Shihan Michael Monaco

President and Founder of USA-IFK Kyokushin Karate
8th Dan, International Federation of Karate (IFK)

Shihan Michael Monaco has been a dedicated practitioner of Kyokushin Karate for over 50 years. He currently holds the rank of 8th dan (hachidan) in the International Federation of Karate (IFK), awarded during the 2019 British Open in the United Kingdom. His long journey in martial arts has been shaped by direct study under three of the most influential figures in Kyokushin history: Sosai Mas Oyama, Saiko Shihan Shigeru Oyama, and Hanshi Steve Arneil.

Shihan Monaco began his Kyokushin training in the 1970s under Saiko Shihan Shigeru Oyama, then a senior instructor within the IKO under Sosai Mas Oyama. He received his early dan rankings and Branch Chief status during this time. He later trained directly under Sosai Mas Oyama both in the United States and in Japan, earning his 4th and 5th dan and serving as a Branch Chief in the IKO until Sosai’s passing in 1994.

Following Sosai's death and a period of organizational transition, Shihan Monaco chose to align with Hanshi Steve Arneil and the IFK, drawn by Hanshi’s commitment to traditional values and a non-political approach to karate. In 1996, he formally established the United States International Federation of Kyokushin Karate (USA-IFK) and has served as its President ever since. He received his 6th, 7th, and 8th dan from Hanshi Arneil, under whom he studied for almost three decades. He continues to serve on the IFK Executive Committee.

In addition to his Kyokushin credentials, Shihan Monaco holds dan rankings in Shotokan, Judo/Grappling, and Kobudo (weapons). He has competed in and won numerous tournaments in kumite, kata, weapons, and tameshiwari, and has conducted seminars and clinics across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and China. His contributions to the art have been featured in publications such as Power Karate and Budo Karate.

Shihan Monaco is the founder and host of the American International Karate Championships (AIKC), one of the longest-running Kyokushin tournaments in the United States. In it’s first tournament in 1992, Sosai Mas Oyama attended as Guest of Honor. The AIKC continues as an annual tournament that honors Sosai to this day.

Known for his technical precision, high standards, and commitment to full-contact karate, Shihan Monaco has coached numerous national and international champions. Today, he oversees USA-IFK dojos across the country and continues to teach, mentor, and guide students in the true spirit of Kyokushin.