The 13th IFK Uruguay Summer Camp

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

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

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

  

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

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

          

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

OSU



The 2023 USA-IFK Summer Camp

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

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

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

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

 Dan Testing Candidates:

 David Sheets (Godan)

Brian Walsh (Shodan)

Summer King-Barra (Shodan)

Andrew Balaban (Shodan) 

28th Swiss IFK Summer Camp 2023

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28th Swiss IFK Summer Camp 2023


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

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

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

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

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

 

10. Kyu Quiroga Munoz Claudia Julieth Karate-Club Oftringen

9. Kyu Matter Henry Karateschule Kriens

6. Kyu Keiser Romina Karateschule Kriens

6. Kyu Jaruga Noach Karateschule Kriens

6. Kyu Wechsler Lenard Karateschule Kriens

1. Kyu Weber Lea Karateclub Strengelbach

1. DAN Muntwyler Simone Karate Club Anglikon

4. DAN De Patre Barbara Kyokushinkai Karate Ilanz

8. DAN Gabathuler Eduard Kyokushinkai Karate Chur


IFK Aruba Training Camp 2023

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

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

Sensei Zairo Ruiz (3rd Dan)

Senpai Greg Helder (1st Dan)

Derek Schenker (3rd Kyu)

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

OSU!

28th IFK Switzerland Summer Camp

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Dear Country Representatives

Dear Karatekas

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

Details Swiss Summer Camp 2023

Kind regards, OSU

Shihan Eddy Gabathuler, 7th DAN

USA IFK Summer training camp 2023 registration is here

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Make your plans now!

USA IFK Summer Camp with Shihan Monaco

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

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

Dates: Fri July 21-Sun July 23

Where: Gray Wolf Martial Arts, Holley, NY

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

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

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

As Hanshi Arneil always said:

"It’s about the Karate! OSU!"

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

In Budo,

Shihan Monaco & Sensei Karl

IFK Bulgaria Summer Camp 2023

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

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

IFK Chile Summer Camp 2023

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

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

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

Congratulations! Osu!

Belgium Winter Camp 2023

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

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

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

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

IFK black belt seminar 2023

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

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

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

Dutch summer camp 2023

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Dear shihans, sensei's and senpai's,

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

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

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

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

Best regards,

Roel Noordman

Country representative IFK Netherlands



IFK World Black Belt Seminar 2023

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

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

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

IFK Netherlands Summer camp 2023

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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

The 4th EFKO Full Contact Camp 2022

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The 4th EFKO Full Contact Camp was held with over 250 participants. IFK President Shihan David Pickthall, Board Member Shihan Eddy Gabthuler and World Champion Sensei Emma Markwell were invited as Instructors of this three day training camp aimed at unity, respect and collaboration in a sporting environment.

At the camp a meeting took place between Shihan David, Shihan Antonio Pinero (representing the KWF), Shihan Koen Spitaels (representing the EFKO) and Shihan Koi (representing the WFKO) where an intention to work together to hold united qualifying championships to select athletes for a future World WFKO Championship.

This will lead to more opportunities for IFK members in the future and is a continuation of our desire to maintain healthy relationships with full contact organisations.

IFK Switzerland Summer Camp

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From the 23rd till 26th The IFK Switzerland summer camp took place in July at the sports center in Willisau.

97 athletes from 11 dojos and ages 8 to 66 set off to deepen their knowledge of Kihon, Kata, and Kumite in groups and under the expert guidance of various Sempais, Senseis and Shihans. The weather was good for the camp and so they sweat a lot. Everyone could benefit from new training methods and ideas and expand their knowledge.

All brown and black belts were also given the opportunity to expand their skills as part of a refereeing course on Sunday evening.
On Monday afternoon, like every year, a 30-man Kumite took place, with big and small fighting each other with much respect and spirit. In the evening, the reward was followed by the Sayonara Party – which also marked the 25th anniversary of IFK Switzerland this year. So Mr. and Mrs. Karateka threw themselves in the bowl and spent the evening with great food and good company. The examiners organized a supporting program, which was varied and amusing throughout the evening. In addition, many old and newer photos have highlighted the highlights of the last 25 years.

After a final training on Tuesday morning and the graduations, the training camp, unfortunately, came to an end again.

We congratulate all the students on their performance:

Kohai Maximilian Blum, 2. Kyu
Kohai Lea Weber, 2. Kyu
Kohai Angela Egli, 1. Kyu
Sempai Peter Ammann, 1. DAN
Sempai Mirjam Bucher, 1. DAN
Sempai Ismael Diez, 1. DAN
Sempai Christian Ettlin, 1. DAN
Sempai Larissa Krummenacher, 1. DAN
Sempai Sina Burri, 2. DAN
Sempai Angela Felber, 2. DAN
Sempai Ramon Pfändler, 2. DAN
Sensei Philipp Hartmann, 3. DAN
Sensei Simon Zurfluh, 3. DAN

In addition, the IFK Switzerland and the World Federation awarded the following graduations:
Sensei Fritz Trautmann, 4. DAN
Sensei Alexandra Tabord, 4. DAN
Shihan Michel Estermann, 5. DAN
Shihan Melania Garcia, 5. DAN
Shihan Rolf Imhof, 5. DAN
Shihan Heinz Muntwyler, 5. DAN
Shihan Toni Gansner, 6. DAN

We congratulate all graduates and thank you for your dedication to the IFK.

We look forward to seeing you all next year from the 22nd. – 25. July 2023 to be seen again in summer camp.

OSU!

IFK Switzerland

Photos at: https://ifk-schweiz.ch/ifk-schweiz-sommerlager/

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

USA IFK Summer Camp Zoom training with Shihan David Pickthall

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First-ever worldwide chance to train alongside one of the greatest Kyokushin teachers in an exclusive ifk online ZOOM Kumite session during the USA IFK Summer Camp!

IFK Online World-Wide Zoom Exclusive Kumite Training with the IFK President Shihan David Pickthall

*Followed by a short, moderated live Q&A

SATURDAY, JULY 23, 2022

3:30 PM USA-Eastern Standard Time

Open to IFK and practitioners from all over the world, please join the exclusive Kumite training session to be held live online during the upcoming July USA IFK SUMMER CAMP. Do not miss the opportunity to train with one of the world's best! Osu!

Must register here to receive the exclusive USA IFK ZOOM link: bit.ly/Registration-Training-Shihan-David

IFK Bulgaria Summer Camp 2022

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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