Switzerland 29th Kumite Weekend - November 01st to 03rd, 2024

/

From Friday to Sunday, November 01st to 03rd, 2024, Shihan Eddy Gabathuler, 8th DAN, organised the 29th Kumite Weekend. Sensei Masaki Fujii, 3rd DAN from Kenbukai Kyokushin Karate in Tokyo, was invited as a guest instructor.

A total of 84 karatekas from 14 dojos, who had travelled from five organisations and three countries, met for the training event. On Friday and Sunday, one training session was held in the Chur Dojo and on Saturday three training sessions were held in the Gymnasium in Felsberg.

Sensei Masaki belongs to the last generation of students of the late Tsuyoshi Hiroshige Shihan (who trained the Shihan's Kenji Midori, Kenji Yamaki, Kazumi Hajime, Masayoshi Takaku, Tetsuya Iwasaki, Tsukamoto Norichika, Masahiro Kaneko etc.).

In terms of fighting, Sensei Masaki has an impressive track record as a 4-time Japanese Champion (Kyokushin Kan) and Vice World Champion of the Kyokushin World Union (KWU) in the heavyweight division. He also played rugby in New Zealand for three years.

His teaching was very rich, as his karate practice is interspersed with numerous physiotherapy exercises that allow body concepts to be better integrated into karate. The three-day course was very rich in information and specific exercises such as:

  •        The role of the five lumbar vertebrae.

  •        The descent of consciousness into the tanden.

  •        The mobility of the spine and its use in generating movements in the execution of the technique.

  •        The acquisition of a strong structure and its use in combat.

Many thanks for the instructive lessons and the opportunity for this close collaboration between the Organisations Kyokushin Kenbukai Karate and IFK Switzerland Kyokushinkai - OSU.

Boot Camp Kyokushin - IFK ROMANIA

/ 
Between July 26-28, Kyokushin Boot Camp -IFK ROMANIA organized by Power Karate Dojo, Sensei Laurentiu Bobocea took place under the auspices of IFK ROMANIA, where we invited Shihan Eddy Gabathuler 8 Dan country representative IFK Switzerland and member of the IFK board. The camp was attended by representatives of IFK ROMANIA dojos and the focus was on Kata, preparation for the World Championship and military training. 
Boot Camp Kyokushin - IFK ROMANIA takes place every year at the end of July, and Shihan Eddy has already confirmed his presence for the next year, 2025. Congratulations to the organizing club and to Sensei Laurentiu, thanks to Shihan Eddy for the lessons offered and to all the 
participants!

IFK Switzerland - 21st Budo Training Day

/

On Saturday, April 13th, 2024, Shihan Eddy Gabathuler, 8th DAN, organised the 21st Budo training day, which was held in the gym in Felsberg. The training was organised as usual: 9.30 to 11.30 am Kihon and test combinations in groups, 12.30 to 14.30 pm Katas in groups and from 16.30 to 17.00 pm combat training and fighting in two groups. These were divided into over and under 16-year-olds. The following Karatekas acted as Instructors:

 - Shihan Rolf Imhof, 5th DAN

- Sensei Fritz Trautmann, 4th DAN

- Sensei Barbara De Patre, 4th DAN

- Sensei Dominic Frey, 3rd DAN

- Sensei Walter Kösters, 3rd DAN

- Sensei Mirco Furger, 3rd DAN

 A total of 56 Karatekas from seven IFK Switzerland Kyokushinkai Dojos - from Ilanz, Mörschwil, Oftringen, Strengelbach, Wettingen, Wohlen and Chur - took part in the training sessions. We would like to thank the Instructors and Karateka’s for their attendance, the great atmosphere and their hard work. We hope to see you again in 2025 - OSU.

 

The 13th IFK Uruguay Summer Camp

/

The 13th IFK Uruguay Summer Camp was held on March 8-10, 2024 in Salinas, Canelones, Uruguay. 

55 karatekas from all the IFK Uruguay dojos and a team from IFK Brazil gathered once again to train together under the guidance of this year Camp´s instructors: Shihan Janine Davies (Head of the IFK Kata Committee), Shihan Jeovaldo Barreto (IFK Brazil Country Representative), and Shihan Germán Carballo (IFK Uruguay Country Representative). 

The Camp started on Thursday evening, with stretching and makiwara exercises guided by Shihan Carballo in the forest. Kiais resonated throughout the whole complex and were the perfect start for the camp setting the mood for the following days.

  

We woke up well before sunrise on Friday and trained renraku and self defense moves on the beach with Shihan Carballo; enjoying the view of a beautiful sunrise. Shihan Davies led the following two sessions where she, as the great master that she is, guided everyone through complex katas in such a way that even red belts could follow katas they´ve never done before. One session took place at the beach and the other one indoors. The first part of the Kuro Obi exam took place between these two training sessions, with two karatekas who gave their best as candidates for their 1st Dan grade.

The day ended with an evening session led by Shihan Barreto, in which he shared all his knowledge and experience as a kumite fighter teaching us several of his signature kicks and combinations.     

          

Saturday also included 4 training sessions, 3 focussed on kata with Shihan Davies and 1 on kumite techniques with Shihan Barreto. The evening kata session was for brown and black belts only, but many of the lower grades were so excited that they asked for permission to watch the class!

Sunday was the last day of our Summer Camp. Shihan Davies led the kata session before breakfast; and the last one was - as always - the kumite session, with the 20-kumite-test for the two kuro obi candidates. The Summer Camp ended with the Instructors' speeches, presenting everyone with their attendance certificates and stamped passports; and congratulating the two new IFK Uruguay Kuro Obis. After the sayonara lunch, everyone returned home. 

A special session was held at night at the Hombu Dojo with kuro obis from Uruguay and Brazil led by Shihan Janine Davies; during which she shared her best tips, tricks and techniques to work on specific sections of difficult katas to help us reach the highest level possible. A barbecue was held afterwards at Shihan Carballo's home where we just relaxed and enjoyed each other's company, stories and anecdotes. 

The Brazilian team returned home on Monday, and we did a little sightseeing with Shihan Janine who joined us in our traditional post-camp stretching session on Monday at the Hombu Dojo. She flew back home on Tuesday afternoon.

We started with the Camp with three countries, three different mother tongues, and one common language: Kyokushin.... by the end of the Camp we added friends to that list! 

 

We want to thank everyone who helped with the organization and those who attended the camp (either training or not). Every Summer Camp is special, but this for sure will be a hard one to forget!

Whilst this Camp has just ended, we are already working towards the next one; see you in 2025!

OSU



5th Annual United States International Kyokushin Championships

/

Osu! 2024 has got off to a great start for the USA-IFK Kyokushin on Saturday, January 27th with the 5th Annual United States International Kyokushin Championships! The tournament venue was the world famous Tropicana Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

It was an awesome day of competition and camaraderie and a great turnout with competitors coming from all over the United States and other countries. There were participants from 51 dojos, 22 organizations, 15 states plus Washington DC, and 7 countries including Aruba, Canada, Costa Rica, Germany, Mongolia, and Poland.

On behalf of USA-IFK President Shihan Mike Monaco (8th dan) and Chairman Shihan Sean Schenker (5th dan) we would like to thank all the competitors, spectators, along with the officials, staff, and members of our USA-IFK family for their support. No event of this magnitude happens without the help of those both in front of and behind the scenes. A big OSU to all of you! We also want to once again thank our special guest Shihan Ted Oyama! OSU!

5th Annual United States International Kyokushin Championships

Knockdown Results

FK-01 Male Lightweight Division (-70kg)

1. Jack Dunphy USA IFK-Fighting Spirit Dojo

2. Daymar Brown USA Zhang Sah Martial Arts

3. Ramazan Isliamov USA Kyokushin Fight Club

FK-02 Male Middleweight Division (-80kg)

1. Jack Sweeney USA IFK-S&S Fitness & Martial Arts

2. Sebastian Bonislawski USA Kanku Dojo

FK-04 Male Super Heavyweight (+89kg) Division

1. Jonathan Gonzalez Costa Rica IFK Martial Arts and Training Center

2. Hannes Drechsler Germany IFK Germany

3. Harun Abdur-Rahim United States IFK-Endicott Kyokushin Karate

4. Andronov Vyacheslav United States Dallas Kyokushin Karate

FK-06 Female Heavyweight Division (+60kg)

1. Audrey Bartholomay USA IFK-S&S Fitness & Martial Arts

2. Alanna Olive-Smith USA Capital Kyokushin-Kan

3. Jessica Krause Germany IFK Germany

Female Lightweight Division

1. Jessica Krause Germany IFK Germany

2. Lyric Schenker USA IFK-Fighting Spirit Dojo

FK-08 Male Veterans Middleweight Division (-85kg)

1. Ociesielski Marek USA Seiken-Dojo

2. Kevin Felix USA James Dojo

FK-08A Male Seniors Middleweight Division (-85kg)

1. Tomasz Puzon Poland IKO Nakamura

2. Luigi Fioravanti USA Central Florida Kyokushin

FK-09 Male Veterans Heavyweight +85 kilos

1. Robert Grant USA Forge Dojo

2. Shemallian Arrieta USA Central Florida Kyokushin

3. Jaroslaw Kurowicki USA Seiken-Dojo


The 31st American International Karate Championship

/

The 31st American International Karate Championships were held on Saturday, November 11th, 2023 in Holley, New York.  This renowned event is hosted by Shihan Michael Monaco (8th dan) and supported by the USA-IFK Kyokushin organization. Held annually, the AIKC attracts competitors from around the United States and Canada, as well as other countries.  This years tournament saw more than 250 competitors competing in kata, weapons, semi-contact (knockdown rules with equipment), and knockdown. There were more than 750 spectators there to cheer them on.

 

No tournament is successful without the help of volunteers. USA-IFK President, Shihan Michael Monaco and AIKC Tournament Director Sensei Karl Biedlingmaier, wish to thank the multitude of volunteers who helped behind the scenes and made it all possible. We also wish to thank the many martial arts schools and organizations that continue to support the American International Karate Championships every year.

 

Coming up next for USA-IFK Kyokushin will be the 5th Annual United States International Kyokushin Championships on Saturday, January 27th, 2024 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA. Online registration will open soon. Visit uskyokushin.com .

5th IFK South American Championships

/

IFK Brazil hosted the 5th Edition of the IFK South American Championships with many federations working together to unite fighters under the same goal of becoming regional champions.

We thank Country Representative Shihan Jeovaldo Baretto and his team for all their hard work.

IFK Hungary Seminar with Shihan David Pickthal

/

IFK Hungary held a 3-day seminar with Shihan David Pickthall between 11th and 13th of October, from Wednesday to Friday. Through these days more than a hundred people trained under the leadership of Shihan David's. The visit was really important for Hungary because Shihan David was last there in 2017. Since then not only VTSE but the whole Hungarian team has developed, in terms of skills and number of their members. Last year 4 more clubs and many coaches joined the organization, so it was also important to meet with them. 

On Wednesday, Shihan Bőke Béla CR and his team (Club VTSE) welcomed Shihan David in their dojo in Zámoly. There was a traditional technical training focused on warm up as many children and lower grades attended, also tried some useful combinations for fighting skills. 3 of the black belts officially received their 2nd - 3rd dan belts and diplomas as a result of their summer grading. 


On Thursday, Shihan travelled to Jászberény and Nagykáta where Sensei Agócs Tibor (Club Yakuzák SE / Y Akadémia) showed his amazing dojos. During the day, the Nagykáta dojo was officially opened within a ceremony where several prominent people from Hungary attended. Finished the day with a great training in the new dojo.


On Friday the last training was held in Székesfehérvár, "Harinezumi Dojo" where higher master katas were summarized with some black belts.

IFK USA - Battle on the Boardwalk 5 - Saturday January 27th 2024

/

USA-IFK PRESENTS

United States International Kyokushin Championships 

"Battle on the Boardwalk 5"

Saturday, January 27th, 2024

Tropicana Hotel - Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA

Early Bird Registration Begins: MONDAY NOVEMBER 13th, 2023 

at www.uskyokushin.com

We will have divisions in Kata, Semi-Contact & Full-Contact weight divisions.

18th IFK Kuwait Seminar 2023

/

IFK Kuwait held their 18th edition of their training seminar under the guidance of Shihan Mossadek Ageli.

Country Representative Shihan Ali Al Manaseer coordinated the nine sessions over the three days focusing on all aspects of the IFK Curriculum.

6th IFK World Kata Championships 2024

/

The IFK announce an agreement with the British Karate Kyokushinkai to host the 6th IFK World Kata Championships on Friday 4th October 2024 at K2, Crawley in conjunction with the 46th British Open on Saturday 5th October.

Categories for the world championships are listed below and will be held under IFK rules for IFK members only and entry rules and entry portal will sent to all the Country Representatives of the IFK.

The 2023 USA-IFK Summer Camp

/

Karatekas joined in Holley, NY to train at the multiple scenic locations of Letchworth State Park, Hamlin Beach Park, and Gray Wolf Martial Arts Dojo. 

 This years edition of the summer camp focused mainly on ‘rhythmic’ training as adopted by Hanshi Arneil for training within Kihon and Kata. 

 The camp also included Kumite sessions and ended with a Dan test where the following candidates below successfully passed and achieved new rank. 

 We would like to express our gratitude to Shihan Monaco for his teaching and dedication to the USA-IFK organization, and the entire International IFK for their continued support. 

 Dan Testing Candidates:

 David Sheets (Godan)

Brian Walsh (Shodan)

Summer King-Barra (Shodan)

Andrew Balaban (Shodan) 

IFK Mauritius Knockdown Tournament 2023

/

IFK Knockdown Tournament 2023

Cote D’Or National Sports Complex

9h-16h00

200 participants
30 Judges

4 Central Referee

1 Arbitrator/Tatami Manager/Jury

100 Officials
1000+ spectators
116 trophies
Medals for every judge, official, and participant
Certificate of participation for all fighters

With 200 competitors split into 21 divisions( ranging in age from 5 to 64.), the International Federation of Karate (IFK) Kyokushin has organized its biggest tournament of the year.

 Age and weight were the criteria for each category.

We had four winners in each category, and more than 30 special trophies were given to competitors who appeared to have potential but fell short of finishing in the top four.
On our competition arena, there were 3 tatami. There were three matches going on at once.

The IFK Reunion Island sent ten fighters, coaches and supporters to our competition. More than ten dojos from all over the island took part + Reunion Island.

The tournament had begun with the introduction of the contestants and judges. starting with the first round, and quarterfinals, moving on to the semifinals, third place, and finally the championship match.
Only the center tatami was used for the final. so that everyone can appreciate the winners' and the best's spectacular performances.

For each match and each tatami, the huge screen featured the names, photographs, and serial numbers of each participant.

Anwar Pierre, who started that discipline in Mauritius in 1977, was our special guest.

Shihan Nazir Hossen, the IFK Mauritius country representative, who was also the arbitrator, and tournament tatami manager, said: "I have been in this discipline since 1979, and I've had the chance to compete in and judge several tournaments. I believe this to be our team's biggest accomplishment to date. In 2012, after becoming the IFK Mauritius country representative, I now serve as an international judge. And I can say that everything about this tournament—the organisation, the effort put into it, the calibre of the competitors—was on an international level. The organisation of everything with the assistance of all of my officials, as well as the screen presentation.

We wanted maximum of our competitors to have the opportunity to stand on the winner platform, said Muhammad Rayhaan Hossen, president and coach of IFK Mauritius. Although there were 200 fights, more than 100 competitors received trophies, and each fighter received a medal and a certificate of participation. The level of the competition was exceptional, Osu.

We enjoyed our Sayonara dinner in the Cote d'Or VIP hall following a successful event.

Results:

G-young Children

1st place :Nadiyah Nuckhady

2nd place : Semiksha devi

3rd place : Ahseek Yushra

Special prize: Ghomoreea Haniya

B-young Children 1

1st place:Sufyan Najoo

2nd place :Balgobin Issac

3rd place:Mustakeem Tawakalkhan

3rd place:Musheer Bhakarally

Special prize:Faizan junglee

Special prize: Raphael Eclair

B-young Children 2

1st place :Rehaan Rughubur

2nd place : Aydin kauroo

3rd place : Arhaaz Salamat

4th place : zeeshan Mowlah

Special prize :Timeo Gaiqui

G-Children

1st place : Gruchet Ella

2nd place : Liyana Madhoo

3rd place:Mudhoo Shaista

B-CHILDREN 1

1ST PLACE : Jounayd Gohabur

2ND PLACE: Mikhael Boodun

3RD PLACE :Ally Jhumka

3RD PLACE : Kanish Bamma

SPECIAL PRIZE: Kesh kisto

SPECIAL PRIZE: zayaan Goldy

B-CHILDREN 2

1ST PLACE : Sayaan Rugbur

2ND PLACE :Shayaan Neeamuth

3RD PLACE :Shabaaz salamat

3RD PLACE:Sasha Morgan

SPECIAL PRIZE:Chase Bradsen

SPECIAL PRIZE :Zayaan Abdool

G- ADOLESCENTS

1st place :Maryam Boodun

2nd place : Zakitah Ramyad

3rd place: Krishnee Bamma

B-ADOLESCENTS

1st place: Vendomelle Emanuelle

2nd place :Vihaan Heeroa

3rd place: Zafar Mandary

4th place :Salaoudeen Mousadeea

G-teenager 1

1st place: Gruchet Emauella

2nd place: murshida Boodhun

3rd place :Malaika Zeadally

4th place :Aliyah Sookun

G-TEENAGER 2

1DT PLACE : Roushi Peedolly

2ND PLACE :Taybah Woodally

3RD PLACE : Alisha Rozbally

 4TH PLACE : Fatima Jowdee

B-TEENAGER

1st place : Serge Jean Marc

2nd place :Ahseek Irfaan

3rd place: Rayhaan Korimbocus

3rd place:Ally Ramjeen

Special prize :Noor Soorabally

Special prize: Curtis Robert

F-LIGHTWEIGHT

1ST PLACE:Khatijia Burkatally

 2ND PLACE :Hansina Gawreessoo

3RD PLACE :Aza Lorianne

4TH PLACE :Dowani Gowreessoo

F-FEATHERWEIGHT

1st place :Samira Soogali

2nd place: Fareea Auckbarally

3rd place:Shaheen Peedassy

4th place:Nida Oodally

Special price:Jia Boodoo

M-FEATHERWEIGHT 1

1st place : Ikhlaas Ramputh

2nd place: Azhar Oozeer

3rd place; Adnaan Subdurally

4th place: Serge Jean Yannick

Special prize: Altaaf Jeewon

M-FEATHERWEIGHT 2

1st place : suhayl Korrimboccus

2nd place :Shaad Marday

3rd place : Muzzafar Tawakalkhan

4th place: Oozair Madarun

M-LIGHTWEIGHT

1st place : Aslam Mohabuth

2nd place : Senpai Al Hadi Jewon

3rd place: Senpai Urvesh Sumrah

4th place: Ibao Miguel

M-HEAVYWEIGHT

1st place:Oozeer Chinkory

2nd place :Zafir Hussein

3rd place : Hashir Mohamoodally

4th place : Hussein Karathee

M-MIDDLEWEIGHT

1st place :Hassan Ramputh

2nd place : Sunny Makoon

3rd place: Senpai Mivesh Ghoorah

4th place: Arshaad Chummun

ELITE 3

1st place: Feizal Fuckeermamode

2nd place:Safroudeen Subdurally

3rd place: Waseem Nuckchady

3rd place:Rashid Romally

Special prize: Dec Lutchmadoo

Special prize: Rambojan sunil

Special prize: Yusuf emamaullee

Special prize: Senpai Ajitsingh Bhuttoo

Special prize: Ziyaad Gomoreea

ELITE 2

1st place: Senpai Beauvoir Johny

2nd place: Shaheen Joomun

ELITE

1st place: Senpai Clement payet

2nd place :Senpai Kushal Hoolass

 3rd place:Wasiim Aliraja

4th place:Jaabir Subdurally

BESTFIGHTER BOY: Aslam Mohabuth

BEST fighter Girl:Gruchet Emanuella

Fastest Knockout:- Sempai Hadi Jewon

IFK Aruba Training Camp 2023

/

Shihan Monaco led an inspiring 4-day camp this past weekend in Aruba at the Tokan IFK Dojo. The training consisted of multiple training sessions in the IFK Aruba Tokan dojo, on the beach for morning sunrise & sunset sessions, cliff sessions, in the water ocean training, IFK Kihon, Kata, Syllabus and Kumite. Shihan Sean Schenker & Shihan Jerry Poe assisted with the amazing training camp, (along with Shihan Lacie of Aruba) and the students of Aruba gave it their all & showed incredible hospitality to the USA IFK.

The camp ended on Sunday with a fantastic grading where 3 students all received promotion:

Sensei Zairo Ruiz (3rd Dan)

Senpai Greg Helder (1st Dan)

Derek Schenker (3rd Kyu)

Thank you to Sensei Zairo & Senpai Brian and the Tokan students and families for their warm welcome & generosity of spirit and time.

OSU!

The 4th United States International Kyokushin Championships "Battle On The Boardwalk"

/

Over 200 Competitors and 400 Spectators participated in this year's event, representing 48 Different Clubs/Dojos and 6 Countries

The Official Live Stream Replay is Now Available on The USA-IFKK Youtube Page at:

https://www.youtube.com/live/lE5_IQRy_UA?feature=share

Official Standings in Kata, Weapons, and Semi-Contact Kumite divisions are available at:

https://report.myuventex.com/#standings;id=253200

Official Medal Report by Dojo/Club can be accessed at:

https://www.myuventex.com/#medalsReport;id=253200

We would like to express our deepest thanks to all Organizations, Competitors, and Families that assisted in making this year a success! We look forward to seeing you all next year on the last weekend in January of 2024 in Atlantic City.