IFK Poland Summer Camp 2024

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From 21 to 31 July, the picturesque seaside town of Łeba hosted a memorable karate camp organised by the Polish IFK Karate Organisation. Participants from Przemyśl, Medyka, Katowice and Wrocław came together for ten days of intensive training, sharing their passion and commitment to improving their martial arts skills.

The daily training schedule was structured with four sessions per day, offering participants a comprehensive programme designed to hone their skills and push their limits. The training was divided into specialised modules:

Kumite: These sessions focused on preparing participants for upcoming tournaments and provided an opportunity to hone fighting skills. They were also instrumental in selecting the team for the upcoming British Open tournament.

Kata: Karatekas immersed themselves in the art of forms with an emphasis on precision and tradition. The sessions were part of the preparation for the World Championships in October and helped to build a strong national team.

General training: These sessions were designed to build overall physical stamina and technical skills, while fostering the mental resilience required of a true warrior.

The camp benefited from the expertise of an outstanding team of instructors, including Shihan Jan Wac, Sensei Sylwester Gołąbek, Sensei Janusz Młot, Sensei Olgierd Kempa, Senpai Marcin Wac, Senpai Rafał Wieczorowski and Senpai Bartek Malec. A special guest who shared his vast knowledge and expertise was the world renowned fighter - Senpai Grzegorz Kędzierski. Their guidance ensured that each session was both challenging and enriching, allowing the participants to grow as martial artists.

A highlight of the camp were the examinations for both student and master ranks. We are pleased to announce that Sensei Olgierd Kempa achieved the 3rd Dan and Senpai Iga Sczygieł the 1st Dan, marking significant milestones in their karate journeys.

Beyond the rigorous training, the camp was also a time of camaraderie and shared experiences. The seaside setting provided the perfect backdrop for the participants to bond and create lasting memories. As the camp drew to a close, the atmosphere was filled with a mixture of exhaustion and fulfilment, a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.

As we reflect on this unforgettable experience, we eagerly look forward to the next gathering, where we will continue to strive for excellence in our martial arts journey. Osu!

Boot Camp Kyokushin - IFK ROMANIA

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Between July 26-28, Kyokushin Boot Camp -IFK ROMANIA organized by Power Karate Dojo, Sensei Laurentiu Bobocea took place under the auspices of IFK ROMANIA, where we invited Shihan Eddy Gabathuler 8 Dan country representative IFK Switzerland and member of the IFK board. The camp was attended by representatives of IFK ROMANIA dojos and the focus was on Kata, preparation for the World Championship and military training. 
Boot Camp Kyokushin - IFK ROMANIA takes place every year at the end of July, and Shihan Eddy has already confirmed his presence for the next year, 2025. Congratulations to the organizing club and to Sensei Laurentiu, thanks to Shihan Eddy for the lessons offered and to all the 
participants!

IFK Switzerland Summer Camp 2024

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The annual IFK Switzerland Kyokushinkai summer camp was held from July 20th to 23rd at the Schlossfeld Sports Complex in Willisau. This year, we were honored to have Shihan David Pickthall, 7th DAN and President of the IFK, as an instructor and special guest. Over 90 Karatekas from 15 Dojos gathered to benefit from Shihan David's expertise and the presence of all the Swiss Shihans.

The training sessions were organized by belt color to help participants consolidate their existing knowledge while challenging them with new concepts and techniques. Classic Kihon sessions were complemented with innovative methods to enhance both physical and mental flexibility. Higher grades particularly benefited from Bunkai training, deepening their understanding of the practical applications of Katas. Our national Kata team also prepared intensively for the upcoming world championships in October. Additionally, a referee course on Kata was conducted on Sunday evening by our referee committee.

Among the many training activities, the 30-man Kumite on Monday afternoon stood out as a crowning finale. Participants applied their newly acquired skills in this rigorous and thrilling challenge.

Despite the intense summer heat, the camp was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the cultivation of both old and new friendships. The Sayonara Party, with a "Black and White" dress code, showcased some newfound talents and evoked a few tears as the camp came to a close.

We reflect on an instructive, sweaty, occasionally painful, but always motivating summer camp filled with great atmosphere and camaraderie. We eagerly anticipate next year's camp, scheduled for July 19th – 22nd, 2025.

Thank you to all who participated and contributed to making this event a remarkable success. See you next year! Osu!

2024 USA-IFK Kyokushin Summer Camp

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The 2024 USA-IFK Kyokushin Summer Camp was held in New York, July 17-21. Our special guest instructors for this years camp were Shihan Janine Davies (6th Dan) and Shihan Chris Davies (5th Dan). Both teachers shared a wealth of knowledge gained in their decades of training, competing and coaching at both a national and international level.

 The 80 plus students who attended were treated to intense training in kata with sessions also devoted to knockdown fighting by two of the top competitors to ever come out of the UK. As many know Shihan Janine has won multiple kata championships competing at the national level and in Europe and was a finalist in the 1st World Kata Championships.

 The camp opened on the evening of Wednesday July 17th with a session the USA-IFK Honbu Dojo in Rochester, New York.  On Thursday and Friday the camp continued with two sessions held each day at Gray Wolf Kyokushin Dojo in Holley, New York.

 There is something about training outdoors and Upstate New York is home to many beautiful parks complete with forests, rivers, and stunning waterfalls. The first session on Saturday was held at the Holley Canal Park which include the Holley Canal Falls. Camp attendees then traveled to the historic and scenic Letchworth State Park. Letchworth State Park has been referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East” and was voted the best park in the United States in 2015! The Genesee River flows through the park which is roughly 17 miles long and includes 14,427 acres and 66 miles of walking trails. After a second morning session and lunch, two more sessions followed in the afternoon.

 On Sunday morning the camp moved to another of New Yorks beautiful parks, the Hamlin Beach State Park where Shihan Janine led beach training on the shores of Lake Ontario. The camp concluded on Sunday afternoon with a session devoted to IFK Kata Competition. This included a detailed breakdown of the judging process and how to be a better judge. For competitors it helped them better understand what judges are looking for and how to avoid simple mistakes to maximize their score.

 Shihan Mike Monaco (8th Dan) would like to extend his sincere gratitude and thanks to both Shihan Janine Davies (6th Dan) and her husband Shihan Chris Davies (5th Dan). Their detailed instruction and Shihan Janine’s demonstrations of kata were an inspiration to everyone! In particular those who are preparing for the upcoming World Kata Championships!

 On behalf of USA-IFK President Shihan Mike Monaco (8th Dan) and IFK-USA Chairman Shihan Sean Schenker (5th Dan), the USA-IFK Kyokushin organization wishes to thank all the staff and volunteers that helped with this years camp. You are the ones who make it all possible! OSU!

 

 

IFK Canada Summer Camp - 2024

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The IFK Canada Summer Camp brought together dojos from Laval, Montreal, Mascouche, St-Fabien, Ste-Luce, Rimouski, and Ste-Anne-des-Monts in a true spirit of camaraderie and family. It was an opportunity for self-improvement during the Kyokushin grading that also took place during the week end.

Shihan Réal, Shihan Gaetan, Shihan Mike Zimmerman, Sensei François, and our guest from Russia, Sensei Sergei, generously shared their expertise in kata, kihon, kumite, and self-defense throughout the weekend. We were also fortunate to participate in a Muay Thai workshop led by Geoffrey Rivière.

The seminar was organized by Sensei Jean François and Shihan Réal. Congratulations to Sensei François, who was honored as IFK Canada's Personality of the Year. The 90 karatekas present left with many new skills. We are very excited for next year's summer camp as we will welcome IFK President Shihan David Pickthall!

IFK Aruba Spring Kyokushin Camp - 2024

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Sensei Zairo Ruiz & Senpai Brian Marchena (IFK Aruba) welcomed Shihan Sean Schenker (USA IFK) & Senpai Jonathan Gonzalez (IFK Costa Rica) to lead the 2024 Aruba Spring training camp. Approximately 50 students of all kyu ranks attended this year's 4-day camp. Hard work, sweat, brother/sisterhood, memorable locations and detailed IFK training were part of the overall experience. The three integral pillars of the IFK (Kihon, Kata, Kumite) were all covered in detail and dedicated to the spirit of the IFK.

Shihan Sean Schenker (5th dan) conveyed his experience on our beautiful island and the enthusiasm which he could feel from all participants at the camp which he led together with multiple International Kyokushin tournaments champion Senpai Jonathan Gonzalez.

The camp ended with Shihan Schenker, Sensei Zairo & Senpai Brian greeting Mr. Jan Hendrik (Endy) Croes, Minister of Education & Sports of Aruba, each receiving the prestigious 4D medal of Aruba from the minister himself:

  • Desire

  • Dedication

  • Discipline

  • Determination

Organized by Tokon Dojo, this was the camp’s second year of many more to come. Our gratitude goes to Sensei Zairo Ruiz (Country Representative IFK Aruba and main instructor Tokon Dojo Aruba) and Senpai Brian Marchena (Instructor Tokon Dojo Aruba) for putting together another amazing camp!

Special thanks to Shihan Monaco for his guidance in opening the doors of the IFK to all. The USA IFK appreciated the opportunity to share with such an incredible dojo in Aruba, and we continue to look forward to making more Kyokushin memories together in the future.  OSU!








OSU!!

The 13th IFK Uruguay Summer Camp

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The 13th IFK Uruguay Summer Camp was held on March 8-10, 2024 in Salinas, Canelones, Uruguay. 

55 karatekas from all the IFK Uruguay dojos and a team from IFK Brazil gathered once again to train together under the guidance of this year Camp´s instructors: Shihan Janine Davies (Head of the IFK Kata Committee), Shihan Jeovaldo Barreto (IFK Brazil Country Representative), and Shihan Germán Carballo (IFK Uruguay Country Representative). 

The Camp started on Thursday evening, with stretching and makiwara exercises guided by Shihan Carballo in the forest. Kiais resonated throughout the whole complex and were the perfect start for the camp setting the mood for the following days.

  

We woke up well before sunrise on Friday and trained renraku and self defense moves on the beach with Shihan Carballo; enjoying the view of a beautiful sunrise. Shihan Davies led the following two sessions where she, as the great master that she is, guided everyone through complex katas in such a way that even red belts could follow katas they´ve never done before. One session took place at the beach and the other one indoors. The first part of the Kuro Obi exam took place between these two training sessions, with two karatekas who gave their best as candidates for their 1st Dan grade.

The day ended with an evening session led by Shihan Barreto, in which he shared all his knowledge and experience as a kumite fighter teaching us several of his signature kicks and combinations.     

          

Saturday also included 4 training sessions, 3 focussed on kata with Shihan Davies and 1 on kumite techniques with Shihan Barreto. The evening kata session was for brown and black belts only, but many of the lower grades were so excited that they asked for permission to watch the class!

Sunday was the last day of our Summer Camp. Shihan Davies led the kata session before breakfast; and the last one was - as always - the kumite session, with the 20-kumite-test for the two kuro obi candidates. The Summer Camp ended with the Instructors' speeches, presenting everyone with their attendance certificates and stamped passports; and congratulating the two new IFK Uruguay Kuro Obis. After the sayonara lunch, everyone returned home. 

A special session was held at night at the Hombu Dojo with kuro obis from Uruguay and Brazil led by Shihan Janine Davies; during which she shared her best tips, tricks and techniques to work on specific sections of difficult katas to help us reach the highest level possible. A barbecue was held afterwards at Shihan Carballo's home where we just relaxed and enjoyed each other's company, stories and anecdotes. 

The Brazilian team returned home on Monday, and we did a little sightseeing with Shihan Janine who joined us in our traditional post-camp stretching session on Monday at the Hombu Dojo. She flew back home on Tuesday afternoon.

We started with the Camp with three countries, three different mother tongues, and one common language: Kyokushin.... by the end of the Camp we added friends to that list! 

 

We want to thank everyone who helped with the organization and those who attended the camp (either training or not). Every Summer Camp is special, but this for sure will be a hard one to forget!

Whilst this Camp has just ended, we are already working towards the next one; see you in 2025!

OSU



The 2023 USA-IFK Summer Camp

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Karatekas joined in Holley, NY to train at the multiple scenic locations of Letchworth State Park, Hamlin Beach Park, and Gray Wolf Martial Arts Dojo. 

 This years edition of the summer camp focused mainly on ‘rhythmic’ training as adopted by Hanshi Arneil for training within Kihon and Kata. 

 The camp also included Kumite sessions and ended with a Dan test where the following candidates below successfully passed and achieved new rank. 

 We would like to express our gratitude to Shihan Monaco for his teaching and dedication to the USA-IFK organization, and the entire International IFK for their continued support. 

 Dan Testing Candidates:

 David Sheets (Godan)

Brian Walsh (Shodan)

Summer King-Barra (Shodan)

Andrew Balaban (Shodan) 

28th Swiss IFK Summer Camp 2023

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28th Swiss IFK Summer Camp 2023


From 22nd to 25th July 2023, the IFK Switzerland summer camp took place at the sports centre in Willisau. Almost 80 participants from 13 dojos and three organisations took part in the event to deepen their knowledge in kihon, kata and kumite. Under the expert guidance of various Senpais, Senseis and Shihans, intensive training took place in groups. The camp offered a variety of new training methods and ideas from which everyone could benefit and expand their knowledge.

On Sunday evening, all brown and black belts had the opportunity to improve their refereeing skills in a course.

On Monday afternoon, as every year, 30 fights were on the programme, where big and small met each other with a lot of respect and fighting spirit. As a reward, a special surprise followed in the evening: the Sayonara Party turned out to be an 80s theme party with a rousing super talent show. Participants from different dojos and also examinees showed fantastic contributions that made the audience marvel and laugh. The variety of talents and the unexpected performances provided the best entertainment. The party became an unforgettable highlight of the camp and let the participants end the evening in high spirits.

After a final training session on Tuesday morning and the subsequent graduations, the training camp finally came to an end.

We congratulate all examinees and graduates on their excellent performance and thank all participants for an unforgettable time full of learning, fellowship and fun!

 

10. Kyu Quiroga Munoz Claudia Julieth Karate-Club Oftringen

9. Kyu Matter Henry Karateschule Kriens

6. Kyu Keiser Romina Karateschule Kriens

6. Kyu Jaruga Noach Karateschule Kriens

6. Kyu Wechsler Lenard Karateschule Kriens

1. Kyu Weber Lea Karateclub Strengelbach

1. DAN Muntwyler Simone Karate Club Anglikon

4. DAN De Patre Barbara Kyokushinkai Karate Ilanz

8. DAN Gabathuler Eduard Kyokushinkai Karate Chur


IFK Aruba Training Camp 2023

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Shihan Monaco led an inspiring 4-day camp this past weekend in Aruba at the Tokan IFK Dojo. The training consisted of multiple training sessions in the IFK Aruba Tokan dojo, on the beach for morning sunrise & sunset sessions, cliff sessions, in the water ocean training, IFK Kihon, Kata, Syllabus and Kumite. Shihan Sean Schenker & Shihan Jerry Poe assisted with the amazing training camp, (along with Shihan Lacie of Aruba) and the students of Aruba gave it their all & showed incredible hospitality to the USA IFK.

The camp ended on Sunday with a fantastic grading where 3 students all received promotion:

Sensei Zairo Ruiz (3rd Dan)

Senpai Greg Helder (1st Dan)

Derek Schenker (3rd Kyu)

Thank you to Sensei Zairo & Senpai Brian and the Tokan students and families for their warm welcome & generosity of spirit and time.

OSU!

28th IFK Switzerland Summer Camp

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Dear Country Representatives

Dear Karatekas

IFK Switzerland Kyokushinkai will hold its 28th summer camp in Willisau - a picturesque village in the centre of Switzerland - from 22nd to 25th July 2023. We would be delighted to welcome you and/or your karatekas to this event. The details can be found in the attached pdf.

Details Swiss Summer Camp 2023

Kind regards, OSU

Shihan Eddy Gabathuler, 7th DAN

USA IFK Summer training camp 2023 registration is here

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Make your plans now!

USA IFK Summer Camp with Shihan Monaco

Register here: https://ifsc2023k.myuventex.com

*Each Registrant MUST order "Separate T Shirt/Size" For Each Person They Wish to Have a T-Shirt

Dates: Fri July 21-Sun July 23

Where: Gray Wolf Martial Arts, Holley, NY

What: Multiple Amazing Training Sessions in Kihon, Kata & Kumite including Basecamp sessions at Gray Wolf Martial Arts Dojo, Letchworth State Park Gorge Training Session and Beach Training!

Info: Full wknd pass, day passes, meal information and all registration/fees at the UVENTEX LINK ABOVE

Learn from Shihan Monaco, 8th Dan & President/Founder of the USA IFK, as well as the highest-ranking USA IFK teacher in North America!  Do not miss this amazing opportunity to strengthen your Kyokushin knowledge!

As Hanshi Arneil always said:

"It’s about the Karate! OSU!"

We look forward to greeting you at this amazing training weekend.

In Budo,

Shihan Monaco & Sensei Karl

IFK Bulgaria Summer Camp 2023

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IFK Bulgaria is happy to announce their annual International Summer Camp “Primorsko 2023” with special guests and main instructors Shihan David Pickthall and Sensei Emma Markwell. The camp will take place in MMC Primorsko, Bulgaria from 1st July to 8th July 2023.

For applications and additional information, please contact organizers at: ifk_bulgaria@abv.bg

IFK Chile Summer Camp 2023

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IFK Chile hosted their Summer Camp from 17-19 February in Casablanca under the guidance of Shihan David Pickthall.

IFK members from Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay, and Chile participated in the camp and had eight sessions that concentrated on all aspects of the IFK curriculum.

At the grading, there were promotions for:
Sensei German Caru Chile 3rd Dan
Sensei Oscar Sanabria Colombia 3rd Dan
Sensei Fernando Rios Chong Peru 3rd Dan
Senpai Abraham Meruvia Morales 2nd Dan
Senpai Jose Meruvia Morales 2nd Dan
Senpai Catalina Silva Reyes 1st Dan

Congratulations! Osu!

Belgium Winter Camp 2023

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On 17-19 February 2023, the BFKK held its annual Winter camp with Shihan Janine Davies and Shihan Wai Cheung as guest instructors. More than 80 karatekas from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany attended the camp.

Under Shihan Janine, the camp focused on increasing the participants’ technical standards, and Shihan Wai’s insight into body mechanics and movement matched this goal perfectly. This made the camp interesting for both novices, advanced students, and instructors, who all got a lot of new material to work with.

Students from several dojo’s also attempted a grading during the camp, and the BFKK can proudly announce 2 new 9th Kyus, 3 new 8th Kyus, 1 new 7th Kyu, 3 new 6th Kyus, 10 new 4th Kyus, 1 new 2nd Kyu, 3 new 1st Kyus, 1 new Nidan and 1 new Sandan.

Congratulations to all who passed the grading and to the Dojos involved!

IFK black belt seminar 2023

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The IFK World Black Belt Seminar will be held in Yerevan, Armenia after the European Championships on 24th -26th April 2023.

The Seminar will have IFK President Shihan David Pickthall, Board Member Shihan Eddy Gabathuler and Head of IFK Kata Shihan Janine Davies.

On the 26th April the IFK Dan Test will take place. All applicants for the Dan test must complete their paperwork and submit it through their Country Representative to office@ifk-kyokushin.com no later than one month before.

Dutch summer camp 2023

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Dear shihans, sensei's and senpai's,

After a great anniversary summer camp last year we would like to invite you again for the Dutch summer camp!

The camp will be organized at Papendal, the location of the last black belt seminar and kata world championships. The camp will start on June 30th and finish on the 2nd of July. We would like to invite you all to celebrate together. Last year our summer camp had 150 participants from The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Belgium and Switzerland. The guest instructors on the camp will be Shihan Janine Davies and senpai Jonas Rosin!

We hope to welcome many of you (again) in The Netherlands at Papendal.

All information can be found here: https://www.nka-ifk.nl/zomerkamp

Best regards,

Roel Noordman

Country representative IFK Netherlands



IFK World Black Belt Seminar 2023

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The IFK World Black Belt Seminar will be held in Yerevan, Armenia after the European Championships on 24th -26th April 2023.

The Seminar will have IFK President Shihan David Pickthall, Board Member Shihan Eddy Gabathuler and Head of IFK Kata Shihan Janine Davies.

On the 26th April the IFK Dan Test will take place. All applicants for the Dan test must complete their paperwork and submit it through their Country Representative to office@ifk-kyokushin.com no later than one month before.