Israeli pride is preparing for battle in Tokyo. Natan Levy, a professional martial artist and third-degree black belt in karate, has been invited to represent Israel at the Kyokushin Karate World Championship to be held in Tokyo, Japan, on April 27.
"I'm excited to announce that I have been invited to represent Israel at the Kyokushin Karate World Championship in Tokyo", Levy declares enthusiastically. "I am the only athlete invited to represent Israel, and I am very proud of that!".
Levy, who began his martial arts journey at the age of 15, has grown to become one of Israel's leading fighters on the international stage. His story begins in Paris, France, where he was born, but he moved to Israel at a young age. His professional path in martial arts developed rapidly – at 17, he received his black belt in Kung Fu, and a year later, at 18, he received his black belt in karate in Okinawa, Japan.
The upcoming competition poses a significant challenge for Levy. "The rules are full-contact Kyokushin, the competition is very tough, and only the best are selected for this competition", he explains. Kyokushin karate, known for its tough fights and rules allowing full contact, is considered one of the most challenging karate styles.
Preparations for the championship have already begun. Levy flew to Japan to start training with Shihan Arthur Hovhannisyan, a world-renowned coach. "We're working on my fitness, sharpening my strikes, and adapting to the competition rules", Levy describes the intensive preparations for the event.
The competition in Japan represents a significant change in Levy's career, who until recently was part of the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). After four years and a 2-2 record in the prestigious organization, Levy decided to head in a new direction.
"This is a sport with a short time window. I will return to the UFC in the future. I'm in a period and time window where I can make big money and fulfill dreams, there are opportunities too good and too big that looking forward I cannot miss", Levy explained in an interview with the Sports Channel.
His decision to leave the UFC wasn't easy, but he explains that it stemmed from his desire to compete more frequently. "I requested 2 fights a year from the UFC, I saw that it was barely possible to secure one per year and there was no close date", he recounts. "I wanted to fulfill the dream and participate in the Karate World Championship in Japan, in front of 30,000 people, I couldn't do that in the UFC".
The Karate World Championship in Tokyo is considered one of the largest fighting events in the world. For Levy, this is a historic opportunity – Israel still doesn't have a world champion in karate, and he hopes to be the first. "There are big dreams and huge economic opportunities that I couldn't miss", he explains on X. "Maybe I'll return in two years, after I've fulfilled my dreams and aspirations. Right now, the first dream will begin in April".
Levy's journey in martial arts is particularly impressive. After successfully managing a karate dojo in Tel Aviv, he decided to take his skills to the next level. In pursuit of excellence, he moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, to train and compete in mixed martial arts under the guidance of coach Jimmy Gifford.
As a fighter, Levy embodies the fighting spirit and determination for which martial arts are known. During his residence in Las Vegas, he continued to train vigorously and pursue his dreams of becoming a world champion.
The upcoming challenge at the Kyokushin Karate World Championship represents a significant opportunity for Levy to showcase his abilities in the discipline where he began his journey. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and despite the short notice, I'm giving it my all as always", he promises.
In fact, for Israel, Levy's participation in the World Championship is a source of sublime national pride. A man of high standing who represents the State of Israel throughout the world, a respected figure in the global arena, and we in Israel are filled with great pride in him, our hearts rejoice as we see him rushing into battle with the Israeli flag raised in his hand.
As the only Israeli athlete called to stand in this high-level competition, Levy carries on his shoulders the weight of an entire country's hopes. He is not merely competing for a personal crown – he is Israel's representative in the international arena, and he does so with great honor.
Levy's relentless aspiration for perfection and his intense passion for martial arts position him as an impressive athlete and a role model for fighters aspiring to excellence. Now, with the golden opportunity to participate in the World Championship, he stands one step closer to fulfilling his noble vision – to be the first Israeli to be crowned a world champion in karate.
The championship will take place in Tokyo on April 27, and all of Israel will proudly watch Levy as he faces the world's best athletes, carrying the country's flag high and representing it with honor and glory.
Photo: From Mr. Levy's official Facebook page, in accordance with Section 27a of the Copyright Law
