Samuel Fanny: Seychelles’ Rising Kyokushin Karate Star

In the world of full-contact karate, few young athletes rise as quickly or as impressively as Samuel Fanny of Seychelles. In just a few years of dedicated training, this teenager has claimed world junior titles, completed one of Kyokushin’s toughest physical tests, earned his black belt, and been received by two presidents of Seychelles. His story is one of discipline, perseverance, and national pride.

Early Path and Breakthrough

Samuel trains in Kyokushin karate under the guidance of experienced instructors, including Shihan Phillip (Philip) Moustache, an 8th Dan practitioner with more than five decades in the art. As of mid-2026, he had been practicing for about four years.

His competitive debut came in October 2024 at the 1st World Junior Karate Championship (International Karate Alliance Kyokushin Ryu) in Tianjin, China. Competing in the Junior Male Kata (ages 15–16) category, Fanny won the world junior kata title on his first international outing. The achievement earned him an invitation to State House, where then-President Wavel Ramkalawan welcomed him, praised his discipline and resilience, and held him up as an inspiration for Seychellois youth. Fanny was accompanied by coaches including Shihan Phillip Moustache, Shihan Phillip Verghese, and Sempai Ahloon Hosap.

A Remarkable 2025

The following year cemented his reputation. In July 2025, at age 16, Fanny successfully completed the grueling 30-man fight (San Ju Nin Kumite) at the Young Lions Dojo in Belonie. Facing a succession of opponents under full-contact Kyokushin rules, he became the youngest local karateka to achieve the feat. Fellow practitioners provided support between rounds as the intensity increased; he finished still standing, demonstrating the “Spirit of Osu.” Only a handful of Seychellois have completed this test since it was introduced locally in the 1990s.

In September 2025 he traveled to Singapore for the Lion City Karate Championships and won the over-65kg junior category under IKA full-contact rules, with teammate Anthony Lim Sam placing fourth.

He closed the year by grading to 1st Dan black belt, capping what local reports described as a revolutionary year of major milestones at age 16.

Continuing Success in 2026

In 2026, seventeen-year-old Fanny again shone at the 2nd World Kyokushin-Ryu Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan. He was recognized as a two-time world champion in kata (with reports describing both a junior title retention and a strong overall placing). On 11 August 2026, President Dr Patrick Herminie received him and coach Phillip Moustache at State House to congratulate him on the achievement and reaffirm government support for young athletes. Fanny noted he was preparing for local competition while looking ahead to further international events.

Why His Story Matters

Kyokushin is known for its demanding physical and mental requirements. Completing a 30-man fight as a teenager, winning world junior kata titles, competing successfully in full-contact kumite, and earning black-belt rank in a short span illustrate exceptional commitment. Coaches and national leaders have repeatedly highlighted the values of discipline, perseverance, and determination that Fanny embodies—qualities that extend beyond the dojo.

For a small island nation, international sporting success carries special weight. Fanny’s rapid progress and high-level results have made him a visible role model for young Seychellois and a source of national pride. With strong coaching support and continued hard work, he is well positioned for further achievements on the world stage.

Samuel Fanny’s journey is still early, but it already shows what focused training, resilient character, and the right guidance can produce. Seychelles—and the broader Kyokushin community—will be watching closely as this young champion continues to develop.