Russian “CyberKarate” Conquers the IT-Planet 2025 International Tech Olympiad
The Nizhny Novgorod–based CyberKarate project has clinched first place in the Phygital SportTech Innovations Cup at IT‑Planet 2025, demonstrating how cutting-edge VR and AR solutions can transform martial‑arts training and expand access to safe, immersive workouts for millions
A New Champion Emerges in Phygital Sport
Attracting over 20,000 students and professionals from 15 countries, the IT‑Planet Olympiad aims to identify and support top ICT talent while promoting digital solutions in sport and physical culture. From those entrants, 360 finalists advanced through rigorous online qualifying rounds. In the “Phygital SportTech Innovations 2025” Cup—held as part of the Olympiad—the Nizhny Novgorod team’s CyberKarate project took the top honor in the “Digital Environments and VR/AR Technologies in Sport” category, impressing an international jury with its analytical approach and human‑centered design.
Innovating Martial‑Arts Training with VR
Developed by students of the Faculty of Physical Culture and Sport at Lobachevsky State University, in collaboration with the Nizhny Novgorod Ministry of Sport and the Olympic Sports School, CyberKarate is a virtual‑reality training system that enables athletes to practice strikes and refine technical‑tactical skills without the risk of injury. Using a VR simulator modeled on the traditional makiwara target, practitioners engage in gamified drills that adapt to individual performance data.
In Russia, karate ranks second among martial arts, with over five million children age 3–18 participating nationwide. The CyberKarate team addressed key challenges: reducing downtime from impact injuries and mitigating coaching shortages in rural areas. Unique to their system is the ability to import a photo of an upcoming opponent, allowing athletes to acclimate mentally to fight‑specific scenarios rather than faceless avatars, thereby sharpening both psychological resilience and tactical awareness.
Phygital Sport’s Promise for Everyday Fitness
Phygital sport—where virtual competition intertwines with real‑world physicality—is reshaping both professional athletics and active leisure. According to project lead Aleksandr Ermilychev, a master of sport and instructor at the Olympic Sports School, CyberKarate is poised to rival foreign VR‑based training platforms in global digital bouts.
Equipped with the latest VR and AR technologies, modern phygital systems deliver hyperrealistic environments that boost engagement and performance. Though initially adopted by elite clubs and federations, phygital equipment is steadily entering consumer markets, appealing to health‑conscious individuals seeking interactive workouts. CyberKarate’s scalable design makes it a compelling option for sports academies, fitness centers, and even home setups.
Victory at IT‑Planet 2025 not only cements Nizhny Novgorod’s reputation as an IT talent hub but also opens doors for commercial launches via the region’s IT campus, international showcases, and accelerators. With plans to roll out CyberKarate across Russia—and adapt it for global markets—the team is gearing up to bring phygital martial‑arts training to a whole new audience.
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