Kyokushin Karate USA Dojo

Kyokushin Karate Dojo in Rochester, New York, is the Honbu Dojo of Kyokushin Karate USA and has served the local community for decades under the leadership of Shihan Michael Monaco.

Shihan Michael Monaco (8th Dan) began his karate training in 1968 and has devoted more than five decades to the study and teaching of traditional Kyokushin Karate. He trained under prominent Kyokushin teachers including Shihan Robert Fabrey, Soshu Shigeru Oyama, Sosai Mas Oyama and Hanshi Steve Arneil. He earned his Kyokushin Shodan in 1972 and has since dedicated his career to developing Kyokushin Karate in the United States.

Shihan Monaco is the Founder and President of USA-IFK, has served on the IFK Executive Committee since 2010, is Tournament Director of one of the longest-running Kyokushin tournaments in North America and has worked as USA Team Coach at multiple World Championships.

Training at the Rochester dojo is structured for both youth and adults, from beginners to experienced practitioners. The program emphasizes strong fundamentals, kihon, bunkai and practical application, together with physical conditioning, kumite and progressive development of technical skills.

The dojo also has an experienced team of instructors who assist with youth and adult classes, competition preparation, bunkai, weapons training and technical development. The combination of long-standing Kyokushin experience and structured instruction provides practitioners with a traditional training environment focused on technique, discipline, physical preparation and practical application.