On March 29, 2026, the 4th Open Kudo France took place in the Paris region, in the town of St Arnoult en Yvelines.

During this international tournament, attended by representatives from 7 countries, a Masters +45 years old  category competition was held.

This is consistent with KIF’s commitment to encourage and develop Kudo practice at all ages, notably through the introduction of +45 and +55 age categories in continental competitions, in preparation for the next World Championship in 2027 in Tokyo Japan.

Five competitors were registered in this +45 year-old category: 4 from France and 1 from Lithuania.

A series of highly competitive matches culminated in a final between France and Lithuania, represented by Fabrice Cario and Arunas Jasinskas.

Fabrice Cario won the match, following a fiercely contested extension-round.

A special trophy was presented to the oldest competitor of the day: Gilles Gautier from the “Kudo Paris Nord” branch (60 years old).