Osu! On April 21–22, 2024, USA-IFK Kyokushin welcomed IFK-Switzerland Country Representative Shihan Eddy Gabathuler (8th Dan) to Gray Wolf Martial Arts in Holley, New York, for a special Kyokushin seminar. Hosted alongside IFK-USA Country Representative Shihan Michael Monaco (8th Dan), the two-day event focused on kihon, tournament fighting, and self-defense training. A theme that Shihan…
The USA-IFK is proud to welcome Elite Kyokushin Budo Karate Dojo to the organization! The dojo celebrated its grand opening on Sunday, January 28th, 2024, in Union, New Jersey, under the leadership of Sensei Alexander Tsybulkin (3rd Dan). A Kyokushin practitioner with 17 years of experience, Sensei Alex brings deep technical knowledge and a strong…
Osu! 2024 got off to a strong start for USA-IFK Kyokushin on Saturday, January 27th, with the 5th Annual United States International Kyokushin Championships, held at the world-famous Tropicana Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. This full-contact Kyokushin event continues to grow each year, bringing together karateka from across the United States and around the…
The 31st American International Karate Championships were held on Saturday, November 11th, 2023, in Holley, New York. Hosted by USA-IFK Kyokushin President Shihan Michael Monaco (8th Dan) and supported by the USA-IFK organization, this renowned full-contact Kyokushin tournament draws competitors from across the United States, Canada, and beyond. This year’s event featured more than 250…
On Saturday, November 12th, 2022, the 30th American International Karate Championships marked its milestone 30th anniversary. Hosted by the USA-IFK Kyokushin organization, the event brought together over 250 competitors and 350 spectators, representing 7 countries and 58 dojos. Participants competed across multiple divisions, including full-contact Kyokushin knockdown kumite, showcasing the power and spirit of traditional…
The USA-IFK team proudly represented the United States at the 6th IFK World Championships, held in Valencia, Spain. Among the highlights, Senpai Lyric Schenker made history as the first female competitor from USA-IFK to earn a podium finish at an IFK World Tournament, securing 3rd place in the Under-16 Lightweight (-55kg) division. All fighters showed…
The 2022 USA-IFK Kyokushin Summer Camp was held July 21st–24th, bringing together students and instructors from four countries for an intense weekend of Kyokushin training. Led by IFK President Shihan David Pickthall (7th Dan), the annual camp included training in kihon, kata, and kumite and featured the true spirit of IFK Kyokushin Karate. On July…
On January 1st, 2020, Shihan Michael Monaco (8th Dan), President and Founder of USA-IFK Kyokushin, announced the appointment of Shidoshi Sean Schenker as the new Chairman of the USA-IFK Board. A long-time martial artist and leader, Shidoshi Schenker brings over 35 years of experience in Kyokushin and other traditional martial arts, along with a strong…
Osu! In October 2019, Team USA traveled to London to compete at the British Kyokushin Karate (BKK) Open, one of the most prestigious Kyokushin tournaments in Europe. This marked the first time in many years that a junior team from the United States competed at the British Open, and they made history in the Under-18…
At the 2019 British Kyokushin Karate (BKK) Open in London, Hanshi Steve Arneil (10th Dan), founder of the International Federation of Karate (IFK), formally presented Shihan Michael Monaco with the rank of 8th Dan. Shihan Monaco is the Founder and President of the USA-IFK and serves on the IFK Executive Committee. With more than 50…
