This comes after the African team did not perform as well as expected at the second European Open karate tournament in Russia last week.

“Although we didn’t perform well, the Russian coach was very impressed with the way our guys fought and he wants to help our fighters to become better. The Russians are the best knockdown fighters (kumite) in the world – and we can only better ourselves by involving them,” Hennie Bosman, chairman of Kyokushkin-kan Africa, said.

Zrumov will be based in Cape Town in December.

The Russian president of Kyokushin-kan Mikhail Slipenchuck will also strenghten bonds with South Africa.

“It’s great to have a good relationship with Russia. We can only benefit and improve on the world rankings with their help and expertise.

“I have also presented a training camp in Russia earlier this year which was a massive success.

“We already see this as the starting point in our preparation for next year’s World Championships,” an upbeat Bosman said.