Alejandro Navarro — one of the most decorated European fighters in the history of IKO Kyokushinkaikan

Biography

Alejandro Navarro is a legendary Spanish Kyokushin fighter and one of the most recognized European athletes in modern IKO Kyokushinkaikan. Over his career he became a multiple European champion, world champion, World Cup winner, and champion of Japan — an achievement considered extremely rare for European fighters.

Navarro was born on Gran Canaria. As a child he trained in various martial arts, including taekwondo and hapkido. Later, during a visit to relatives on Fuerteventura, he discovered Kyokushin and decided to dedicate himself entirely to the style.

Navarro subsequently moved to Fuerteventura for serious training and gradually became one of the leaders of the European Kyokushin school.

Path to Kyokushin

Navarro’s professional career began to develop actively in the early 2000s. Already in 2002 he won the Polish Championship in the under-80 kg weight category and entered the ranks of Europe’s strongest fighters.

From the mid-2000s, Alejandro began consistently winning major IKO European tournaments. He became particularly well known for his performances in the absolute category, where he successfully competed against Russian, Japanese, and Bulgarian heavyweights.

Navarro is also recognized for his long braided beard. K-1 officials once asked him to change his appearance to participate in their tournaments, but he refused.

World Open performances

Alejandro Navarro competed in multiple IKO Absolute World Championships.

His key results:

  • 2007 — 6th place at the IKO Absolute World Championship.

Also:

  • 2019 — reached the top 32 at the IKO Absolute World Championship.

For many years, Navarro was considered one of the most consistent European fighters at the world level.

Wins and podium finishes

World Championships

IKO world champion in weight category;

  • 2009 — silver medalist at the World Championship;
  • 2007 — 6th place at the IKO World Open.

European Championships

Alejandro Navarro is a 17-time European champion, including 9 victories at Absolute European Championships.

Confirmed titles:

  • 2006 — European champion;
  • 2007 — European champion;
  • 2008 — two-time European champion;
  • 2009 — two-time European champion;
  • 2010 — European champion;
  • 2015 — European champion;
  • 2016 — European champion;
  • 2018 — European champion;
  • 2023 — European champion in the heavyweight category.

Beyond his victories, Navarro has claimed numerous silver and bronze medals at European championships.

All Japan Open

  • 2009 — silver medalist at the Japan Championship;
  • 2012 — champion of Japan;
  • 2013 — silver medalist at the Japan Championship.

A European fighter winning the Japan Championship is considered one of the most prestigious achievements in world Kyokushin.

Americas Championships

  • 2013 — bronze medalist at the All American Open;
  • 2017 — silver medalist at the All American Open;
  • 2018 — winner of the All American Open.

IKO International Tournaments

  • 2013 — World Cup winner;

winner and medalist at major IKO international tournaments;

one of the leaders of the European Kyokushin school.

Special awards

Fighting Spirit Award

  • 2023 — Best Fighting Spirit award at the Open Baltic Cup.