On May 25, Hungary will be host to the country’s first martial arts convention MAX2014 in the Syma arena in Budapest, displaying over ten disciplines and various martial arts styles, Minister of State for Sports István Simicskó said at a press conference on Tuesday.

He said that these events do not have a tradition in Hungary, but are well worth supporting. He said the event – which the organizers hope to be the beginning of an annual tradition – was sponsored by the Ministry with HUF 4 million (EUR 13,000).

Ádám S. Kovács, karate World Champion and main organizer of the event said that Romania, Slovakia, Sweden and the Ukraine have already registered and at least 500 participants are expected. He added that the aim of the event is to promote a healthier lifestyle but also to provide a meeting platform for martial arts practitioners, fans, coaches and equipment manufacturers.

Besides martial arts demonstrations, the Expo will host sales areas, open training sessions and seminars.

(Ministry of Human Resources)