IFK Switzerland Summer Camp 2024

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!

USA IFK Summer training camp 2023 registration is here

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

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

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IFK Bulgaria Summer Camp 2023

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

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!

IFK-DAN Seminar 2023 in Switzerland

On Saturday, January 7th, 2023, the annual DAN-Seminar took place in the Dojo Wohlen. After many varied and exciting seminars, this year it was time to put the focus back on our roots - the basic techniques of the examination program. More than 40 Yudansha's of IFK Switzerland accepted the invitation to spend a day intensively dealing with the basic pillars of Kyokushinkai Karate.

After a brief theoretical introduction, we quickly got down to business. In the morning, Shihan Anton Gansner, 6th DAN, discussed techniques and levels of the Kihon, explained functions, eliminated errors that had crept in over the years and fine-tuned subtleties. After the lunch break, under the direction of Shihan Eddy Gabathuler, 7th DAN, attention was paid to the Ippon- and Sanbonkumites as well as some Renraku's and their use in partner exercises. At the end, difficult and critical points were shown in the katas by Shihan Dolores Emmenegger and Shihan André Emmenegger, both 5th DAN, and the correct applications were conveyed.

It was a very instructive day and everyone present took away a lot of old and new knowledge with the hope that they would pass this on to their students in the dojo.

We would like to thank our highly motivated instructors for the valuable knowledge transfer and that we were able to carry out the DAN seminar in the dojo of the Wohlen Karate Club - OSU.

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IFK Netherlands Summer camp 2023

Date: Friday 30 June to Sunday 2 July 2023

You are welcome at Papendal on Friday 30 June from 12:00 pm.

The first training starts at 2:00 PM.

On Sunday, July 2, 2022, the summer camp will end around 1:00 PM.

Guest instructors: Shihan Janine Davies and Senpai Jonas Rosin

Accommodation: Papendal Papendallaan 3, 6816 VD Arnhem

Registration: Registering for the summer camp is always done in consultation with your own teacher. The summer camp is for young and old from about 12 years old. The cost of the summer camp is
€240.00. If you have paid the deposit of €75.00, you are registered.

A step-by-step plan for registering for the camp:
1. Ask your own teacher for permission to register
2. Down payment of €75.00 on NKA IBAN number: NL53INGB0000628596
3. State with the down payment: Summer camp, your name, karate school, gender, and whether you
are vegetarian.
4 Transfer the remaining amount of € 165.00 four weeks in advance to the account of the NKA.

Please note: there are only a limited number of places available! So register in time!

Exams: Kyu and dan degree exams will take place during the camp. Exam candidates must register before 1 January. The whole registration procedure is described in the examination regulations—more information about this from your own teacher or the secretary of the examination board, sensei Pascal.

Packing list: What should you bring to summer camp?

Exoneration Form (the registration form) Small sports bag
Gi (karate suit) 1x Toiletry bag
Gi (old karate suit that can get dirty) Sunscreen
Obi (belt) Tape, plasters, etc.
Shin guards and gloves Water bottle
Chest protection (women) / tok (men) Garbage bags
Mouthguard Training clothing

Slippers Medication
Sports shoes (may get dirty)

Bandana/headwear (no cap)

For other questions, please visit www.nka-ifk.nl/zomerkamp

IFK USA Summer camp 2022

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

IFK Bulgaria Summer Camp 2022

IFK Bulgaria held an International Kyokushin Karate Summer Camp from the 1st to the 8th of July with chief instructors Shihan David Pickthall, 7 dan, President of IFK, and Sensei Emma Markwell, 4 dan, world, and European Kumite champion. A special guest at the camp was Shihan Eddy Gabathuler, 7 Dan, IFK Board Member.

A total of 160 karatekas from Poland, led by Shihan Jan Wac, 5 dan, Romania led by Sensei Christian Hirsch, 5 dan, and Bulgaria took part in the camp.

On 02.07, a commemoration ceremony evening was organized in memory of Hanshi Steve Arneil, 10 dan, which ended with a torchlight procession to the beach as a tribute to Hanshi.

Grading for kyu and dan degrees was held at the end of the camp.

Shihan Nikola Blagoev, 6th dan, and IFK Bulgaria thank Shihan David, Shihan Eddy, and Sensei Emma for the efforts they make for the development of IFK in Bulgaria and the region.

Courtesy of Prestige 96, sweet treats were provided each day to the delight of all participants. Thanks for your support!

More pictures and videos here: facebook.com/IFK.Bulgaria

IFK Russia Winter camp 2022 (video)

11–15 January 2022 near Yekaterinburg there was held Russian Winter Camp with Shihans Alexander Tanyushkin, Victor Fomin and Andrey Bura.

There were over 100 participants (mainly black belts) who learn to manage with different documents of Ministry of Sport (Shihans Andrey Bura and Andrey Khimichenko), had detailed training during 6 hours Kumite referee course (theory and practice with Shihan Andrey Bura) and 6 hours Kata referee course (specialized training, theory and practice with Shihan Alexander Tanyushkin and Victor Fomin) and enjoyed traditional night training session (with Shihan Andrey Bura).

On the final day Shihan Alexei Gorohov and Shihan Stanislav Vinokurov had detailed training Kumite. The Camp was completed with black belts’ grading and Sayonara party.

The 2nd summer camp of KWU Azerbaijan

Athletes who are members of KWU-Azerbaijan were unable to gather due to a pandemic after the first summer camp in September 2020. Finally, on August 14-15, 2021, a joint summer camp of KWU-Azerbaijan members and partner organizations took place on Novkhani Beach in Baku. The two-day camp was attended by 366 participants from the Azerbaijani representations of the international organizations Kyokushinkan, IFK, KWF, and IKO Matsushima, members of KWU Azerbaijan.

The exercises were divided into Dan and kyu belt ranks and Senshi group and conducted by sensei, senpai, and instructors under the guidance of KWU Azerbaijan Technical Director Vidadi Khalilov.

All participants joined the camp with great enthusiasm. They seemed to be in high spirits and enthusiastic about Kyokushin karate.

After the seminars, KWU Azerbaijan Chairman Galandar Aslanov presented Certificates to all participants. He thanked the 366 athletes and coaches who contributed to the camp and said he hoped the pandemic would end soon, that we would return to our former lives, and look forward to the days when we would be able to practice karate freely.

Summer Camp IFK Switzerland 2021

Over 100 participants from all IFK Switzerland dojos met from July 23rd to 25th together in Willisau to finally complete a training camp again after a long Corona break.

In small groups, Kihon, Kata and Kumite were diligently trained for three days, working on one's own abilities and correcting minor mistakes. There was a lot of sweating, but no less laughing and the Budo spirit was cultivated.

After around a year and a half, an official seat belt test took place again. Over a period of 5 hours, the experts tested the candidates for their strength, stamina and understanding of Kyokushinkai Karate. We congratulate all examinees on their success:

Kohai Wang Vanessa, 5. Kyu
Kohai Bohnenblust Nathalie, 4. Kyu
Kohai Egli Angela, 2. Kyu
Kohai Moos Simena, 2. Kyu
Kohai Djurasic Gordana, 1. Kyu
Kohai Krummenacher Larissa, 1. Kyu
Kohai Eickhoff Vanessa, 1. Kyu
Kohai Diez Ismael, 1. Kyu
Senpai Campana Stefano, 1. DAN
Senpai Furger Anna, 1. DAN
Senpai Toppel Daniel, 1. DAN
Senpai Avvisati Mirco, 1. DAN
Senpai Anderhalden Nina, 2. DAN
Senpai Schönenberger Fabia, 2. DAN
Senpai Klaus Anita, 2. DAN
Senpai Avvisati Silvio, 2. DAN
Senpai Avvisati Francesco, 2. DAN
Sensei Kösters Walter, 3. DAN
Sensei Hartmann Louis, 3. DAN

In addition, the following Yudanshas who have been active for many years have been graduated from IFK Switzerland for their services and commitment:

Sensei Wallimann Eveline, 4. DAN
Shihan Juric Roland, 5. DAN 

We thank all participants for their contribution to this successful summer camp and all instructors for the valuable training and input. We are already looking forward to next year - Osu.

USA IFK Summer Camp 2021

The USA IFK Summer Camp was held 16-18 July with around 100 students participating over the weekend. Unfortunately due to US Covid restrictions our President Shihan David was unable to attend so IFK leader Shihan Mike Monaco stepped in to direct the camp with the help of Sensei Kamil Maras and Sensei Claibourne Henry

Message from USA Chairman Shihan Sean Schenker:

Osu!

Having had a few days to reflect on the incredible training camp & celebration of our Kyokushin spirit, I first wanted to extend a huge Thank You to Shihan Monaco for his leadership, vision, and guidance. We are truly so very lucky to share our path with him, and we appreciate every moment we get to learn from his wisdom & experience.

I want to thank all the incredible Shihan, Sensei, and Sempai that traveled near and far to be here to train & participate. Your support, enthusiasm, and skill are unmatched & are the very fabric of what our organization is built upon.

Next, to the Kohai that attended with an open heart and open mind to enhance their skill, improve their spirit, and continue the path of self-improvement, YOU truly are the heart and soul of the USA IFK - you are the future.

We appreciate you - we see you - we have immense gratitude for your efforts and courage.

IFK USA Summer Camp 2021 - Registration

Official Invitation/Registration:

USA IFK Training Camp with the IFK President, Shihan David Pickthall

Dates: July 15-18, 2021

To USA-IFK Instructors, Students, Dojos, Fight Affiliates & Martial Arts Enthusiasts:

We are excited to announce the Official USA-IFK 2021 Summer Training Camp with featured guest, IFK President Shihan David Pickthall (7th Dan) from July 15-18, 2021! This is going to be a once in a life-time event as we celebrate our collective survival and spirit, moving out of the pandemic, and into the future and beyond!

You don't want to miss all the action!

-Camp is Open to All Skill Levels (Youth Ages 12 - Adult)

-Camp is LIMITED to first 100 registrants!

-REGISTER HERE:

https://www.uskyokushin.com

NEWSThe 10th IFK Uruguay Summer Camp

The 10th IFK Uruguay Summer Camp was held on March 5-7, at the Air Force Hotel in Playa Hermosa, Maldonado, Uruguay.

Nine training sessions which were technically led by Sensei German Caballo – IFK Uruguay Country Representative – gathered 30 karatekas from all the Uruguayan Dojos. Training sessions were held in different locations – tatami, on the beach, and yard.

In addition, exams for kyu grades – from 10th to 4th kyu – and Shodan took place at the camp, with 9 students who successfully earned their new grades.

After a really hard and challenging year, we were extremely lucky to be able to hold our annual Summer Camp, and it was a huge success full of memories that will last a lifetime.

We thank everyone who was part of this event. See you in 2022!
Osu!

IFK Uruguay

IFK Uruguay Summer Camp 2021

The X IFK Uruguay Summer Camp to be held on March 5-7, 2021 in the Air Force Complex in Playa Hermosa, Maldonado, Uruguay and will be led by Sensei Germán Carballo.

For more information and participation, please contact Sensei Germán Carballo, email: gcarballo.ifkuruguay@gmail.com  and International contact: Claudia López, email: clopez.ifkuruguay@gmail.com

IFK Bulgaria Summer camp 2021

IFK - Bulgaria will hold an International Kyokushin Summer camp “Primorsko 2021”., under the leadership of:

Shihan David Pickthall – 7 dan, President of IFK

Sensei Emma Markwell – 4 dan, World and European Kumite champion

The Camp will take place in MMC Primorsko, Bulgaria, from 01.07 to 08.07

For applications and additional information, please contact Shihan Nikola Blagoev CR IFK Bulgaria, on email: nikola_blagoev@abv.bg

2021 IFK Venezuela Summer Camp and Dan Test

IFK Venezuela will hold a Summer Camp and Dan Test for September 25 & 26, 2021 with Instructors Shihan Julio Romero (IFK Argentina) and Sensei Jeovaldo Barreto (IFK Brazil). The camp is open to all international member who wants to participate.

On the poster is the preliminary info, costs can be provided to interested groups. Feel free to contact Senpai Hugo Luciani (IFK Venezuela CR) ifkvenezuela@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns.

KWU: We are already looking forward to the next Summer Camp

Milen Lesemann Photography

The Kyokushin World Union shared an open letter after the end of the 14th KWU International Summer Camp in Kamchia, Bulgaria.

Here it is what the organization shared to all karatekas:

“On 16-23 August 2020 was held the 14th KWU International Summer Camp in Kamchia, Bulgaria.

The global situation has drastically affected the preparation and holding of the camp. The dates were changed several times, the organizers had to keep updated with all the changes to the requirements of epidemiological safety.

But the KWU International Camp is one of the main events in the life of the world Kyokushin, which has long become a good tradition and which athletes from all over the world are always looking forward to. Given that the circumstances of this year due to the COVID-19 had already deprived athletes of the opportunity to train regularly, everyone realized that this camp would be a breath of fresh air for athletes.

That is why, despite all the difficulties, constantly changing security requirements, and limited international air traffic, the organizers did everything possible to hold the camp. All security measures were ensured: there was testing for coronavirus infection for everyone who came to the camp, each participant was given a mask, and there were disinfectant dispensers on the territory.

Roman Odessky

Thanks to all the efforts, the camp gathered 600 participants from 14 countries. Athletes from many countries in South America, Asia, and Europe, who could not come to Bulgaria, followed our training camp through our pages on Instagram and Facebook.

Despite the smaller number of participants, compared to previous years (in 2019, the camp gathered 1600 people from 28 countries), this week of the camp was very intensive, full of emotions and new knowledge for athletes.

This year's training program of the camp was particularly focused on the KWU Professional League training, where masterclasses were led by eminent K-1 athletes: Ernesto Hoost, Peter Aerts, Semmy Schilt, as well as Shihan Ivo Kamenov, Shihan Aleksandr Pichkunov.

Within the framework of the camp, two tournaments were held: the KWU Youth World Cup (18-21) and the 6th edition of the KWU Professional League SENSHI.

The KWU Youth World Cup (18-21) is the successor to the international tournament Varna Cup, which has been held since 2017. Due to the number of participants, this year the organizers decided to combine all weight categories and hold this tournament in absolute weight. 31 participants from Bulgaria, Ukraine, Turkey, Russia, Germany, Poland, and Belarus fought in the Cup. Winners received financial prizes and special awards.

On August 21, the professional fight gala-show SENSHI 6 (KWU Professional League) took place. The arena hosted bright bouts according to the rules of KWU Full Contact, KWU SENSHI, K1. Special guests and commentators of the gala evening were K-1 stars: Semmy Schilt, Ernesto Hoost, and Peter Aerts, as well as the Chairman of the KWU Professional League and Chairman of the Bulgarian Martial Arts Association Shihan Ivo Kamenov (6 dan) and the Secretary-General of the Kyokushin World Union (KWU) Shihan Aleksandr Pichkunov (5 dan). Another special guest this year was the well-known Czech karate and kickboxer Jan Soukup.

The KWU International Summer Camp is a unique platform where honored masters and famous athletes can share their experience and knowledge with younger sportsmen, where athletes not only from Kyokushin but also from kickboxing, muay thai, wrestling and other martial arts can train together, which is of great benefit for all.

We sincerely hope that in the near future, the world will defeat the coronavirus completely, and we are already looking forward to the next year when there will be no obstacles for athletes from different countries to gather in the largest training Kyokushin camp.”

Milen Lesemann Photography

IFK Uruguay Summer Camp 2019

The 8th Uruguay Summer Camp was held in the Military Vacation facilities in Salinas on March 15, 16 & 17.
The Summer Camp was organized by the Uruguayan Kyokushin Kai Association A.K.K.U., and technically led by Sensei Germán Carballo 4th Dan (Uruguay IFK Country Representative).

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With over 30 participants, all the dojos from Uruguay were present, including students and instructors from Montevideo, Canelones, Soriano and Salto.

Nine trainings took place focusing on technique as well as physical conditioning and strengthening in several different locations including the beach (both in the water and sand), the woods, as well as indoor. A special technical training for advanced grades (as from 3rd kyu) was held covering advanced katas.

As usual, the Camp included KYU and KURO OBI (1st dan) gradings, the 20-kumite challenge for Kuro Obis who successfully obtained their 1st dan during 2018, and the addition of the 25-kumite challenge for Ni Dans.

As an organization, A.K.K.U. is proud to present the new grades: 

- Clara Monteiro (Red 10th Kyu)

- Victoria Villano (Blue 8th Kyu)

- Agustina Latorre (Blue 8th Kyu)

- Juliana Latorre (Blue 8th Kyu)

- Mauricio Nesteruk (Blue 7th Kyu) 

- Fátima Parra (Yellow 6th Kyu)

- Oscar Pricoli (Yellow 6th Kyu)

- Gabriel Fernandez (Yellow 6th Kyu)

- Juan Pablo Bianchi (Green 4th Kyu)

- Guzman Centurión (Green 3rd Kyu)

- César Acosta (Black 1st Dan)

The kuro obis (1st Dan) who succeeded in the 20 Kumite challenge during the camp were as follows: 

- Senpai Alvaro Nuñez

- Senpai Gonzalo Bentancur

- Senpai César Acosta

Kuro Obis (2nd Dan) who succeeded in the 25 Kumite challenge were:

- Senpai Noelia Fabre
- Senpai Santiago Mosco  

 A.K.K.U. would like to thank the everyone's effort to be a part of this event.

www.ifk-uruguay.com