IFK USA - 8th United States International Kyokushin Championships - January 17, 2026
/Osu! The 8th United States International Kyokushin Championships took place on January 17, 2026, in Albany, New York, marking the tournament’s first year in its new location at Albany Capital Center following its move from Atlantic City.
The transition to Albany was met with positive feedback from competitors, instructors, officials, and spectators. The venue provided improved space and layout for competition areas, officials, and spectators, contributing to a smooth and well-organized event throughout the day.
This year’s championships welcomed competitors from 16 countries across five continents, and reflects the continued growth of international participation. Strong representation came from across the IFK international network, while the tournament also continued to attract participants from a wide range of Kyokushin organizations.
Karateka of all ages competed in kata, semi-contact kumite, knockdown kumite, and All Abilities divisions. The tournament featured divisions ranging from youth through adult competitors.
Knockdown Kumite Results
K-2 Knockdown Kumite / Men’s Heavyweight, Ages 18–21 & 22–34 (-198 lb / -90 kg)
1st Place: Justin Zyskowski (Canada, Kanreikai Karate Vaudreuil)
2nd Place: Anthony Gugino (United States, S&S Fitness and Martial Arts)
K-4 Knockdown Kumite / Men’s Lightweight, Ages 22–34 & 35–45 (-154 lb / -70 kg and -168 lb / -76 kg)
1st Place: Sebastien Deragon (Canada, Centre de Karate Deragon)
2nd Place: Sarvar Orujov (Azerbaijan, Maine Kyokushin Karate)
3rd Place: Derek Woykovsky (United States, Salerni Dojo Kyokushin Karate)
K-5 Knockdown Kumite / Men’s Heavyweight & Super Heavyweight, Ages 22–34 (-198 lb / -90 kg and +199 lb / +90 kg)
1st Place: Joel Bilodeau (Canada, Shinkyokushin Longueuil)
2nd Place: Yurii Lobodiuk (Ukraine, No Affiliation)
K-9 Knockdown Kumite / Men’s Heavyweight, Ages 35–45 (+187 lb / +85 kg) and Super Heavyweight, Ages 22–34 (+199 lb / +90 kg)
1st Place: Yurii Lobodiuk (Ukraine, IKO)
2nd Place: Theodore Kassimatis (Canada, Karate Shinkyokushin Greenfield Park)
K-3 Knockdown Kumite / Women’s Lightweight, Ages 18–21 (-132 lb / -60 kg)
1st Place: Jessica Krause (Germany, IFK Germany)
2nd Place: Lyric Schenker (United States, Fighting Spirit Karate)
K-8 Knockdown Kumite / Women’s Lightweight (Open / Exhibition)
1st Place: Jessica Krause (Germany, IFK Germany)
2nd Place: Caitlyn Anderson (United States, Fighting Spirit Karate)
Knockdown Kumite Exhibition Match
1st Place: Jessica Krause (IFK-Germany)
2nd Place: Audrey Bartholomay (USA-IFK)
Note: Some divisions were combined.
For all other results please visit: https://smoothcomp.com/en/event/26785/results
On behalf of USA-IFK President Shihan Michael Monaco (8th Dan) and USA-IFK Chairman Shihan Sean Schenker (5th Dan) the USA-IFK wishes to express their appreciation to all the competitors, along with their supporters, friends, and family for attending the 8th USIKC. They also wish to thank the instructors and dojos who traveled to support the event, along with the many volunteers, officials, and USA-IFK members who travel each year to support our tournaments. OSU!
The successful execution of the 8th United States International Kyokushin Championships reinforces USA-IFK’s continued commitment to hosting high-quality national and international events and the growth of Kyokushin karate throughout the Western Hemisphere.
Everyone is invited to join us in Lima, Ohio on March 28th, 2026 for the 4th Ohio International Kyokushin Championship. For information on this and other upcoming USA-IFK events, please visit: https://uskyokushin.com/kyokushin-karate-events
Osu!
