia – Serie B

A new stage for Italy's rising karate talent

The FIJLKAM Karate Coppa Italia – Serie B is one of the most exciting additions to the Italian competitive karate scene. Launched in 2026 by the Italian Federation of Judo, Wrestling, Karate, and Martial Arts (FIJLKAM), this national tournament is specifically tailored for athletes who are building their competitive path and previously lacked a major event to test their skills. The concept is simple yet effective: providing everyone the chance to compete against opponents of their own level, where every match truly counts.

The event has chosen the "Raul Micheli" PalaGolfo in Follonica, in the heart of the Maremma region in the province of Grosseto, as its home. For two days, the sports hall transforms into a massive, interconnected tatami arena, with multiple competition areas running simultaneously, packed stands, and the electric atmosphere of a true national sporting event.

The "Serie B" of karate: who it's for

The football comparison is intentional: just as there are different tiers in soccer, the Coppa Italia Serie B represents the championship for those who are not (yet) among the top-ranked athletes nationally. The Serie A—the Italian Championships and international circuits—remains reserved for the elite, while this competition opens its doors to the wider base of the movement.

• Eligible participants include Cadets, Juniors, Under 21s, and Seniors who are not ranked in the national top 10 (top 5 for Seniors based on the 2025 Italian Championships).
• For Esordienti (Beginners), only the top 5 finishers from the 2025 Italian Championships are excluded.
• Athletes compete in both disciplines: kata (forms) and kumite (combat).

The result is a balanced and educational competition where young karateka can gain match experience, engage with official regulations, and grow in a controlled, high-quality environment.

Major event numbers

The inaugural edition confirmed the massive interest in this format: 1,216 athletes representing 236 clubs stepped onto the PalaGolfo tatami, totaling about 3,000 people including coaches, staff, and delegations. These numbers turned Follonica into one of the capitals of Italian karate for an entire weekend.

Follonica, the Maremma, and sport

Overlooking the gulf of the same name, Follonica is one of the most vibrant towns on the Tuscan coast, always attentive to sporting events that bring the season to life. Hosting a national event of this scale is a significant showcase for the municipality and the entire Tuscany region, which collaborated on the organization with the FIJLKAM Tuscan Regional Committee. For families and fans in attendance, the trip is also the perfect opportunity to explore the Maremma coastline and the Grosseto hinterland.

Free admission

One of the most appreciated features of the event is its openness to the public: admission is free. Anyone can watch the matches, support the athletes, and experience the atmosphere of a major martial arts competition up close.