2025 USA-IFK Summer Camp - July 18th-20th 2025

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Written by Bill Stewart

Photos by Danny Kistler

The 2025 USA-IFK Summer Camp was held July 18th-20th. This year’s camp was once again held in beautiful upstate New York and hosted by Gray Wolf Kyokushin in Holley.

Led by USA-IFK President Shihan Mike Monaco (8th Dan), the 2025 USA-IFK Summer Camp brought together over 100 karateka from across the United States. Also attending were Shihan Michael Schramm, who brought students from IFK Germany to share in a weekend of intense training.

For three days, students participated in tough training sessions covering a full gamut of Kyokushin practice. Kihon, kata, kumite, self-defense, and syllabus were all covered. An additional session for Judges/Officials was also included during the camp.

Saturday’s kumite session was led by experienced fight coaches Shihan Scott Haug (5th Dan), Shihan Sean Schenker (5th Dan), and Sensei Karl Biedlingmaier (4th Dan). Together, they shared their decades of combined experience helping students improve their footwork and striking as well as strategy and tactics.

The USA-IFK continues to stress the importance of cultivating knowledgeable officials within our organization and had a dedicated session. The session was led by Shihan Jerry Poe (5th Dan) (Chairman of USA-IFKK Officials Committee), Shihan Greg Stokelin (6th Dan), and Senpai Rebecca Haskel (2nd Dan). The session included live demonstration bouts judged by three members of the USA-IFK Fight Team: Senpai Lyric Schenker and Senpai Caitlyn Anderson working corners, and Senpai Mason Salvestrini serving as center referee. All three are experienced national and international competitors.

After a very full day, the warmup for the Saturday evening session was led by experienced yoga teacher Angie Poe. She shared a yoga-based stretching and breathwork routine.

On Sunday afternoon, the weekend concluded with a three-hour grading. The grading was led by Shihan David Sheets (5th Dan), USA-IFK Technical Director and Chairman of USA-IFK Grading Committee. Candidates were required to demonstrate knowledge, skill, and understanding of IFK-Kyokushin. Most importantly, they all had to demonstrate the thing that Kyokushin is most known for… The spirit of OSU! Congratulations to the following successful candidates:

• Senpai Lyric Schenker - Nidan

• Senpai Greg Johnson - Nidan

• Senpai Lucas Geller - Shodan

• Senpai Mason Salvestrini - Shodan

• Senpai Edward Hufnagel - Shodan

Shihan Monaco wishes to express his appreciation to the USA-IFK Strategy Team, who coordinated the camp, the instructors and officials who volunteered their time and expertise, and most of all, the students. You’re the reason we do what we do!

Osu!


IFK Uruguay - Seminar with Sensei Artur Arushanyan - 19th July 2025

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Last Saturday 19th July 2025, , IFK Uruguay held a Kumite seminar with a top instructor, Sensei Artur Arushanyan from Armenia. The event took place at the Combat Sports Center in Montevideo and included participants from IFK, ShinKyokushin, Kyokushin Union, Senshi, KyokushinKan, and Seiwakai. The event was a success in every aspect, from the technical to the human aspect, and above all, the camaraderie and the big spirit of Karate.

IFK President Shihan David Pickthall promoted to Hachidan

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On Saturday 10th May in Leipzig, Germany on the occasion of the 7th IFK World Kumite Championships, the IFK Board promoted Shihan David Pictkthall to the Rank of 8th Dan.

Shihan David has had a long career as a fighter, referee and coach and has worked tirelessly for the IFK, First as Vice President in 2013 and then since taking over as President in 2021. He is respected across the many different organisations in the Kyokushin World and beyond and is most deserving of this promotion.

Photos Courtesy Roman Odessky

The 7th IFK Kyokushin Karate World Championship in 2025 will be fully livestreamed

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The 7th IFK Kyokushin Karate World Championship in 2025 will be fully livestreamed and available online. Witness the intense tournament day on May 10, 2025, as it will be streamed live from the QUARTERBACK Immobilien ARENA in Leipzig.

Venue:
Quarterback Immobilien Arena Leipzig
📍 Am Sportforum 2, 04105 Leipzig

Main Tournament Day:
Saturday, May 10, 2025
🕘 Start: 09:00 AM

Tatamis:
9 areas, competitors from U14 to adults

With nine tatamis filled with fierce competitors from over 30 countries, this full-contact karate event will also feature the final award ceremony. Don’t miss your chance to choose a tatami and experience all the action for yourself!

Feel free to share the link with friends, family, and team members around the world!

22nd Budo Training Day - Switzerland - 12th April 2025

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On Saturday, 12th April 2025, Shihan Edi Gabathuler, 8th DAN, organised the 22nd Budo Training Day, which was traditionally held in the gym in Felsberg. The training programme was as usual: 9.30 am to 11.30 am kihon and test combinations in groups, 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm katas in groups and from 4.30 pm to 5.00 pm combat training and fighting in two groups. These were divided into over and under 16-year-olds. The following karatekas acted as instructors:

- Shihan Rolf Imhof, 5th DAN

- Sensei Mirco Furger, 4th DAN

- Sensei Dominic Frey, 3rd DAN

- Senpai Fabio De Patre, 2nd DAN

- Senpai Anita Klaus, 2nd DAN

- Senpai Silvio Avvisati, 2nd DAN 

- Senpai Daniel Tovisati. DAN

- Senpai Daniel Toppel, 2nd DAN

A total of 49 karatekas from eight IFK Switzerland Kyokushinkai dojos - from Anglikon, Chur, Ilanz, Mörschwil, Oftringen, Strengelbach, Wettingen and Wohlen - took part in the training sessions. We would like to thank the instructors and karatekas for their attendance, the great atmosphere and their hard work. We hope to see you again in 2026 - OSU.




8th BGN Seminar in Romania

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From Friday, 04th April to Sunday, 06th April 2025, the 8th Budo Gym Napoca (BGN) seminar was organised in Toplita/Romania by Sensei Viorel Tatar, 4th DAN Kyokushinkai Kan. Shihan Edi Gabathuler, 8th DAN, from Switzerland was invited as instructor. The training sessions, which were attended by 68 karatekas from Cluj-Napoca, Patra Niamt, Sibiu, Alba Iulia, Iasi and Bacau, were held outdoors on a tennis court at the Banffy guesthouse. The training sessions included kihon, sanbon kumite, weapons training with tonfa and knife, combat training and fighting. On Saturday evening we had a great sayonara party. A total of four organisations were represented: Kyokushinkai Kan, International Federation of Karate (IFK), Ashihara and Isshin - Ryu. Among other things, old friendships were deepened and new ones made - OSU.

XIV IFK Uruguay Summer Camp + new Kuro Obis Nidan

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The 14th Summer Camp IFK Kyokushin Uruguay took place on March 6-9, 2025. 

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

This year we had participants from Montevideo, Mercedes, Dolores, Salto, Cardona, Marindia, San Carlos and students from Brazil too. In addition to the 11 sessions, special training and meetings were held for instructors and advanced kyus. 

Exams for DAN grades were held, with 3 of our colleagues successfully earning their 2nd DAN. Shihan Germán Carballo from Uruguay and Shihan Jeovaldo from Brazil were the Instructors for this event. 

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

On behalf of everyone, I want to thank each of the participants for their time, commitment and dedication; and above all for the positive energy at all times. Families are also to be thanked for their continued support, as well as the instructors for their dedication and commitment. 

We will see each other in 2026 for our XV Summer Camp!

IFK Hungary Success in Hunagarian events - March 2025

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IFK Hungary had a successful weekend in Hungary with 2 major events:

U16 and Adult Hungarian Championship:

  • Reichert Jázmin U16 girls -60kg 1st place

  • Gulyás Gyula men +90kg 1st place

  • Kerekes Réka women -65kg 2nd place

  • Gondos Gergely men -80kg 3rd place

  • Kántor Viktória women -55kg 5th place

Hungarian Student Olympiad

  • (U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, U18)

  • All in all:

  • 5 gold medal

  • 4 silver medal

  • 4 bronze medal

National Referee Course of IFK Switzerland 2025

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On Saturday the 15th of February the IFK Switzerland held its first national course for referee and judges. 53 brown and black belts took part and were able to improve their knowledge and skills.

In the beginning there was an interactive quiz about the rules and reglulations of Kumite and Kata. Afterwards there was an analysis and discussion of past fights and the challenges of refereeing Kumite. There was also a practical refresher and reminder of the importance of clear signaling by the judges. In the afternoon we watched and discussed kata performances from the last world championship and the challenges of marking high quality katas.

We thanks our referee committee for their innovative and interesting teaching and upholding our high standards of refereeing.

7th USA-IFK UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL KYOKUSHIN CHAMPIONSHIPS

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Tropicana Hotel Atlantic City, NJ USA

  • 203 Competitors

  • 19 Martial Arts Federations

  • 19 US States 

  • 49 Clubs

  • 3 Countries 

All competed in hundreds of divisions of kata, weapons kata, semi-knockdown and full-knockdown competition. Nearly 300 spectators joined from across the country/globe and came together for a monumental and memorable event at the Tropicana Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ, USA!  Immense gratitude and thanks to Shihan Monaco & the entire USA IFK for continuing to raise the bar for Kyokushin Karate.  Thank you to Master Alan Goldberg for the years of support in Atlantic City. Thank you to all of the staff, coaches, officials, volunteers and behind the scenes makers who make events like this transpire.  Congratulations to all competitors on your skill, strength and spirit. We look forward to seeing you soon at the next USA IFK event. Osu! 

Full- Knockdown Results:

Male Open Division - Full Contact Kumite Lightweight | -70Kg (-154Lbs)

1-Hujatullah Samizada - Azadani Dojo

2- Taylor Haug- S & S Fitness and Martial Arts Center

3- Adam Thason- Imazaki Dojo       

4-Alanje Frazier - Unarr Dojo

 

Male Open Division - Full Contact Kumite Middleweight | -80Kg (-176Lbs)

1- Sebastian Bonislawski - Kanku dojo

2- Jack Sweeney - S & S Fitness and Martial Arts Center

3- Kentaro Machida - Bushiken Karate Astoria Takao Dojo

 

Female Open Division - Full Contact Kumite Heavyweight | +60kg (+132Lbs)

1-Audrey Bartholomay - S & S Fitness and Martial Arts Center

2- Pria Sinha - Saratoga Kyokushin

 

Male Veterans - Full Contact Kumite Heavyweight | +85Kg (+187Lbs)

1- Kamil Maras - New Jersey, USA IFK

2-Tomasz Puzon - IKO Nakamura

3- Shemallian Arrieta - Central Florida Kyokushin

4- Luigi Fioravanti - Central Florida Kyokushin

Male Open Division - Full Contact Kumite Middleweight | -80Kg (-176Lbs)

1- Jack Sweeney - S & S Fitness and Martial Arts Center

2- Donald Walton - Saratoga Kyokushin

The Armenian Grand Prix 2025: A Celebration of Kyokushin Karate Excellence

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The Armenian Grand Prix 2025 is set to become a significant event in the international Kyokushin karate calendar. This open tournament will bring together athletes from across the globe to compete in kumite and kata, showcasing their dedication and mastery of this revered martial art.

The tournament, which will take place on March 2, 2025, at the Dinamo Sports Complex in Yerevan, Armenia, will feature participants from various age groups and categories, including children, girls, juniors, men, and women. As a platform that celebrates both individual skill and the collective spirit of karate, the event is expected to attract widespread interest and participation.

At its core, the Armenian Grand Prix 2025 embodies the values that Kyokushin karate stands for—discipline, respect, and perseverance. The goals of the tournament extend beyond the competition itself, aiming to:

  • Promote and Develop Kyokushin Karate: The tournament, by hosting an international event, seeks to raise awareness and appreciation for this martial art and inspire future generations to practice it.

  • Encourage Healthy Lifestyles: The event focuses on engaging children and youth and highlights the importance of physical activity and a balanced approach to well-being.

  • Shape Moral and Physical Character: Karate is more than a sport; it is a way of life. Through participation, athletes develop values such as humility, determination, respect, and physical prowess.

  • Foster Global Friendships: The tournament strengthens international bonds and encourages mutual respect among participants by bringing together athletes from diverse cultural backgrounds.

  • Showcase Excellence: The event serves as a stage for top-tier athletes to demonstrate their skills while identifying emerging talents in the sport.

Organizers work tirelessly to ensure a seamless and memorable experience for all involved. Athletes interested in competing must email their preliminary applications to info@kyokushin.am by February 17, 2025. The event aims to attract diverse participants while maintaining high competition standards through a well-organized registration process and clear structure.

As the date approaches, anticipation continues to build. The event promises to leave a lasting impact on everyone involved, furthering the mission of Kyokushin karate and fostering international camaraderie.

Mark your calendars for this extraordinary event, and join us in Yerevan, Armenia, to celebrate Kyokushin's karate excellence.

The Kazan Bars Open International Kyokushin Competition - November 29 - December 02, 2024

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Full details and results can be found in the document linked to in the button below.

32nd American International Karate Championships - 9th November 2024

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

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

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

 Knockdown Results

 Male Open Lightweight Division (-70kg):

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

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

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

 Male Open Middleweight Division (-80kg):

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

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

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

 Female Open Division:

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

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

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

 Male Veterans Heavyweight Division (+85kg):

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

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

Male Open Super Heavyweight Division (+90kg):

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

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

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

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

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

 Osu!

 

Switzerland 29th Kumite Weekend - November 01st to 03rd, 2024

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From Friday to Sunday, November 01st to 03rd, 2024, Shihan Eddy Gabathuler, 8th DAN, organised the 29th Kumite Weekend. Sensei Masaki Fujii, 3rd DAN from Kenbukai Kyokushin Karate in Tokyo, was invited as a guest instructor.

A total of 84 karatekas from 14 dojos, who had travelled from five organisations and three countries, met for the training event. On Friday and Sunday, one training session was held in the Chur Dojo and on Saturday three training sessions were held in the Gymnasium in Felsberg.

Sensei Masaki belongs to the last generation of students of the late Tsuyoshi Hiroshige Shihan (who trained the Shihan's Kenji Midori, Kenji Yamaki, Kazumi Hajime, Masayoshi Takaku, Tetsuya Iwasaki, Tsukamoto Norichika, Masahiro Kaneko etc.).

In terms of fighting, Sensei Masaki has an impressive track record as a 4-time Japanese Champion (Kyokushin Kan) and Vice World Champion of the Kyokushin World Union (KWU) in the heavyweight division. He also played rugby in New Zealand for three years.

His teaching was very rich, as his karate practice is interspersed with numerous physiotherapy exercises that allow body concepts to be better integrated into karate. The three-day course was very rich in information and specific exercises such as:

  •        The role of the five lumbar vertebrae.

  •        The descent of consciousness into the tanden.

  •        The mobility of the spine and its use in generating movements in the execution of the technique.

  •        The acquisition of a strong structure and its use in combat.

Many thanks for the instructive lessons and the opportunity for this close collaboration between the Organisations Kyokushin Kenbukai Karate and IFK Switzerland Kyokushinkai - OSU.

6th IFK World Kata Championships 2024 - Live streaming and Draws

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The IFK is excited to announce that the 6th IFK World Kata Championships will be held today, Friday, October 4th, 2024, live from K2, Crawley! This prestigious event, hosted in partnership with the British Karate Kyokushinkai, will lead into the 46th British Open tomorrow. 

The DRAWS

LIVE Streaming

IFK Poland Summer Camp 2024

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From 21 to 31 July, the picturesque seaside town of Łeba hosted a memorable karate camp organised by the Polish IFK Karate Organisation. Participants from Przemyśl, Medyka, Katowice and Wrocław came together for ten days of intensive training, sharing their passion and commitment to improving their martial arts skills.

The daily training schedule was structured with four sessions per day, offering participants a comprehensive programme designed to hone their skills and push their limits. The training was divided into specialised modules:

Kumite: These sessions focused on preparing participants for upcoming tournaments and provided an opportunity to hone fighting skills. They were also instrumental in selecting the team for the upcoming British Open tournament.

Kata: Karatekas immersed themselves in the art of forms with an emphasis on precision and tradition. The sessions were part of the preparation for the World Championships in October and helped to build a strong national team.

General training: These sessions were designed to build overall physical stamina and technical skills, while fostering the mental resilience required of a true warrior.

The camp benefited from the expertise of an outstanding team of instructors, including Shihan Jan Wac, Sensei Sylwester Gołąbek, Sensei Janusz Młot, Sensei Olgierd Kempa, Senpai Marcin Wac, Senpai Rafał Wieczorowski and Senpai Bartek Malec. A special guest who shared his vast knowledge and expertise was the world renowned fighter - Senpai Grzegorz Kędzierski. Their guidance ensured that each session was both challenging and enriching, allowing the participants to grow as martial artists.

A highlight of the camp were the examinations for both student and master ranks. We are pleased to announce that Sensei Olgierd Kempa achieved the 3rd Dan and Senpai Iga Sczygieł the 1st Dan, marking significant milestones in their karate journeys.

Beyond the rigorous training, the camp was also a time of camaraderie and shared experiences. The seaside setting provided the perfect backdrop for the participants to bond and create lasting memories. As the camp drew to a close, the atmosphere was filled with a mixture of exhaustion and fulfilment, a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.

As we reflect on this unforgettable experience, we eagerly look forward to the next gathering, where we will continue to strive for excellence in our martial arts journey. Osu!

Boot Camp Kyokushin - IFK ROMANIA

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Between July 26-28, Kyokushin Boot Camp -IFK ROMANIA organized by Power Karate Dojo, Sensei Laurentiu Bobocea took place under the auspices of IFK ROMANIA, where we invited Shihan Eddy Gabathuler 8 Dan country representative IFK Switzerland and member of the IFK board. The camp was attended by representatives of IFK ROMANIA dojos and the focus was on Kata, preparation for the World Championship and military training. 
Boot Camp Kyokushin - IFK ROMANIA takes place every year at the end of July, and Shihan Eddy has already confirmed his presence for the next year, 2025. Congratulations to the organizing club and to Sensei Laurentiu, thanks to Shihan Eddy for the lessons offered and to all the 
participants!

IFK Switzerland Summer Camp 2024

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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!