Traditional Karate: The AIKT National Championships will be held at the PalaEnergica Paolo Ferraris.

On Monday, June 1st and Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026, the PalaEnergica Paolo Ferraris will host the AIKT – Italian Traditional Karate Academy National Championships, organized by Yudanshakai Casale with the patronage of the City of Casale Monferrato. The event marks the return of one of the most significant events in Italian traditional karate to Casale Monferrato, with a new look following the establishment in 2024 of AIKT, a national organization presided over by Casalese master Valerio Polello, founder and technical director of Yudanshakai Casale. Approximately three hundred black belt athletes, aged 12 to 40, will compete in individual and team kata, individual and team kumite, and fukugo, a traditional karate specialty that alternates kata and kumite to determine the most complete athlete. The organization, coordinated by Yudanshakai Casale, will also involve approximately sixty referees and jury presidents, as well as approximately one hundred instructors and coaches from across Italy, along with accompanying adults and families who will have the opportunity to explore the city and the Monferrato region. Delivering greetings from the City Administration to Master Valerio Polello, Yudanshakai coaches Masters Lele Berrone and Chiara Polello, and the athletes of the Yudanshakai competitive team, Deputy Mayor Luca Novelli stated: "Casale Monferrato once again confirms its vocation for hosting sporting events of national importance. Traditional karate is a discipline that instills important educational values, linked to respect, commitment, and the personal growth of young people. We thank Master Valerio Polello, Yudanshakai Casale, and all the volunteers and collaborators who, with professionalism and passion, make this event possible, bringing hundreds of athletes and families to the city." Admission to the event is free, and the competition schedule includes: Monday, June 1st: 9:30 a.m. preliminary rounds; 5:00 p.m. individual and team kata finals, Kumite and Fukugo for the Beginner, Cadet, and Hope categories. Tuesday, June 2nd: 9:00 a.m. preliminary rounds; 1:00 p.m. Kumite and Fukugo finals for the Junior, Senior, and Team categories.