Dave Kientz wins British Open and European Cup

Dave Kientz (23) from Tilburg won the BKK British Open 2026 in London on Saturday 3 October, in the open lightweight class up to 70 kilos. The tournament also counted as the IFK Cup of Europe, so Dave took two titles in one day. He also received the Spirit Prize, for the fighter who shows the most fighting spirit.

Dave won three fights. In the quarter-final he beat Kristian Rødland from Norway by ippon. In the semi-final he won on points against Daniel Gimeno from Spain. He decided the final against Lluis Rotgla Peiro from Spain with two waza-ari.

“A great team effort”, says Dave. “It feels great to be back at my level and to feel good on the mat.”

Dave trains in Tilburg at Mahakala Martial Arts and fights for IFK Netherlands.

Footage: IFKKarateTV. Music: davidjbarrios (Pixabay).