IFK Russia dominates on the 1st Kata World Cup 2021

IFK Switzerland Kyokushinkai hosted the first “IFK Kata World Cup” in Kriens, Switzerland.

Here are the results:

Men:

1st place Smolnik Evgenii (Russia)

2nd place Pfändler Ramon (Switzerland)

3rd place Shageev Sergei (Russia)

Women:

1st place Urusova Kristina (Russia)

2nd place Dolgopolova Oksana (Russia)

3nd place Kuznetsova Evgeniia (Russia)

Boys:

1st place Titenko Aleksandr (Russia)

2nd place Ianyshev Iaromir (Russia)

3rd place Petrov Timofei (Russia)

Girls:

1st place Bogdanova Karina (Russia)

2nd Borodkina Elizaveta (Russia)

3rd place Brevnova Kristina (Russia)

Juniors Team:

1st place Russia 2,

2nd place Russia 1,

3rd place Swiss Team Boys

Adults team:

1st place Russia 1,

2nd place Russia 2,

3rd place Swiss Team Men

IFK Canada Seminar and Testing

During two very hot days with temperatures reaching up to 37C, karateka from four dojos trained hard outdoors and indoors as well. We had participants from CKMA Vaughan and Barrie, Geminos Dojo, and Mississauga Kyokushin Dojo. In total, we had 40 participants in all ranks, from white belts to black belts.

The seminar covered all aspects of Kyokushin Karate: basics, forms, and fighting.

There were 16 karatekas who successfully tested for their new ranks and belts, including two new black belts from CKMA Vaughan Dojo.

The candidates for the black belt had to fight 20 consecutive fights and they were pushed to their limits!

In the end, everyone had a good time, learned a lot, and was happy to be able to train together during these difficult times.

We are hoping to have an even better and bigger seminar next year!

Keep up the Kyokushin Spirit!

Osu!

Shihan Dolores Emmenegger-Jaros is the new IFK Kata Committee member

Shihan Klaus Ming has made the decision to step away from the IFK Kata Committee. We owe thanks to Shihan Klaus Ming for his commitment and hard work during the last four years.

We welcome Shihan Dolores Emmenegger-Jaros of Switzerland to the IFK Kata Committee, she will join Shihan Janine Davies, Shihan Victor Fomin, Shihan Itzik Ashkenazi, and Shihan Sunil Tailor in their task of improving all standards of IFK Kata.

IFK Executive Committee

IFK World Kata Cup Switzerland 2021 - participants

We are happy to announce that, despite a difficult period for the whole world, we will still have a good presence. 9 countries have applied for participation and we expect a good high-level competition.

The 1st IFK Kata World Cup will be held on September 11, 2011 in Sports Hall Krauerhalle, Kriens, Switzerland.

1. Germany

2. Israel

3. Netherlands

4. Norway

5. Poland

6. Romania

7. Russia

8. Spain

9. Switzerland

Junior Girls: 13
Junior Boys: 9
Junior Team: 6

Adult Women: 15
Adult Men: 12
Adult Team: 5

Seminar of the IFK Uruguay

On August 14-15, 2021 IFK Uruguay held a Seminar in the cities of Dolores and Mercedes, State of Soriano.

Training sessions for adults and children focused on details and corrections, aiming to improve each participants´ performance in the upcoming National Kata Tournament.

The event was organized by the State coordinator, Senpai Mario Hornos, and was technically led by Sensei Germán Carballo, IFK Uruguay Country Representative.

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.

Shihan Furko Kalman 1947-2021 RIP

It is with great sadness I received the news of the passing of Shihan Furko Kalman of the Hungarian WKO Shinkyokushin Organisation.

I remember my first meeting with Shihan Kalman at the European Championships in 1982. He had the appearance of a fierce karateka but was, as many of his generation, a very humble man.

He was an important part of the popularisation of Kyokushin in the eighties and became a senior figure in the EKO Shinkyokushin.

On behalf of the IFK Executive Board and our members, I offer sincere condolences to his family and our thoughts are with his wife and the Hungarian WKO at this time.

Shihan David Pickthall

President - IFK

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.

IFK Uruguay held a national seminar for instructors

On Sunday, July 24th, IFK Uruguay held a national seminar for instructors at the Hombu Dojo (Abumi Dojo).

Sensei German Carballo, the country representative, led 2 training sessions with a focus on improving and standardizing technical aspects of the IFK syllabus throughout the different dojos.

Participants included instructors from Montevideo, Canelones, Salto, and Soriano.

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.

Ecuador is the new country member of the IFK

The IFK is happy to announce Ecuador has joined our family under the leadership of Senpai Erick Rivas.

We welcome Erick and hope he can form a good relationship with the neighboring countries in the Americas continent.

Contact: Erik Rivas

Loja, Loja San Sebastian Parish Lourdes Street And Bolivar, Ecuador

Tel: +593962798227

Email: erickrivas22694@gmail.com

KWU World Youth Cup and First Senshi European Tournament

Sensei Ismail Yildirim, IFK Country Rep of Turkey, took a group of 32 IFK fighters to Bulgaria for the KWU World Youth Cup 2021 and the 1st KWU Senshi European Tournament. The tournament was a great success, coming away with

U21 Men -85kg 1st Place Fevzican Kutlu (also awarded “Most Spirited Fighter”)

Girls 16-17 yrs -60kg 2nd Place Cerenur Tasir (also awarded “Most Spirited Fighter”)

Girls 16-17 yrs -50kg 3rd Place Zehra Dundar

Boys 16-17 yrs -65kg 3rd Place Engin Ugur

Girls 16-17 yrs -60kg 3rd Place Edanur Kişisel

Award “Most Spirited Fighter” Selvi Naz Parlak

Team’s Results:

1. Russia

2. Kazakhstan

3. Bulgaria

4. Ukraine

5. Turkey

The IFK Kata Committee led by Shihan Janine Davies met on Saturday 10th July 2021

President Shihan David Pickthall joined Shihan Victor Fomin, Shihan Klaus Ming, Shihan Sunil Tailor, and Shihan Itzik Ashkenazi in the meeting and it was decided the committee will conduct an Online Kata Judging Course in the near future.

Shihan Klaus Announced he will stand down from the committee to allow a new member to gain the experience and assist the IFK in improving all elements of Kata tuition and judging. Shihan Janine and the IFK want to thank him for all the work.

Osu!

Announcement From Our President

The Loss Of Our Founder Hanshi Steve Arneil

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Hanshi Steve Arneil who died suddenly on Friday 2nd July 2021 in London.

 His influence and impact on Kyokushin Karate internationally for nearly sixty years are immeasurable and he was, without doubt, an icon of the twentieth century who influenced many.

 There are no words to express the loss of Hanshi and our sympathies are extended to his family at this difficult time.

“There are times of suffering which remain

in our lives like black absolutes and are

not blotted out. Fortunate are those for whom

these black stars shed some sort of light.”

Hanshi shone a light in many people’s lives and that light will shine with us all eternally.

A full appreciation of Hanshi’s life and achievement will be published by the International Federation of Karate in due course.

Fighters From 15 Countries Will Compete At The 1st European SENSHI Championship

Fighters from 15 countries will compete at the 1st European Open SENSHI championship on the 8th, 9th, and 10th of July. The finals will be on the 9th and 10th of July in Kamchia and will be broadcasted all over the world.

According to preliminary applications, several IFK fighters - tournament medalists will take part in the championship. We wish success to all participants. Osu!

The event will be organised by KWU International Professional League and its Chairman Shihan Ivo Kamenov, who is also a Chairman of Bulgaria’s National Combat Sports Association, and only the best fighters will compete in the finals and will compete for the European belts of SENSHI.

During the first day, all of the qualification matches will be held. All 60 participants are divided in six categories –70, -75, -80, -85, -90, +90 kg. Each division will consist of 10 fighters.

The semi-finals will be held on the 9th of July, and the finals will be played along with the 9-th edition of the international elite fight nights SENSHI on the 10th of July. The six finals will be accompanied by 7 professional fights between competitors from 11 countries. A total of 13 fights will be held in the epic 9th edition of SENSHI. They will be conducted under the KWU SENSHI and KWU Full-Contact rules.

The events on all three dates will be open to the public. On the 8th and 9th of July between 09:00 and 15:30, the fights will take place in the main sports hall of SC “Kamchiya”. On the 10th of July, the fights will start at 8 PM local time in the amphitheater in Kamchia with no entry fee.

Senshi 9 will be broadcasted on Bulgaria ON AIR, MAX Sport, Boec.BG and the US online channels FITE, Boec.COM, Kwunion.com, KyokushinKarate.News, and Fighto.News.

The 1st European Open SENSHI championship and SENSHI 9 will take place during the 15-th KWU International summer camp which starts on the 4th of July and will gather all the Kyokushin elite in one place. The European championship had to be held in 2020, but due to the COVID-19 epidemic, it was postponed.

Now the KWU International Professional League will make it happen thanks to its Chairman Shihan Ivo Kamenov during the biggest event in the world of Kyokushin.

SENSHI 9 is brought to you by KWU International Professional League, Armeec Insurance Group, MAX Sport, Bulgaria Air, M-Car Group – BWM.

Media partners of SENSHI 9 are Boec.BG and Boec.COM, Bulgaria ON AIR, FITE.tv, Gol.bg, Topsport.bg, kwunion.com, Russian Union Of Martial Arts, KyokushinКarate.News and Fighto.News

IFK Iran Kumite and Kata seminar - report

IFK Iran, Tehran branch organized a seminar in Kumite & Kata under the leadership of Shihan Vahidi, IFK representative in Iran.

Event: IFK Tehran Seminar (Kumite & Kata)

Date: 25 June 2021

Location: Imam Ali Sports Complex, Tehran, Iran

Organizer: Shihan Rasool Jalaiyan and Sensei Mahdi Jalaiyan (IFK Tehran)

Head Instructor:

Shihan Manouchehr Vahidi (IFK Representative in Iran)

Instructors:

Shihan Rasool Jalaiyan (IFK Tehran Branch Chief & IFK International Referee)

Sensei Mahdi Jalaiyan (IFK Tehran Head Coach and IFK International Medalist 2018 & 2019)

IFK Iran guests:

Shihan Hosein Parto (IFK Iran Secretary)

Sensei Mohammad Reza Vaziri (IFK Iran Board Member)

Shihan Sina Vahidi (IFK Iran Board Member)

Sensei Taher Shokri (IFK Iran Board Member)

IFK Uruguay instructors received their Kuro Obi belts and certificates

On Sunday June 20th, 2021, two IFK Uruguay instructors received their international Kuro Obi belts and certificates, Senpai Mario Hornos as Ni Dan and Senpai Claudia López as Shodan.

The ceremony was led by Sensei Germán Carballo, IFK Uruguay Country Representative with the participation of Senpai Santiago Mosco.

Having instructors from different dojos and states receiving their official grades together strengthens IFK Uruguay´s goal of becoming one big Kyokushin family, disregarding where you are located.

Osu!

IFK South America Country Representatives meeting

During the first weekend of June, IFK South America Country Representatives hold a virtual meeting with the aim of sharing experiences on different topics and continue growing; temporarily replacing the in-person meetings held at South America Tournaments.

 The main items in the agenda were as follows,

• each country provided a summary on how they are dealing with training and activities during the pandemic,

• Colombia was confirmed as host for the 5th South America Tournament in 2023,

• a monthly training agenda was agreed to be set with virtual training sessions for America instructors, welcoming of course IFK colleges wanting to participate.

 Attendees:

• Argentina: Shihan Julio Romero

• Brazil: Sensei Jeovaldo Barreto

• Chile: Senpai Germán Carú

• Colombia: Senpai Oscar Sanabria

• Perú: Senpai Fernando Ríos

• Uruguay: Sensei Germán Carballo

• Venezuela: Senpai Hugo Luciani