USA-IFK Kyokushin Karate

Who We Are

USA-IFK is the official U.S. member of the International Federation of Karate (IFK), led by Country Representative Shihan Michael Monaco. As part of the global IFK community, USA-IFK works to preserve Kyokushin’s founding spirit while supporting dojos, instructors, and students across the United States.We are a community of dojos, instructors, and students dedicated to preserving the legacy of Kyokushin Karate through traditional training, modern application, and full-contact spirit.

Founded in 1996 by Shihan Michael Monaco under the guidance of IFK founder, Hanshi Steve Arneil, the USA-IFK continues to grow, united by discipline, respect, and a shared commitment to the values of Kyokushin.

🥋 A nationwide community of like-minded Kyokushin dojos
📆 Access to national and international seminars and tournaments
🛡️ A strong foundation in traditional Kyokushin training and values
🧭 Leadership under experienced instructors with direct lineage to Sosai Mas Oyama, Soshu Shigeru Oyama, and Hanshi Steve Arneil
🤝 A no-politics environment focused on growth, respect, and purpose
🔗 Affiliated with the International Federation of Karate (IFK) with 65+ Member Countries Worldwide

🥋 What We Stand For

At the heart of Kyokushin is a philosophy of constant self-improvement. The USA-IFK supports this through:

Hard training
Respect for tradition and lineage
Strong fundamentals: Kihon, Kata, and Kumite
Supportive community across all ranks and regions
Open events and fair competition with no organizational politics

Whether you're a new student, seasoned fighter, or independent instructor, our doors are open to those who seek growth through honest effort.

Our Lineage

The strength of our organization comes from the vision and leadership of those who came before us. “USA-IFK’s leadership traces directly to the source — from Sosai Mas Oyama to Soshu Shigeru Oyama and Hanshi Steve Arneil, and now to Shihan Michael Monaco, our U.S. Country Representative.”

Sosai Masutatsu Oyama (1923–1994)

Founder of Kyokushin Karate

Sosai Oyama created Kyokushin in the 1950s, introducing a revolutionary style rooted in power, discipline, and reality-based training. Known for his bull fights, 100-man kumite, and global reach, he built one of the most respected martial arts systems in the world.

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Soshu Shigeru Oyama (1935-2016)

Founder of World Oyama Karate

Soshu Oyama was one of Sosai Mas Oyama’s most senior and accomplished students—described by Sosai as his “best student” in a 1970 photo taken at Kyokushin Honbu. A powerful technician and charismatic teacher, he played a key role in spreading Kyokushin internationally during its formative years. Though he later established his own organization, Soshu Oyama’s contributions to the legacy of Kyokushin remain deeply respected.
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Hanshi Steve Arneil (1934–2021)

Founder of the IFK

A direct student of Mas Oyama and the first to complete the 100-man kumite after Sosai, Hanshi Arneil founded the International Federation of Karate in 1992. He believed in preserving Kyokushin's essence while fostering an international community free from politics and ego.

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Shihan Michael Monaco (8th Dan)

Founder of USA-IFK

Shihan Monaco is one of the rare people who not only trained under Sosai Oyama, but also his two top disciples, Soshu Shigeru Oyama and Hanshi Steve Arneil. Shihan Monaco has dedicated over 50 years to the growth of Kyokushin in the United States. He established the USA-IFK in 1996 and continues to lead through example — as an instructor, international official, and respected martial artist.

🔗 [Read more »]

📸 USA-IFK in Action

Want to see what Kyokushin looks like?
Explore our Media Gallery for photos and videos of training, competition, and community from dojos across the country.

🤝 Join the Journey

Whether you’re looking for a dojo, a tournament, or a community built on respect and real training — USA-IFK welcomes you.

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