ARTICLE INFO abstract Background: Karate training despite of the many positive aspects also carries the risk of accidents and injuries especially when taking part in organized training for competition and winning. The aim of the study was to evaluate the traumatic body injuries of female and male athletes participating in Kyokushin Karate European Cup in 2015 and XLIV Polish Karate Kyokushin Championships in 2017. Material and Methods: The questionnaire survey was conducted among 61 elite

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... kyokushin athletes competing in Polish and European tournament divided into two groups. The first group consisted of 40 males and the second group consisted of 21 female athletes. Respondents completing the survey were asked to answer questions about the training experience, stage, severity of the trainee, frequency of other exercises, using protectors to avoid the injury, frequently recurring injuries, how many times during training or competition a particular part of the body was injured and about serious or permanent damage. Results: The common injuries were: contusions (91%) and joint injuries (49%) related to the left foot (23%) and right hand (19%). There was not statistically significant difference in the types of injuries between study groups except of joint injuries of the left foot (p=0.002) and back injuries (p=0.017). Conclusion: Males suffers injuries than women. Hands and feet are the most vulnerable part susceptible to injuries from karate kyokushin fighters. Most of athletes are willing to use protection of central parts and striking surfaces. Women athletes are slightly more prone to use protective equipment than male athletes.