USA-IFK Hosts Successful 2025 Summer Camp in Upstate New York

The 2025 USA-IFK Kyokushin Summer Camp was held July 18–20 in beautiful Upstate New York and hosted by Gray Wolf Kyokushin in Holley. Led by USA-IFK President Shihan Mike Monaco (8th Dan), the event brought together over 100 Kyokushin karateka from across the United States for three days of intensive training, camaraderie, and IFK tradition. Also attending were Shihan Michael Schramm, who brought students from IFK Germany to share in a weekend of intense training.

During the camp, students participated in tough training sessions covering a full gamut of Kyokushin practice. Kihon, kata, kumite, self-defense, and syllabus were all covered. An additional session for Judges/Officials was also included during the camp.

Saturday’s kumite session was led by experienced fight coaches Shihan Scott Haug (5th Dan), Shihan Sean Schenker (5th Dan), and Sensei Karl Biedlingmaier (4th Dan). Together, they shared their decades of combined experience helping students improve their footwork and striking as well as strategy and tactics.

The USA-IFK continues to stress the importance of cultivating knowledgeable officials within our organization and had a dedicated session. The session was led by Shihan Jerry Poe (5th Dan) (Chairman of USA-IFKK Officials Committee), Shihan Greg Stokelin (6th Dan), and Senpai Rebecca Haskel (2nd Dan). The session included live demonstration bouts judged by three members of the USA-IFK Fight Team: Senpai Lyric Schenker and Senpai Caitlyn Anderson working corners, and Senpai Mason Salvestrini serving as center referee. All three are experienced national and international competitors.

After a very full day, the warmup for the Saturday evening session was led by experienced yoga teacher Angie Poe. She shared a yoga-based stretching and breathwork routine.

On Sunday afternoon, the weekend concluded with a three-hour grading. The grading was led by Shihan David Sheets (5th Dan), USA-IFK Technical Director and Chairman of USA-IFK Grading Committee. Candidates were required to demonstrate knowledge, skill, and understanding of IFK-Kyokushin. Most importantly, they all had to demonstrate the thing that Kyokushin is most known for… The spirit of OSU! Congratulations to the following successful candidates:

• Senpai Lyric Schenker - Nidan

• Senpai Greg Johnson - Nidan

• Senpai Lucas Geller - Shodan

• Senpai Mason Salvestrini - Shodan

• Senpai Edward Hufnagel - Shodan

Shihan Monaco wishes to express his appreciation to the USA-IFK Strategy Team, who coordinated the camp, the instructors and officials who volunteered their time and expertise, and most of all, the students. You’re the reason we do what we do!

Osu!

Osu! The USA-IFK Media Team wishes to thank Danny Kistler, who trains at McCreery Karate-do Kyokushin in Indiana, for sharing his amazing photography of the camp. All photos were taken by Danny. Thank you again and Big Osu!!!