AIKARA IS A CERTIFIED USA-IFK SCHOOL
First IFK School in Florida
United States Kyokushin Karate - IFK Organization (USA-IFKK), with headquarters located in Rochester, New York, is the official U.S. organization of the International Federation of Karate (IFK) Kyokushin. The USA-IFKK was founded in 1996 by Shihan Michael Monaco, Nanadan (7th Dan), who was previously United States Branch Chief of the International Karate Organization.
After the death of Sosai (President) Mas Oyama in 1994 and the subsequent splintering of the IKO, Shihan Monaco examined the various Kyokushin organizations in order to find one that he truly believed followed the principles and ideals of Mas Oyama. In doing so, he traveled to London to explore the structure of the IFK under the direction of Hanshi (Honorable Master) Steve Arneil. After weeks of discussion, Shihan Monaco accepted the invitation to join the organization and was appointed Chairman of the USA-IFKK.
The USA-IFKK is one of the 39 countries affiliated with the International Federation of Karate, which has more than 45,000 members worldwide.
The USA-IFKK is a corporation overseen by an Executive Committee elected by the United States dojo operators. The Executive Committee is composed of a Chairman/President, a Vice President of U.S. Operations, a Vice President of Marketing/Membership and a Treasurer.