Hanshi Arneil announces a new President of the International Federation of Karate

On January 14th, 2021 Hanshi Steve Arneil 10th Dan, has formally confirmed by letter that he has now retired from his position as President of the International Federation of Karate (IFK). 

Since 2013, it has been Hanshi’s wish that Shihan David Pickthall be his successor and this decision has been ratified by the IFK Board and the Country Representatives.

Hanshi will retain his role as Founder of the IFK and his place on the Board of the IFK.

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Seasons Greetings from Executive Board of the IFK

Seasons Greetings to All the IFK members around the world and to all supporters of Full Contact Karate from the Executive Board of the IFK.

Photographer: Shane Lalor

IFK Uruguay annual report

This year turned out to be such a special one, and on behalf of the great group we´ve formed, I would like to thank everyone who did not give up and kept training either from home, in the Dojos, or outside. Difficult times brought out the best in us!!!

I would like to congratulate you on the professionalism and responsible way in which our instructors approached training during the pandemic. Guidelines and recommendations from the Health Ministry were abided by, with the main goal of looking after our students, families, and society as a whole.

The world moved too fast, and changes forced us to be more creative than ever.

We started 2020 with training sessions for our instructors, and also a great summer camp where we shared 10 training sessions throughout 3 days. We were extremely lucky to have Sensei Jeovaldo Barreto as a guest instructor, who is also a great friend and a Kyokushin referent in our continent. A week later the pandemic hit hard, but instead of defeating us we set new goals and took advantage of technology to keep training from our homes. In many cases, we even saw parents who joined and trained to accompany and encourage their children!

This group effort enabled us to have our 6th National Tournament - a virtual kata competition – which had over 50 competitors from 4 regions in all the categories, all of whom had been training non-stop even though we were in lock-down mode.

We also had the 1st Americas regional kata tournament for Brown and Black Belts, with participants from 8 countries; and with great pride, our national team achieved the podium in several categories with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places.

This “new normal” also provided great new opportunities, including online training sessions with IFK and Kyokushin world-renowned instructors.

After being able to return to the training in our Dojos, and following all the health and safety guidelines and recommendations we met again and kept the updated agenda with grading tests and regional seminars.

We now end this special year being certain that in spite of everything, we remained as strong and united as always.

I take this opportunity to greet all of our instructors, friends, and family; thanking everyone for their support.

Here’s to a GREAT 2021!

Sensei Germán Carballo.

The 6th IFK World Championship have been postponed

The 6th IFK World Championships was scheduled to be held in May 2021 but it has now been postponed due to not enough time to prepare. The lack of time is based on the epidemiological situation in which we live. Postponing the championship by 1 year will allow the organizers to prepare properly.

The 1st European Championship under the rules KWU SENSHI

On December 2-6, 2020 in Sofia, Bulgaria – ARENA ARMEETS Hall. The KWU Professional League organizes the first OPEN EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP by the rules of KWU SENSHI.

Participants will be divided into six weight categories: -70, -75, -80, -85, -90, +90.

Each category will consist of 8 fighters.

Preliminary bouts and semi-finals will be held with the use of protective equipment – helmets, elbow pads, leg protectors. Athletes can keep all the protective equipment after the competition.

In the final, fighters use only gloves, without other protective equipment.

Winners will receive a belt, cup, medal, and cash prize for each overall match. For details please contact  + 359 897964368 senpai Nikolay Atanasov.

Matches will be held in the ring.

The organizers cover the cost of air tickets for the athlete and the coach, transfers to the hotel, accommodation and meals during the championship, as well as the cost of COVID tests.

The event will be broadcast live on the American online TV FITE – www.fite.tv, https://www.fite.tv/vl/p/senshi/

Final battles will be included in the SENSHI event on December 5th, 2020.

The deadline for submitting applications for the participation of all comers is November 1st, 2020 at senshi_bulgaria@abv.bg

DOWNLOAD ALL INFORMATION HERE

The IFK European championship 2020 has been canceled

Unfortunately, IFK Turkey must announce the cancellation of the European Championships, Istanbul for 2020.

We hope once the travel restrictions are lifted for all countries we can reschedule the event in the future.

2020 British Open canceled amid Coronavirus concerns

Due to the current pandemic, the BKK have taken the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 British Open on the 3rd of October.

With restrictions in the participation of combat sports still in place in the UK and the uncertainty for the preparation times of the athletes, it was considered the safest course of action.

To all our supporters we hope to see you all in 2021

Osu!

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

Fireworks and fierce fights offered the professional fight gala night SENSHI 6

Great fights, lots of energy and tension in the ring – this is the recap of the sixth edition of the professional fighting gala evening SENSHI, which took place last night in the ancient theater of the Black Sea resort of Kamchia in Bulgaria, and was broadcast live worldwide on the American online television FITE and on Boec.com. Champions from 8 countries faced each other in the arena of SENSHI 6, and the electrifying matches and the intriguing battle card did not leave the audience’s attention even for a second.

In the opening match of the gala, the Bulgarian Daniel Getsov did not leave any chances to his opponent – the Kazakh Nurlikhan Sadvokasov, and won according to the rules of KWU FULL CONTACT in the category up to 75 kg. The second match faced Dragomir Petrov from Bulgaria against Omar Magomedov from Russia. The match was played in three rounds according to the rules of KWU FULL CONTACT and category up to 70 kg, and the victory went to the Bulgarian.

The excited audience enjoyed a match between Petar Stoykov from Bulgaria and the Englishman Andrew Turland also known at the Tornado. The two played according to the rules of KWU SENSHI, cat. up to 70 kg., and their match lasted in three rounds. The duel ended in favor of Stoykov, with which he continues to be undefeated at the gala.

On the ring, we saw another fight between fighters from Bulgaria and UK –  Nikolay Yorgov from Bulgaria and the Englishman Harry Hill. This time, however, the match ended in the first round with a victory for Yorgov, who took down his opponent in about a minute. Their fight was played by the rules of KWU FULL CONTACT in the category up to 80 kg.

In the fourth match, Merey Suyunov (Kazakhstan) and the Frenchman Jean-Paul Jaco made their debut at SENSHI 6. The two competed according to the rules of KWU FULL CONTACT in the category up to 85 kg, and Suyunov deservedly won. Another very intriguing match was between Eduard Aleksanyan (Bulgaria) and Nikola Todorovic (Serbia). Their clash took place according to the rules of K-1 in the category up to 80 kg, and the judges awarded the success of the Serb with 2: 1 vote.

In the ninth fight of the night, we saw a match between Sergey Brown from Germany and Daniel Manole (Romania). The master of Kyokushin karate Brown triumphed in the category up to 80 kg according to the rules of KWU FULL CONTACT.

The Bulgarian fighter Bogdan Shumarov and Milos Bayovic from Serbia also had an exceptional and very contested fight. The match was played according to the rules of K-1 style, category up to 75 kg. The Bulgarian fighter who won a vacated WAKO PRO European title at SENSHI 5 once again triumphed by a judge’s decision.

On SENSHI 6 we also saw a rematch. For the second time the captain of the national kickboxing team of Bulgaria and world champion of WAKO PRO in cat. up to 71.8 kg. Atanas Bozhilov faced Alin Cimpan from Romania. The two again offered a lot of spectacle to the fans, and the second clash was again won by Bozhilov. Even the great game and hard bouts between the two of them, they both demonstrated great sportsmanship after the fight was over. The match was played in K-1 style and category up to 75 kg.

The last fight of the night was between the four-time Russian kickboxing champion, two-time winner of the “Battle of Champions” tournament, and winner of the WAKO PRO World Belt in low kick style (cat. 85.1 kg) from SENSHI 5 Andrei Chekhonin and Madalin Mogos from Romania. Their fight was according to the rules of KWU FULL CONTACT in the category up to 85 kg and ended with a knockout. Chekhonin attacked with his legs and conducted multiple attacks on his opponent. With one of his hits Chekhonin stroke Mogos in the leg, he fell to the ground and the meeting ended. The intervention of the medical team was necessary, and the suspicions were about the broken leg of the Romanian. Chekhonin received one of the special prizes – “Knockout of the evening”.

Once again, special guests and commentators of the gala were the legendary kickboxing trio – K-1 champions and professional instructors of the KWU International Professional League Semmy Schilt, Ernesto Hust and Peter Arts, as well as the chairman of the league and chairman of the National Martial Arts Association in Bulgaria Shihan Ivo Kamenov (6 dan) and Shihan Alexander Pichkunov (5 dan), who is the Secretary-General of the World Kuokishin Union (KWU). Among the special guests, this time was the Czech fighting star Jan Sokup – European champion, silver medalist of the World Championship, and winner of the prestigious All-Japan tournament, and Sensei Sergey Plekhanov – silver medalist from Absolute Open championship 2003 and multiple times Russian champion. 

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Results:

Daniel Getsov won against Nurlhan Sadvokasov

Dragomir Petrov won against Omar Magomedov

Petar Stoykov won against Andrew Turland

Merey Suyunov won against Jean-Paul Jacquet

Nikolay Yorgov won against Harry Hill

Nikola Todorovic won against Eduard Aleksanyan

Atanas Bojilov  won against Alin Cimpan

Bogdan Shumarov won against Milos Bayovic

Sergej Braun won against Daniel Manole

Andrei Chekhonin  won against Madalin Mogos

Special prizes:

Best Technique: Sergej Braun

Fighting Spirit: Bogdan Shumarov

Best Knockout: Andrei Chekhonin

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Special guests for the event were the legendary K-1 Heavyweight Champions who are also instructors at the KWU International Professional League Seminars –Ernesto Hoost, Peter Aerts, Semmy Schilt.  Тhe Chairman of KWU International Professional League and head of the National combat sports association in Bulgaria Shihan Ivo Kamenov (6th degree) and the General Secretary of KWU Aleksandr Pichkunov (5th degree will also be attending the event. Special guests are the Czech superstar Jan Sokoup who is a European champion, a silver medalist from World Championship, and winner of the “All Japan” tournament and Sensei Sergey Plekhanov – silver medalist from Absolute Open championship 2003 and multiple times Russian champion. 

Last year the SENSHI fight nights introduced the rules and regulations of the KWU International Professional League.

The main goal was not only a bigger attraction to the crowd but returning to the glorious past and the traditions of Kyokushin. There were full contact fights with blows to the head, takedowns, and elbows.

The idea started with the opening SENSHI fight night. There was one fight under those rules while the second fight night produced 4 full contact bouts.

The crowd obviously loved it and the fans started to require more and more.

By the end of 2019, we witnessed SENSHI Cup – a two-day tournament that included fights conducted under the KWU SENSHI rules. There was also an exciting fight night in Varna that produced 5 fights conducted under the KWU Full Contact rules, 4 fights under the KWU SENSHI rules, and three clashes that were conducted under the K-1 rules.

Iaido traditions incorporated in the 2020 KWU Summer Camp

The 14th annual KWU Summer Camp will be taking place next week in Kamchiya, Bulgaria. The international camp is by far the biggest event in the world of Karate Kyokushin in the last 13 years.

Shihan Ivo Kamenov (6 dan) – Chairman of the KWU International Professional League and Chairman of Bulgaria’s National martial arts association.

But there is one ancient martial art that is incorporated and represented every year at the KWU International Professional League seminar and that is Iaido.

Iaido is the Japanese art of drawing, cutting, and resheathing the katana. It places a great emphasis on correctness of form, precision and efficiency of movement, and mental focus. Practitioners of the art – iaidoka – use real swords (or else replica blades which are still quite dangerous) so it is primarily a solo art.

KWU International Professional League’s mission is to bring us back to the glorious past of Kyokushin.

Just like Kyokushin, Iaido develops the power of your mental concentration. The motion in both arts is smooth and they both require great focus and stability.

Iaido practice can be as intense or as relaxed as one likes and is suitable for people of many different ages and varying fitness levels.

There’s an old saying about Iaido:

“If a man has excellent skills of Iaido, the enemy wouldn’t fight against him, leading to the victory of him without drawing the sword.”

Sosai Mas Oyama and Hanshi Steve Arneil

It’s the same in Karate Kyokushin – practice makes perfect and if you are practicing enough, there will be no need to fight your enemy or adversary, because they will be smart and wise enough not to mess with you.

The 14th annual KWU Summer Camp will include a total of 3 Iaido training sessions with Shihan Asen Asenov. The first training session will take place on August 19 (Wednesday) from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m; the second session will take place the very next day at the same time and the final one will be held on August 21 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

There is no way one can be called a fighter without proper sword knowledge and technique.

Аll you need to know about 2020 KWU International Professional League

Last year the SENSHI fight nights introduced the rules and regulations of the KWU International Professional League.

Shihan Ivo Kamenov (6 dan) – Chairman of the KWU International Professional League and Chairman of Bulgaria’s National marts arts association.

The main goal was not only a bigger attraction to the crowd but returning to the glorious past and the traditions of Kyokushin. There were full contact fights with blows to the head, takedowns, and elbows.

The idea started with the opening SENSHI fight night. There was one fight under those rules while the second fight night produced 4 full contact bouts.

The crowd obviously loved it and the fans started to require more and more.

By the end of 2019, we witnessed SENSHI Cup – a two-day tournament that included fights conducted under the KWU SENSHI rules. There was also an exciting fight night in Varna that produced 5 fights conducted under the KWU Full Contact rules, 4 fights under the KWU SENSHI rules, and three clashes that were conducted under the K-1 rules.

The pinnacle of the return of Kyokushin full contact took place this year on February 22 in Varna. The fifth SENSHI fight night produced some glorious KWU International Professional League fights. There were a number of top-notch fighters from a lot of different countries that touched down in Varna in order to face Bulgaria’s finest fighters. The proof for the increased interest in SENSHI was the fact that the renowned FITE.TV was broadcasting the show.

The coronavirus pandemic postponed the sixth edition of SENSHI fight nights.

After a few hard months of isolation, the organizers announced that SENSHI 6 will be taking place amid the 14th annual International KWU Summer Camp in August. The event will be held from August 16-23 in Kamchiya, Bulgaria.

The fight show will offer a total of 10 matches that will be conducted under the KWU SENSHI, KWU Full Contact, and K-1 rules. There will be fighters from 9 countries (Germany, England, France, Brasil, Russia, Kazakhstan, Romania and etc.)

The 2020 KWU Summer Camp will include KWU International Professional League training sessions conducted under the guidance of Shihan Aleksander Pichkunov (5 dan), Shihan Marin Mitev (6 dan) and Shihan Ivo Kamenov (6 dan) – Chairman of the KWU International Professional League and Chairman of Bulgaria’s National marts arts association. The sixth edition of SENSHI fight night will take place on Friday (21.08), while the degree promotion exams will take place the very next day from 8 to 12 a.m.

The remaining instructors that will be taking part in the 2020 KWU Summer Camp are Shihan Asen Asenov (6 dan), Shihan Ramil Gabbasov (5 dan), Sensei Zahari Damyanov (4 dan).

Once again, special guests of the KWU International Professional League seminar will be the kickboxing legends Semmy Schilt, Peter Aerts and Ernesto Hoost.

Here’s a quick reminder of what is prohibited and what is allowed under the regulations of the KWU International Professional League.

KWU SENSHI Full Contact:

What’s allowed: all kinds of boxing punches, spinning back fist, all kinds of kicks; one knee kick to the head after a two-handed grab; clinching up to 5 seconds; sweep kicks; leg grab and kick without pulling or pushing the opponent.

What’s forbidden: strikes to the groin, the back of the head, the spine, with the inside of the glove; strikes to the knee joint; headbutts; hitting fallen opponent; hitting while lying down, elbow strikes; throws; groundwork; choking; biting;

KWU SENSHI:

What’s allowed: all kinds of boxing punches, spinning back fist, all kinds of kicks; one knee kick to the head after a two-handed grab; clinching up to 5 seconds; sweep kicks; leg grab and a strike; elbow strikes, throws.

What’s forbidden: strikes to the groin, the back of the head, the spine, with the inside of the glove; strikes to the knee joint; headbutts; grabbing the head of the opponent with one hand and hitting it with the elbow of the other hand; hitting fallen opponent; hitting while lying down; groundwork; choking; biting;

KWU OPEN:

What’s allowed: all kinds of boxing punches, spinning back fist, all kinds of kicks; clinching up to 10 seconds; sweep kicks; leg grab and a strike; elbow strikes, throws; groundwork twice up to 30 seconds per round; choking on the ground; locks on the ground (of the leg only on the Achilles, without twisting the ankle or knee joint); strikes with arms or knees to the body only on the ground.

What’s forbidden: strikes to the groin, the back of the head, the spine, with the inside of the glove; strikes to the knee joint; headbutts; hitting a fallen opponent from a guard; attacking with elbows and knees in the head on the ground; biting; throws that cause the opponent to fall on his head and along the spine with falling on the opponent.

New dates for European Championship 2020

Artem Nazaretyan - nominee from the Golden Belt

On October 20, 2020, will be held the XIV ceremony Awards "Golden Belt" of the Russian Union of Martial Arts. Executive Committee this year approved a nominee of Artem Nazaretyan, representative of the IFK Russia, Moscow, Kyokushin school "Cayman". 

Artem Nazaretyan is Honored Master of Sports of Russia:
- two-time World champion;
- three-time European champion;
- five-time Champion of Russia;
- Champion of the joint tournament AKP.

Artem also three times (in 2014, 2018 and 2019) became the first in the ranking of the world's 100 strongest fighters of Kyokushin in his weight class by versions of the independent Kyokushin Results 

Source: superkarate.ru

Message from the IFK Board

Dear IFK family,

At this challenging time, where we are all faced with differing levels of adversity, it seems an appropriate
opportunity to pause and reflect – a moment to evaluate many areas of our lives and how we live them.

During these unprecedented times, like all families, we shall be at some point, close to, or directly
impacted, by the tragic nature that surrounds the COVID pandemic. It is during these times that we can
draw on the spirit of our Kyokushin upbringing and apply Mas Oyma’s principles – not least of all, that
‘introspection begets wisdom’. We may also draw on the Kyokushin principles of ‘patience, endurance
and perseverance’.

Many IFK countries, have in their lifetime, experienced natural disasters and war – their spirit and resolve
has ensured their survival and enabled them to gather and rebuild. This epidemic is a very serious crisis
for us all, a ‘new’ normal will eventually ensue and we shall move forward. It is without doubt that our
life, including karate, will be shaped and influenced by these current times - we will need to adapt in order
to progress.

The IFK Board are standing firm with you all in this time of difficulty and we are trying to offer support,
wherever possible, to our Country Representatives, their instructors and students. Obviously national
and international events have been suspended but we are confident that eventually we will continue our
work in promoting Kyokushin Karate under the IFK banner.

We thank you all for your continued support and hard work at many levels – take care and be safe.

Liam Keaveney (7th Dan)
For and on behalf of the IFK Board
28th April 2020

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IFK European championship is rescheduled

We received an email from Sensei Ismail Yildirim, IFK Country Representative Turkey

Dear All

I hope you are all well, particularly in these troubling times the world is dealing with.

I would like to express my thanks and gratitude for all the support I have received in having to re-schedule the European Championships in Istanbul due to the Coronavirus.

As you know, after consultation with the IFK Board, the tournament has been rescheduled to 2-6 September 2020. The venue, hotels and package price remain the same even though it is peak season in Istanbul. All deposits paid and fighters officially registered will be transferred to the new date.

In re-scheduling, we were able to secure the deposits paid. If we had to cancel then, unfortunately, these would have been lost. I and the organizers have already ordered and paid for trophies, medals, t-shirts, certificates, transfer arrangements and of course the venue. So, to cancel would have been costly for us all.

Flights can hopefully be re-arranged for a fee and as Turkey is going to be canceling all European flights hopefully a full refund will be offered or free amendment.

I hope everyone will remain positive and continue to look forward to what will be a fantastic tournament. We already had nearly 900 competitors registered and with the new date, hopefully, we can attract even more.

We need your support now more than ever. Onwards and upwards.

Time to be United.

Osu!

Live broadcast of the Russian Kyokushin Championship 2020

February 29 – March 1, 2020, in Moscow Center of Martial Arts will be held the IFK Russian Championship among men and women (18 years and older) and the IFK Russian Championship among boys and girls (12-13 years old, 14-15 years old) and juniors (16-17 years old) in Kyokushin (Kyokushin-weight category).

29.02.2020

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

01.03.2020

IFK Uruguay closes out 2019 with a review

How can we summarize a great year for a small Martial Arts organization?

We accomplished the main goal of enhancing the training of all our instructors in every IFK technical area as well as with our referees to continue improving the work in the different competition modalities.

We had a competitor training at the highest level in San Paulo in a seminar led by the Russian Kumite National team Coach, Sensei Dimitry Savalyev, organized by IFK Brazil. Two months later, four of our instructors trained at the IFK World Seminar led by the highest ranks of our organization in the Papendal Olympic Complex in The Netherlands.

We held several national intensive weekend training sessions in Dolores and Mercedes as well as special sessions in Montevideo. We enjoyed yet another Summer Camp, the eight held in Uruguay, which by now has already become a classic. Trainings included sessions in the sand dunes, beach, forest and at night surrounding a fire; ending with the promotion of a new kuro obi.

Our National Team competed in five tournaments at national, regional and international level:
- April: IFK Kata World Tournament in Arnhem, organized by IFK Netherlands.
- May: Kanku Cap in Montevideo, organized by Kyokukaikan.
- August: 5th IFK Uruguay National Tournament in Montevideo, organized by IFK Uruguay.
- October: 4th South American Tournament in Valparaíso, organized by IFK Chile
- November: 1st Kenbukai Uruguay Tourament in Pinar, organized by Kenbukai Uruguay.

Lastly, we must highlight the achievement of many student that succeeded in their Kyu gradings during the six exam instances held in Soriano and Montevideo.

With the work and dedication of many, the essential support of our families and the collective spirit which is becoming stronger by the day, we are ready to start 2020 aiming for more.

For all of this, thank you very much to each one of you.
OSU!

Shidoshi Sean Schenker Named "USA-IFK Chairman of the Board"

Shihan Michael Monaco (8th Dan) recently announced the next "USA-IFK Chairman of the Board"! Shidoshi Sean Schenker has humbly accepted this new position as of January 1st, 2020.

Earlier this week Shihan Monaco released a letter-writing " It gives me great pleasure to announce Shidoshi Sean Schenker as "USA-IFK Chairman of the Board" beginning Jan 1st, 2020. Shidoshi Schenker comes to us with over 35 years in Martial Arts.  He is a long-time practitioner of many arts including Kyokushin Karate with many years of training with the legendary Soshu Shigeru Oyama, Sensei Frank Clark and Shihan Mike Skinner. In this new role growing and developing the "Next Generation" USA-IFK Organization, he will be working closely with Sensei Dave Sheets (USA-IFK Technical Director) and the USA-IFK Strategy Team to achieve their goals and mission for the organization."

 Shidoshi Schenker not only has many years of learning and living the way of martial arts but also has dedicated himself to teaching others. His martial arts dojo Fighting Spirit Karate (FSK) has thrived with over 250 students located Gardiner, NY. Through hard work and dedication, he assembled a team of elite Coaches and Semi-Contact Teen Fighters to bring home the gold from the 2019 British Open held in London. Many of us have also had the pleasure of attending his annual tournament "The Battle on the Boardwalk" in Atlantic City. This tournament was a great success last year and is promising to be even better this year!

 When accepting his new position, Shidoshi Schenker expressed "I am deeply humbled, honored and grateful to have been asked to move into this new leadership position within the IFK. First, a sincere and humble "Thank You" to Shihan Monaco, Shihan David Pickthall, Hanshi Arneil and all of the USA-IFK dojos and IFK Fight Affiliate dojos for their belief and endorsement of me. " Shidoshi Sean Shencker further states "To say this is a life's dream is simply an understatement. The IFK is an extension of my past and my present, and I am thrilled for the opportunities it will provide students and people of Budo everywhere, both on and off the mat."

We are all looking forward to 2020 and the promise of growth for the USA-IFK and Kyokushin as a whole! OSU!

 Source: uskyokushin.com

IFK Argentina will celebrate 25 years

IFK Kyokushin Argentina is founded in early 1995, by Julio Romero, today 6th Dan, when he makes contact with Hanshi Steve Arneil, founder and President of "International Federation of Karate-do Kyokushin" (IFK).
Julio Romero began in the Martial Arts at the beginning of 1979, in a system of the so-called traditional ones. Karate system in which it remained for a little more than 7 years. During this period, he obtains some National awards. Having met Kyokushin through the film “The strongest Karate”, he joins to Kyokushin KaiKan Argentina, in these moment directed by Sensei Jorge Raúl Arturo, Representative in Argentina of “International Kyokushin Karate-do Kyokushin kai Kan” (IKO), introducer of Kyokushin in the country. He remained in this organization for a little more than 8 years. During this period of time, he served in different tournaments, sometimes as a competitor,
sometimes as a referee, and always as teacher and coach. He participated in many courses, trained karatekas for National, South American Tournaments (Chile ‘87; Uruguay ‘89); 4th World Japan ‘87.

In 1988 he organized the reception in Buenos Aires of Akiyoshin Matsui (consecrated World Champion in the 4th Kyokushin World Championship in Japan), who arrived accompanied by Shihan Yuzo Goda, Seiji Isobe, Ademir Da Costa.

In 1994 he participated as a coach in the so-called Mundialito Oyama, a posthumous tribute to Sosai Oyama, held in São Paulo, organized by Shihan Seiji Isobe.

In 1995, he joined IFK Kyokushin, founded by Hanshi Steve Arneil. The same year IFK Kyokushin Argentina is founded. In 2020, the 25th anniversary of IFK Argentina will be celebrated. During these 25 years, they have participated in deferents Kyokushin IFK events, courses and competitions: 1997, 1st IFK Kyokushin World Championship in Russia; 1998, Africa Open (2nd Place); 1999,1st IFK Kyokushin World Championship, Switzerland; 1999, 3rd European Kumite Championship (3rd place); 2011, World Children's Championship, England; 2013, 4th IFK World Championship, England; 2016, 3rd World Seminar of Black Belts IFK Kyokushin.

Julio Romero was graduated to 6th Dan by Hanshi Steve Arneil, in person. 2016 1st Kata South American Championship, “Argentina 2016”, 1st place for children; 1st position novices, 1st position experts "brown and black belts"; 1st place children team; 1st place adult novices: 1st place adult team experts. 1st U21 South American Championship, Uruguay 2018, 1st place male cadets (16-17 years old); 3rd place junior ladies (13-15 years old). Chile South American Championship 2019, 1st place light category adults; 2nd place youth category, lightweight ladies; 4th place light youth ladies.

IFK Argentina has participated in many courses around the world, directed by Hanshi Steve Arneil: Russia and England ‘97; South Africa ’98 (Kumite); Switzerland ‘99 (kata), Spain ‘99 (Kumite);

Argentina 2000, Summer Camp Argentina (1st Summer Camp IFK in South America, directed by Hanshi Steve Arneil); Argentina 2001, 2nd Summer Camp in Argentina directed by Hanshi Steve Arneil; Argentina 2001 (Course with Shihan Jeff Wybrow); Switzerland 2001, 1st World Seminar of black belts IFK Kyokushin; Argentina 2002 (course with Shihan Eduard Gabathuler Representative of IFK Switzerland, and Tomas Imm, at that time representative of IFK Germany); Switzerland 2004, 2nd World Seminar of Black Belts IFK; Switzerland 2008 Summer Camp IFK Switzerland, and Kata international Tournament; Kobudo courses in Paris, France; IFK Great Britain International Summer Camp (British Karate Kyokushin Kai); Argentina 2009, 3rd Summer Camp directed by Hanshi Steve Arneil.

2011, England. Juniors World Championship; 2013, England, Youth, and Adults IFK World Championship; 2013, Argentina, visit to Argentina Senseis Dolores Jaros, and André Emmeneger, Runners-up of the World in Kata. Classes taught by both to IFK Argentina students; 2013 Referee Course 1st World KWU Sofia, Bulgaria; 2018 12th Summer Camp KWU, Kamchia, Bulgaria; 2019 1st Summer Camp KWU, Argentina directed by Shihan Alexander Pichkunov, Secretary General Kyokushin World Unión (KWU).

2020, 25th anniversary.

IFK Kyokushin Argentina closes the 2019 season with a successful balance in many aspects

IFK Argentina has started the year 2019 with a high-level event, such as the first Summer Camp KWU in South America, held in Argentina, Chile, and Brazil. Shihan Julio Romero was responsible for coordinating this international visit, receiving in our country illustrious Masters, such as the Secretary General of KWU, Sensei Alexander Pichkinov, and Sensei Dmitry Savelyev, both Kyokushin World Champions. We also received karatekas from other regions of Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia. It was undoubtedly an event of great hierarchy that we hope to repeat.

On the other hand, IFK Argentina completes the training of our students of the subsidiary of the Province of San Juan, in charge of Instructor Roberto Putelli. IFK Argentina continues the preparation of our young karatekas, athletes with a view to the IFK Kyokushin South American Championship, held in Valparaíso, Chile, organized by Sensei Germán Carú.

The participation of the IFK Argentina youth team in the Continental Tournament could not be more auspicious. Jerónimo Romero consecrated South American Champion in lightweight category adults (18 years old): Paloma Romero, South American Junior Runner-up, Lightweight Ladies category (16 years old); Mariana Bosch, 4th place (15 years), same category.

After these important International events, the degree exams arrived. Jerónimo Romero was examined to his 2º Dan, and he approved all his Kyokushin items successfully (Kihon from 10º kyu to Nidan, all katas of the system, special exercises of stamina, skill, power, and Kumite) We will end this season with a training seminar for our Instructors and students of the IFK branch in the Province of Entre Ríos.

IFK Argentina looks forward to next year with as much and good activity as the year that ends. It will be a very special year, since in 2020, IFK Kyokushin Argentina will turn 25, under the leadership of Shihan Julio Romero 6º Dan (who will turn 33 in Kyokushin, 8 in IKO, 25 in IFK), and the unconditional support and work of a small group of students of the first hour of the foundation of IFK Argentina. They are, Shihan María Laura López Goñi, Sensei Mariano Porcel and Doctor Víctor Varone (legal advisor), Doctor Pablo Albina. We look forward to celebrating at a Kyokushin event where we can share with colleagues, students, and friends.

Throughout these 25 years, IFK Argentina participated in many seminars around the world under the direction of Hanshi Steve Arneil; Also in Championships, South American, and Kyokushin World Cups for children, youth and adults (ladies and men). In 2011 a new chapter began in Kyokushin with the creation of Kyokushin World Union (KWU). In 2013, Shihan Julio participates as a referee in the first KWU World Championship, held in Sofia, Bulgaria. Then came more responsibilities related to KWU, KWU Tournament in Chile 2016. 2018 Coordinator of trainers Kyokushin South America in Summer Camp Kamchia, Bulgaria. He also coordinates the first KWU tour in the South American continent directed by Secretary General Alexander Pichkunov and Sensei Dmitry Savelyev.

2020 will be a year to celebrate, share and continue adding friends. IFK Argentina wishes in this new year to face new challenges and continue growing in the Kyokushin.