The weekend of October 4th-5th, 2024, saw the USA-IFK Kyokushin Team on the other side of the Atlantic in Crawley, UK. The city of Crawley, which sits just 28 miles south of London, was playing host to two prestigious events: the 6th IFK World Kata Championships and the 46th British Open, incorporating the 14th Cup of Europe. Held at the K2 Sports Centre, both events showcased some of Kyokushin's finest practitioners from the UK, Europe, and other countries around the globe. The US delegation was led by USA-IFK Country Representative and President, Shihan Mike Monaco (8th Dan), and USA-IFK Chairman, Shihan Sean Schenker (5th Dan).
6th IFK World Kata Championships – October 4th, 2024
The weekend opened with the 6th IFK World Kata Championships, an event that showcases the beauty, precision, and mastery of Kyokushin kata. Representing Team USA were six athletes, all stepping into the international spotlight for the first time. The event brought together IFK practitioners from around the world, making it a true test of skill and focus.
Among the standout performances were Caitlyn Anderson and KJ Biedlingmaier, who both earned impressive top 10 finishes. Anderson secured 7th place in the Under 18 Girls division, while Biedlingmaier finished 6th in the Adult Men’s category. These results are commendable considering the high level of competition from across the globe. Dominic Veltre also put in a strong performance, just missing the top 10 with an 11th-place finish in the Under 18 Boys Division.
Alongside them were Senpai Alexa Johnson, Senpai Rebecca Haskel, and Shihan Sean Schenker, who in addition to competing individually, also entered the team competition. A world tournament is already a tough contest- especially when it’s your first international competition! The USA-IFK Kata Team represented their country and dojos with poise and skill, and gained valuable experience at the international level which they can take with them to their next competition.
46th British Open / 14th Cup of Europe – October 5th, 2024
The following day, four Team USA members stepped onto the mat for one of the most iconic Kyokushin knockdown tournaments in the world—the 46th British Open. This year's event, incorporating the 14th Cup of Europe, was a battleground for the best Kyokushin fighters from various organizations across Europe and beyond.
In a tournament renowned for its toughness and prestige, Team USA’s fighters brought their best. The highlight of the day came when Lyric Schenker made history, becoming the first American to win a Gold medal in an international Kyokushin competition. She claimed victory in the U18 Cadet Lightweight Division, a milestone moment for both Lyric and the USA-IFK team. Making it even more special, Lyric’s close friend and fellow teammate Caitlyn Anderson stood by her side on the podium, taking home the Silver medal in the same division.
Teammate Dominic Veltre fought hard tying for 5th place in the U16 Boys/-60kg division. Remaining teammate Jack Sweeney, competing in the Men’s Middleweight (-80kg) division, also tied for 5th place in a field filled with some of the toughest fighters in Europe.
USA-IFK Chairman Shihan Sean Schenker extends his heartfelt thanks to IFK President Shihan David Pickthall and the IFK Board for hosting and organizing these incredible events. He also acknowledged Shihan Mike Monaco for his unwavering belief in the USA team and his continued efforts to foster their development.
Special thanks were given to Team USA’s Coaches, Sensei Karl Biedlingmaier and Senpai Jonah Schenker, for their dedication, commitment, and time in preparing the athletes for the challenges of international competition. Strength and Fitness Coach Elvira Kenny-Anderson received praise for ensuring the fighters were in peak physical condition for the tournament. Shihan Jerry Poe was acknowledged for his commitment to unifying and educating USA-IFK judges and officials, helping to ensure fair and consistent officiating.
The team also expressed gratitude to Sensei Amjad Nawaz and Victor Budo USA for their generous sponsorship. Lastly, Shihan Schenker gave a heartfelt thank you to the parents, families, dojos, and instructors who tirelessly support and nurture the students within the USA-IFK, allowing them to continue growing and evolving in Hanshi Steve Arneil’s IFK Kyokushin.
The USA-IFK team returns home not only with medals but with the pride of representing their country on the international stage. This experience will undoubtedly fuel their future endeavors as they continue to grow and evolve as fighters and martial artists. With this historic weekend in the books, the future of USA-IFK Kyokushin looks brighter than ever.
OSU!
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