The USA-IFK Arizona Seminar & Grading was held June 4–6, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona, under the instruction of Shihan Mike Monaco (8th Dan), President and Founder of USA-IFK Kyokushin and member of the IFK Executive Board. Hosted by Shihan Bill Schrader (6th Dan) and Kaizen Kan Kyokushin, the event brought together students and instructors from Arizona, California, New York, Oklahoma, and Texas for three days of intensive training culminating in a formal grading examination.
Throughout the seminar, Shihan Monaco emphasized that the IFK approach to teaching Kyokushin is rooted in the methods and principles established by Sosai Mas Oyama. Drawing upon the grading syllabus developed by Hanshi Steve Arneil, instruction focused not only on the physical execution of techniques, but also on understanding when, why, and how they should be applied through proper timing, distancing, movement, and tactical thinking. Shihan Monaco explained that Hanshi Arneil's syllabus was developed from the lessons he learned directly from Sosai during Kyokushin's formative years and reflects an effort to preserve and transmit those lessons to future generations.
Senpai Dominic Veltre of New York assisted Shihan Monaco throughout the weekend, helping lead drills and demonstrate the training material presented during the seminar. As Shihan Monaco introduced and explained the material, Senpai Veltre provided students with clear examples of the techniques and concepts being taught.
A recurring theme throughout the weekend was that Kyokushin is intended to develop the mind, body, and spirit. Students were encouraged to look beyond the mechanics of individual techniques and develop a deeper understanding of timing, distancing, movement, positioning, and tactical application. Rather than viewing training simply as an exercise in physical toughness and conditioning, the seminar emphasized the importance of understanding why techniques are performed, how they connect to one another, and how they can be applied effectively under pressure. Equal emphasis was placed on cultivating the character, discipline, and fighting spirit that have long been hallmarks of Kyokushin Karate.
Shihan Monaco also stressed the importance of maintaining consistent technical standards throughout the organization. The IFK syllabus provides a structured framework through which students and instructors develop a common understanding of kihon, renraku, kata, kumite, and the principles that unite them. More than a collection of techniques, it is intended to guide the development of the complete karateka through the balanced cultivation of mind, body, and spirit. This approach seeks to ensure that Kyokushin is taught consistently across the organization while preserving the lessons passed down from Sosai Mas Oyama through Hanshi Steve Arneil and subsequent generations of instructors.
Hanshi Steve Arneil began training under Sosai Mas Oyama in January 1961 and belonged to one of the earliest generations of Kyokushin practitioners. Best known to many as the first person to successfully complete the 100-man kumite after Sosai himself, Hanshi Arneil spent decades teaching, developing instructors, and preserving the lessons he learned during Kyokushin's formative years. Through his training, teaching, and organizational leadership, he worked to organize and systematize those lessons into a comprehensive grading syllabus that continues to serve as the foundation for IFK technical standards worldwide.
Following the completion of the seminar, candidates undertook a formal grading examination on Saturday, June 6th. The examination evaluated technical proficiency, kata performance, fighting ability, spirit, and overall understanding of Kyokushin Karate.
USA-IFK is pleased to announce the successful promotion of the following candidates:
Promotions
Brandon Koster — Promoted to 2nd Dan (Nidan)
Claudio Rodriguez — Promoted to 1st Dan (Shodan)
Logan Koster — Promoted to 1st Dan (Shodan)
Brett Burtton — Promoted to 1st Kyu
The successful completion of these examinations reflects years of dedication, perseverance, and commitment to the principles of Kyokushin Karate. Advancement in rank represents not only technical achievement, but also continued development of the mind, body, and spirit through the study of Kyokushin Karate.
USA-IFK extends its congratulations to all successful candidates and thanks Shihan Monaco, Shihan Schrader, and all participants whose efforts contributed to a successful and productive weekend of training.
Osu!
Submitted by Sensei Bill Stewart (3rd Dan)
Chairman, USA-IFK Media Committee
