IFK Norway Camp 2025 - Friday 28th to Sunday 30th November 2025

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Friday 28th to Sunday 30th November in Sandnes, Norway.

The camp was from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th November in Sandnes, Norway. Shihan Andrew Turner and Shihan Terry Prescott of Great Britain were guest instructors. 

There was a session on Friday evening, then on Saturday there was a grading for student going for 10th Kyu up to students attempting 2nd & 3rd Dan. Shihan Terry taught the rest of the camp and went through basic Kihon, stance, fighting  and self defence

On Sunday there was a bag session in the morning then after lunch the students attempting the Dan grades did 20 & 30 fights.

It was a great camp with over 40 members and some guests from Shinkyokushin. At the end of the camp, one student, Hans Petter Nesheim was promoted to Nidan,  and one, Alexander Vrtis to Third Dan. Both were of an excellent standard and fought brilliantly in their 20 & 30 fights showing great spirit.

 

33rd American International Karate Championships -15th November 2025

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Osu! The 33rd American International Karate Championships (AIKC) took place on November 15th, 2025, in Webster, New York. Now in its third decade, the AIKC is an established and important event within the Kyokushin community in the United States. This year’s tournament drew 220+ competitors from 27 dojos across the United States and Canada, with additional competitors from Kyrgyzstan and Ukraine. Karateka of all ages took part in kata, weapons, semi-contact, and full-contact knockdown divisions, with more than 400 spectators there to cheer them on.

Once the morning kata divisions concluded, the fighters took the floor. After the national anthems of the United States and Canada were played, Shihan Monaco welcomed everyone to the 33rd AIKC. Following his remarks, he recognized the instructors whose dojos had traveled to support the tournament.

He also acknowledged newly promoted black belts within the USA-IFK, including Shihan Karl Biedlingmaier, Shihan Artur Kuzio, and Shihan Kamil Maras, who were each promoted to 5th Dan. Shihan Greg Stokelin received his 7th Dan, making him the second-highest-ranked member of the USA-IFK. During this time, Shihan Lesław Samitowski of Kanku Dojo (Chicago) presented Shihan Michael Monaco with a plaque honoring his more than fifty years of dedication to Kyokushin Karate.

Shihan Monaco extends a special thank you to Shihan Samitowski for his many years of support, to Sensei François Presseault (Karaté Mascouche, IFK–Canada), who brought more than forty competitors, and to Shihan Nathan Ligo, a direct student of Sosai Mas Oyama, who brought students from Kyokushin-kan in North Carolina. Their continued support of the AIKC is deeply appreciated.

For those interested in the complete results for all divisions, a full listing is available here:
https://smoothcomp.com/en/event/26044/results

Submitted by Sensei Bill Stewart (3rd Dan) USA-IFK Media Committee Chairman & Website Administrator

Knockdown Results

Lightweight – Men
1st Place: Piotr Jasica (Chicago Kyokushin Kanku Dojo)
2nd Place: Matt Zahand (Zahand's Martial Arts / USA-IFK)
3rd Place: Joshua Norris (Eagle Wings Kyokushin Karate / USA-IFK)

Middleweight – Men
1st Place: Sebastian Bonislawski (Chicago Kyokushin Kanku Dojo)
2nd Place: Ryan Ramos (Electric City BJJ)
3rd Place: Claudio Rodriguez (Texas Kyokushin Karate / USA-IFK)
4th Place: John Brownridge (Chicago Kyokushin Kanku Dojo)

Super Heavyweight – Men
1st Place: Samuel Dansereau (Karaté Mascouche / IFK–Canada)
2nd Place: Victor Valac (Chicago Kyokushin Kanku Dojo)

3rd Place: Josh Eal (Brown County Kyokushin Dojo)

 

Masters Heavyweight – Men
1st Place: François Presseault (Karaté Mascouche / IFK–Canada)
2nd Place: Yurii Lobodiuk (Ukraine)

Lightweight – Women
1st Place: Audrey Bartholomay (S&S Fitness and Martial Arts / USA-IFK)
2nd Place: Ewelina Jasica (Chicago Kyokushin Kanku Dojo)

As always, USA-IFK President, Shihan Michael Monaco, and Tournament Director, Shihan Karl Biedlingmaier, wish to express their appreciation to the many volunteers, officials, instructors, and supporters who helped make this year's tournament possible. The continued support of dojos and organizations across North America is what keeps the AIKC tradition strong.

The USA-IFK’s next major event is the 8th United States International Kyokushin Championships, scheduled for January 17th, 2026, in Albany, New York. For more information and registration, please visit:
https://uskyokushin.com/kyokushin-karate-events

Osu!


IFK Kyokushin Karate "Victory Cup" (Zəfər Kuboku) - Azerbaijan - October 26th 2025

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IFK Kyokushin Karate "Victory Cup" (Zəfər Kuboku) was successfully held in Azerbaijan on October 26, 2025.

​The competition saw the participation of 250 athletes from various regions of the country, who demonstrated their strength, discipline, and commitment to the spirit of Kyokushin.

​We kindly request you to share the information about this significant event on your official social media accounts. This will make an important contribution to promoting the values of Kyokushin and inspiring young athletes.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A6XAr-28B46mjgNlZIR3tU_P6SOzD8Om/view

IFK World Cup (kumite, kata, kata-group) - 30 October - 03 November 2025

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The management of the Kyokushin Federation of Russia hosted the IFK World Cup (kumite, kata, kata-group) among men and women, veterans and international competitions (12-17 years old) in Russia.

The competition was held at a high organizational and sporting level. Please note that the World Cup successfully implemented expanded weight categories for men in kumite: 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, and 95+ kg. For women: 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 70+ kg.

Results

IFK Switzerland - 30th Kumite Weekend - 31 October to 2 November 2025

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From Friday to Sunday, 31 October to 2 November 2025, Shihan Eddy Gabathuler, 8th DAN, organised the 30th Kumite Weekend in Chur. Shihan Francisco Filho, 7th DAN, from Brazil and President of Senshi South America, was invited as an instructor.

His reputation preceded him, and 141 karatekas from 25 dojos, 13 organisations and seven nations attended. A total of five training sessions were held. The topics were high leg kicks, movements, foot sweep techniques and counterattacks. The learning process was repeatedly emphasised: information, experience, knowledge, strategy and intuition were the keywords.

Shihan Francisco also explained on several occasions that ‘pushing yourself beyond your limits’ is always essential. He also made clear connections and gave examples of his experience between the techniques and his mental development as a world-class athlete.

Thank you very much for the strenuous hours and for the opportunity to learn from a Kyokushin legend – OSU.



Shihan Filho and Shihan Gabathuler seminar - 24-26 October, Romania

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A Legendary Kyokushin Experience in Cluj-Napoca

From October 24th to 26th, Cluj-Napoca became the heart of global Kyokushin excellence! Organized by Budo Gym Napoca under the guidance of Sensei Viorel Tătar, and held under the auspices of IFK Romania and IFK International, this remarkable event brought together passion, precision, and the true spirit of Budo.

We were deeply honored to welcome two icons of the Kyokushin world — Shihan Francisco Filho, the legendary K-1 fighter from Brazil, and Shihan Eddy Gabathuler from Switzerland. Their presence, mastery, and dedication inspired all participants, elevating the experience to an unforgettable level.

From world-class organization and logistics to a vibrant atmosphere filled with respect, energy, and unity — this event set new standards of excellence.

A heartfelt thank you to the organiser, to everyone who made this possible — instructors, athletes, and guests who shared the same vision: the pursuit of perfection through Kyokushin.

Shihan Christian Hirsch

country representative

IFK ROMANIA

Moscow Open 23-26 January 2026

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International competitions for men and women, for boys and girls aged 12-13, 14-15, juniors and juniors aged 16-17 (kumite, kata, and kata group).

 

Dates: January 23, 2026 – January 26, 2026, Russian Federation, Moscow.

Info Moscow Open 26
Preliminary application kumite
Preliminary application kata

IFK ROMANIA - Kyokushin Karate Boot Camp July 25-27 2025

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IFK ROMANIA - Kyokushin Karate Boot Camp – 5th Edition

Between July 25th and 27th, under the auspices of the International Federation of Karate (IFK), Sensei Laurențiu Bobocea from Power Karate successfully organized the 5th edition of the Kyokushin Karate Boot Camp in Cluj County, Romania. The event featured Shihan Eduard Gabathuler  8 Dan from Switzerland as the main instructor.

This year’s camp placed a strong emphasis on learning and refining two key Kyokushin Karate kata: Kanku Dai and Sushiho. Participants from multiple dojos across Romania gathered to enhance their skills, deepen their understanding of technique, and prepare for the 2028 World Championship, which will be hosted in Romania.

As in previous years, the camp proved to be a remarkable success, fostering both technical improvement and the spirit of camaraderie among attendees. We are deeply grateful to Shihan Eduard Gabathuler for sharing his invaluable knowledge and extend our congratulations to the organizers for delivering yet another outstanding edition of this event.


7th IFK World Kumite Championships 2025Final Statement

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The 7th IFK World Kumite Championships were held on 10th May 2025 in Leipzig, Germany. Fighters participated in 5 age groups:

  • U14

  • U16

  • U18

  • U21

  • Adult Men and Women.

In the document below you can find the final results and protocols of all categories.

7th IFK World Kumite Championships Final Statement

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

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.

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.

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.

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 - 21st Budo Training Day

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On Saturday, April 13th, 2024, Shihan Eddy Gabathuler, 8th DAN, organised the 21st Budo training day, which was held in the gym in Felsberg. The training was organised as usual: 9.30 to 11.30 am Kihon and test combinations in groups, 12.30 to 14.30 pm Katas in groups and from 16.30 to 17.00 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 Fritz Trautmann, 4th DAN

- Sensei Barbara De Patre, 4th DAN

- Sensei Dominic Frey, 3rd DAN

- Sensei Walter Kösters, 3rd DAN

- Sensei Mirco Furger, 3rd DAN

 A total of 56 Karatekas from seven IFK Switzerland Kyokushinkai Dojos - from Ilanz, Mörschwil, Oftringen, Strengelbach, Wettingen, Wohlen and Chur - took part in the training sessions. We would like to thank the Instructors and Karateka’s for their attendance, the great atmosphere and their hard work. We hope to see you again in 2025 - OSU.

 

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



5th Annual United States International Kyokushin Championships

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Osu! 2024 has got off to a great start for the USA-IFK Kyokushin on Saturday, January 27th with the 5th Annual United States International Kyokushin Championships! The tournament venue was the world famous Tropicana Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

It was an awesome day of competition and camaraderie and a great turnout with competitors coming from all over the United States and other countries. There were participants from 51 dojos, 22 organizations, 15 states plus Washington DC, and 7 countries including Aruba, Canada, Costa Rica, Germany, Mongolia, and Poland.

On behalf of USA-IFK President Shihan Mike Monaco (8th dan) and Chairman Shihan Sean Schenker (5th dan) we would like to thank all the competitors, spectators, along with the officials, staff, and members of our USA-IFK family for their support. No event of this magnitude happens without the help of those both in front of and behind the scenes. A big OSU to all of you! We also want to once again thank our special guest Shihan Ted Oyama! OSU!

5th Annual United States International Kyokushin Championships

Knockdown Results

FK-01 Male Lightweight Division (-70kg)

1. Jack Dunphy USA IFK-Fighting Spirit Dojo

2. Daymar Brown USA Zhang Sah Martial Arts

3. Ramazan Isliamov USA Kyokushin Fight Club

FK-02 Male Middleweight Division (-80kg)

1. Jack Sweeney USA IFK-S&S Fitness & Martial Arts

2. Sebastian Bonislawski USA Kanku Dojo

FK-04 Male Super Heavyweight (+89kg) Division

1. Jonathan Gonzalez Costa Rica IFK Martial Arts and Training Center

2. Hannes Drechsler Germany IFK Germany

3. Harun Abdur-Rahim United States IFK-Endicott Kyokushin Karate

4. Andronov Vyacheslav United States Dallas Kyokushin Karate

FK-06 Female Heavyweight Division (+60kg)

1. Audrey Bartholomay USA IFK-S&S Fitness & Martial Arts

2. Alanna Olive-Smith USA Capital Kyokushin-Kan

3. Jessica Krause Germany IFK Germany

Female Lightweight Division

1. Jessica Krause Germany IFK Germany

2. Lyric Schenker USA IFK-Fighting Spirit Dojo

FK-08 Male Veterans Middleweight Division (-85kg)

1. Ociesielski Marek USA Seiken-Dojo

2. Kevin Felix USA James Dojo

FK-08A Male Seniors Middleweight Division (-85kg)

1. Tomasz Puzon Poland IKO Nakamura

2. Luigi Fioravanti USA Central Florida Kyokushin

FK-09 Male Veterans Heavyweight +85 kilos

1. Robert Grant USA Forge Dojo

2. Shemallian Arrieta USA Central Florida Kyokushin

3. Jaroslaw Kurowicki USA Seiken-Dojo