32nd American International Karate Championships - 9th November 2024

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Osu! The 32nd American International Karate Championships (AIKC) took place on November 9th, 2024, in Holley, New York. As the longest-running knockdown tournament in North America, the AIKC continues to maintain its standing as one of the premier Kyokushin events in the United States.

 This year's tournament featured participants from 31 dojos across five countries. With karateka from the USA, Canada, Mongolia, Israel, and Kyrgyzstan, the event was a great day of competition and camaraderie.

 With 364 event entries, the competition offered numerous opportunities for participants to showcase their skills. Divisions included Knockdown, Semi-Contact, Open-Hand Kata, and Weapons Kata. Full-contact Knockdown fighting, for which Kyokushin is renowned, was particularly thrilling for spectators as fighters demonstrated exceptional endurance, technique, and resilience.

 Knockdown Results

 Male Open Lightweight Division (-70kg):

  • 1st Place: Taylor Haug (S&S Fitness and Martial Arts Center, USA)

  • 2nd Place: Nathan Smyl (Kanku Dojo, USA)

  • 3rd Place: Jack Dunphy (Fighting Spirit Karate Dojo, USA)

 Male Open Middleweight Division (-80kg):

  • 1st Place: Francois Presseault (Karate Mascouche, Canada)

  • 2nd Place: Jack Sweeney (S&S Fitness and Martial Arts Center, USA)

  • 3rd Place: John Brownridge (Kyokushin Karate Club, USA)

 Female Open Division:

  • 1st Place: Audrey Bartholomay (S&S Fitness and Martial Arts Center, USA)

  • 2nd Place: Berenisse In (McCreery Karate-Do Kyokushinkai, USA)

  • 3rd Place: Veronica Williams (American Vital Karate, USA)

 Male Veterans Heavyweight Division (+85kg):

  • 1st Place: Hassan Jomaa (Maximum Training Centre, Canada)

  • 2nd Place: Daniel In (McCreery Karate-Do Kyokushinkai, USA)

Male Open Super Heavyweight Division (+90kg):

  • 1st Place: Joel Bilodeau (Karate Mascouche, Canada)

  • 2nd Place: Байэль Шерматов (Shevchenko, Kyrgyzstan)

 USA-IFK President, Shihan Michael Monaco, and AIKC Tournament Director, Sensei Karl Biedlingmaier, wish to express their appreciation to the many volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make everything possible. They also thank the numerous martial arts schools and organizations that have supported and continue to support the American International Karate Championships each year.

We look forward to seeing you again in 2025 for another unforgettable day of karate excellence at the 33rd AIKC!

 The USA-IFK’s next event is the 7th Annual United States International Kyokushin Championship, set for February 1st, 2025, at the Tropicana Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. For more information and registration, please visit uskyokushin.com. Don’t miss it!

 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 31st American International Karate Championship

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The 31st American International Karate Championships were held on Saturday, November 11th, 2023 in Holley, New York.  This renowned event is hosted by Shihan Michael Monaco (8th dan) and supported by the USA-IFK Kyokushin organization. Held annually, the AIKC attracts competitors from around the United States and Canada, as well as other countries.  This years tournament saw more than 250 competitors competing in kata, weapons, semi-contact (knockdown rules with equipment), and knockdown. There were more than 750 spectators there to cheer them on.

 

No tournament is successful without the help of volunteers. USA-IFK President, Shihan Michael Monaco and AIKC Tournament Director Sensei Karl Biedlingmaier, wish to thank the multitude of volunteers who helped behind the scenes and made it all possible. We also wish to thank the many martial arts schools and organizations that continue to support the American International Karate Championships every year.

 

Coming up next for USA-IFK Kyokushin will be the 5th Annual United States International Kyokushin Championships on Saturday, January 27th, 2024 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA. Online registration will open soon. Visit uskyokushin.com .

IFK USA - Battle on the Boardwalk 5 - Saturday January 27th 2024

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USA-IFK PRESENTS

United States International Kyokushin Championships 

"Battle on the Boardwalk 5"

Saturday, January 27th, 2024

Tropicana Hotel - Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA

Early Bird Registration Begins: MONDAY NOVEMBER 13th, 2023 

at www.uskyokushin.com

We will have divisions in Kata, Semi-Contact & Full-Contact weight divisions.

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!

4th South America Kyokushin Karate Championship

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IFK Brazil is delighted to invite you and your team to the 4th South America Kyokushin Karate Championship (Knockdown rules), taking place on October 28, 2023, at CEU Vila Rubi in São Paulo.

The registration deadline is August 28, 2023, and the draw will be sent out by September 28.

We kindly request that Country Representatives/Branch Chiefs/Presidents submit their entry forms and documents before the deadline and send to ifkbrazil@gmail.com

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

The 12th IFK Uruguay Summer Camp 2023

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The XII IFK Kyokushin Uruguay Summer Camp took place on March 2-5, 2023.

We had participants from Montevideo, Mercedes, Dolores, Salto, Marindia, and San Carlos; who had the pleasure of being joined by attendees from Brazil and Bolivia represented by:

– IFK Brazil Country Representative, Shihan Jeovaldo Barreto, who was an instructor during the Summer Camp; accompanied by Sensei Julio Goncalvez; and

– IFK Bolivia Country Representative, Senpai Abraham Meruvia; accompanied by Senpai José Meruvia.

Eleven sessions included special training and meetings for instructors and advanced kyus, as well as sessions focussed on kumite refereeing.

A Kyu grades exam was held; and 2 of our colleagues successfully completed their 20 and 25 kumite tests for their 1st and 2nd DAN, respectively.

The dates for the 2024 Summer Camp are being defined, but it will also be held in early March next 2024 year.

 

The XII IFK Uruguay Summer Camp has now come to an end. This Summer camp, alike others, was full of training sessions, courses and camaraderie.

This became an International event as we had the pleasure of kuro obis from Brazil and Bolivia joining our Uruguayan instructors and students. Long training days, some of which started at 5:30 am and ended past 11:30 pm; where we also shared experiences and strengthened friendships.

We did our best to honor Sosai in its 100th anniversary, training by the sea, in the woods, under the sun & the rain; with every Kiai and Oss acting as an energy whenever we started to feel tired.

On behalf of the Uruguayan Kyokushinkai Association, we would like to express our gratitude to everyone who attended, and to our instructors for their great work, evidenced by their students’ performance.

On behalf of Shihan Jeovaldo Barreto and myself, we would like to thank everyone for giving their best and using all their energy in every session.

Domo arigato gozaimashita
OSU!
Shihan Germán Carballo

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!

New Country Representative in Venezuela

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We welcome Senpai Gustavo Henriquez as the new Country Representative of IFK Venezuela. We wish him success in growing the organisation in his country.

Gustavo will replace Senpai Hugo Luciani who has emigrated to the USA and will become part of their family by opening a branch in Georgia.

We welcome IFK Bolivia

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We welcome Bolivia back into the IFK with Senpai Abraham Meruvia Morales becoming the Country Representative. We hope to have a positive relationship and keep growing the region of South America which now has.

director@ifkbolivia.com / tel: +59176513547

Av. Juan Pablo II #3612 El Alto. La Paz, Bolivia

Osu!

IFK USA Summer camp 2022

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The USA-IFK held their annual summer camp from July 21st to 24th, led by Shihan David Pickthall, President of the IFK (7th Dan)

On July 21st the Summer Camp began at Gray Wolf Martial Arts in Holley, NY before transitioning to Fighting Spirit Karate in Gardiner, NY for the remaining three days.

Shihan David led a total of 11 training sessions, including Kihon, Kata, and Kumite. Around 75 different participants from 4 Countries attended the camp over the four days of training including Shihan Michael Monaco, USA-IFK President & IFK Board Member (8th Dan).

Camp ended with Dan Grading where 16 candidates from 3 countries successfully passed for the following grades:

Sandan:
Sensei Michael Brotchie (UK)
Sensei Mike Thireos (USA)
Sensei Jack Welsh (USA)

Nidan:
Senpai Reggie Gold (USA)
Senpai Tuari Schenker (USA)
Senpai Lisa Cook (USA)
Senpai Kaitlyn Cook (USA)
Senpai Wojtek Arentewicz (USA)
Senpai Dae'Shaun Moore (USA)

Shodan:
Senpai Benjamin Shannon (USA)
Senpai Asher Rosen (USA)
Senpai Lyric Schenker (USA)
Senpai Jack Dunphy (USA)
Senpai McDarren Paschal (USA)
Senpai Brian Marchena (ARUBA)
Senpai Richa Rai (USA)

The USA-IFK would Like to Thank Shihan David, Shihan Monaco, the Entire IFK Organization, and USA-IFK Staff for making this year's camp a possibility.

Shihan David Pickthall Zoom

Shihan David Pickthall Autograph

Photos by USA-IFKK, Bill Steward and Tom Dunphy

The XI Summer Camp IFK Kyokushin Uruguay

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The XI Summer Camp IFK Kyokushin Uruguay took place on March 10-13, 2022.

As in previous years, Dojos from different cities of our organization gathered to celebrate being able to train in person together. Training sessions started before sunrise and continued throughout the day, with additional sessions at night. Different scenarios, including the beach, tatami, grass, and a special one surrounding a campfire at night, made this a unique experience.

This year we had participants from Montevideo, Mercedes, Dolores, Salto, Marindia and San Carlos. In addition to the 10 sessions, special training and meetings were held for instructors and advanced kyus.

Exams for KYU grades and DAN grades were held, with 3 of our colleagues successfully earning their 1st DAN.

Like every Summer Camp, this one left us with unique memories that will be treasured for years to come, and anecdotes that we will share over time!

On behalf of everyone, I want to thank each of the participants for their time, commitment and dedication; and above all for the positive energy at all times.

Families are also to be thanked for their continued support, as well as the instructors for their dedication and commitment.

 We will see each other in 2023 for our XII Summer Camp!

OSU!

Sensei German Carballo

1st IFK International Kata Virtual Course

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The IFK Kata Committee launched its online judges course in the USA on the 22nd January 2022 and was well received by all who took part.

We thank the Kata Committee for all their hard work in presenting the course and special thanks go to Shihan Sunil Tailor for creating the online content. We believe this will be a tremendous training tool in addition to the international courses run by our instructors.

1st IFK Americas Meeting

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The IFK held its first online continental meeting on the 14th November with the IFK President Shihan David Pickthall chairing the proceedings and Vice President Shihan Liam Keaveney was in attendance.

Nine of the eleven member countries were able to attend the meeting where they discussed future plans for the IFK and the region.

Head of Media Shihan Shane Lalor joined the first part of the meeting to discuss the media presence of the region.

IFK USA Dan Grading

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I would like to extend my congratulations to the new USA-IFK Shodan Black Belts that tested over the weekend at the Fighting Spirit Karate Dojo in New Paltz, NY this past weekend, following a long and enduring 4 hour testing of the IFK Curriculum and fighting.....

Also a very special congrats out to Sensei Amjad Nawasz on his promotion to 4th Dan from our Oklahoma City Dojo.

A special Day for their respective teachers, Shihan Ellis, Shihan Poe and Shihan Sean.....Big Osu!!!!

Shihan Michael Monaco

Promoted to Yondan:
- Sensei Amajd Nawasz (OKC)

Promoted to Shodan:
- Senpai Rebecca Haskel (FSK)

- Senpai Veronica Williams (Vital Karate Coumbus Dojo)

- Senpai Dona Lamboy (FSK)

- Senpai Scott Barra (FSK)

- Senpai Ken Casamento (FSK)

- Senpai Ryan Kraus (FSK)

- Senpai Reinaldo (FSK)