33rd American International Karate Championships

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

Knockdown Results

Lightweight – Men

1st Place: Cameron Cryer (Fighting Spirit Karate Dojo)
2nd Place: Ace Miller (Fight Club Karate)
3rd Place: Keenan Nunes (Karaté Mascouche)

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)

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!