The 8th United States International Kyokushin Championships were held on January 17, 2026, in Albany, New York, marking the tournament’s first year at its new home in the Albany Capital Center after relocating from Atlantic City.
The move to Albany was met with positive feedback from competitors, instructors, officials, and spectators alike. The venue offered improved space and a better layout for competition areas, officials, and audience seating, contributing to a well-organized and smoothly run event throughout the day.
This year’s championships welcomed competitors from 16 countries across five continents, reflecting the continued growth of international participation. Strong representation came from across the IFK international network, while the tournament also attracted athletes from a wide range of Kyokushin organizations.
Karateka of all ages competed in kata, semi-contact kumite, knockdown kumite, and All Abilities divisions, with categories ranging from youth to adult competitors.
Knockdown Kumite Results
K-2 Knockdown Kumite / Men’s Heavyweight, Ages 18–21 & 22–34 (-198 lb / -90 kg)
1st Place: Justin Zyskowski (Canada, Kanreikai Karate Vaudreuil)
2nd Place: Anthony Gugino (United States, S&S Fitness and Martial Arts)
K-4 Knockdown Kumite / Men’s Lightweight, Ages 22–34 & 35–45 (-154 lb / -70 kg and -168 lb / -76 kg)
1st Place: Sebastien Deragon (Canada, Centre de Karate Deragon)
2nd Place: Sarvar Orujov (Azerbaijan, Maine Kyokushin Karate)
3rd Place: Derek Woykovsky (United States, Salerni Dojo Kyokushin Karate)
K-5 Knockdown Kumite / Men’s Heavyweight & Super Heavyweight, Ages 22–34 (-198 lb / -90 kg and +199 lb / +90 kg)
1st Place: Joel Bilodeau (Canada, Shinkyokushin Longueuil)
2nd Place: Yurii Lobodiuk (Ukraine, IKO)
K-9 Knockdown Kumite / Men’s Heavyweight, Ages 35–45 (+187 lb / +85 kg) and Super Heavyweight, Ages 22–34 (+199 lb / +90 kg)
1st Place: Yurii Lobodiuk (Ukraine, IKO)
2nd Place: Theodore Kassimatis (Canada, Karate Shinkyokushin Greenfield Park)
K-3 Knockdown Kumite / Women’s Lightweight, Ages 18–21 (-132 lb / -60 kg)
1st Place: Jessica Krause (Germany, IFK Germany)
2nd Place: Lyric Schenker (United States, Fighting Spirit Karate)
K-8 Knockdown Kumite / Women’s Lightweight (Open / Exhibition)
1st Place: Jessica Krause (Germany, IFK Germany)
2nd Place: Caitlyn Anderson (United States, Fighting Spirit Karate)
Knockdown Kumite Exhibition Match
1st Place: Jessica Krause (IFK Germany)
2nd Place: Audrey Bartholomay (USA-IFK)
Note: Some divisions were combined.
For all other results, please visit:
On behalf of USA-IFK President Shihan Michael Monaco (8th Dan) and USA-IFK Chairman Shihan Sean Schenker (5th Dan), USA-IFK extends its sincere appreciation to all competitors, along with their supporters, friends, and families, for attending the 8th USIKC. Special thanks also go to the instructors and dojos who traveled to support the event, as well as the many volunteers, officials, and USA-IFK members who dedicate their time each year to making these tournaments possible. OSU!
The successful execution of the 8th United States International Kyokushin Championships reinforces USA-IFK’s ongoing commitment to hosting high-quality national and international events and to the continued growth of Kyokushin karate throughout the Western Hemisphere.
Everyone is invited to join us in Lima, Ohio, on March 28, 2026, for the 4th Ohio International Kyokushin Championship. For information on this and other upcoming USA-IFK events, please visit:
Osu!
