Among the local competitors taking part was Grayson Pullen-Burry, 16, who said he really enjoyed getting back into competition.
"I did karate for four years and then I had a break for three years, and came back three months ago," he said. "I really like the thrill of it ... and the main thing is meeting new friends."
Pullen-Burry won his division in kata and placed second in kumite behind Australian Taazjay Bryers, 15. He said they were his two favourite disciplines.
Pullen-Burry, who attends Western Heights High School, said he decided to return to the sport after seeing some old karate mates.
"Just after grand master [Hanshi Inuhaere] passed away, I caught up with all my old friends. It made me want to get back into it."
He said it was an important tournament this year, as the competitors remembered grand master Inuhaere and fellow Rotorua club member Allen Anderson, who was also a big part of martial arts in the area. They both died this year.
Inuhaere, a 9th dan black belt, set up the Gosoku Kai Family Martial Arts Centre in Rotorua and has been a big part of martial arts in New Zealand over the past 50 years.
He was also well respected overseas as a martial arts teacher.
His daughter Kyoshi Natasha Inuhaere organised the tournament on Saturday which is now in its fifth year in Rotorua.
She said feedback she received was the quality of competition this year was very high. Many entries for next year's tournament have already been received.
The Gosoku Kai Family Martial Arts Centre operates dojo in Rotorua, Taumarunui and Ngakuru.
