Affiliate Directory

Rivière-des-Prairies, Montreal, Canada

Long Island, New York, USA 

Shihan Orhan Akyurek, a 5th-degree black belt, has been an unwavering pillar of dedication and support within our karate school and organization for over thirty years.  Studying under Kancho Henri-Ohh, he has witnessed and actively contributed to the growth and evolution of the organization.

A trusted supporter and mentor, he generously assists teachers and students, fostering an environment of camaraderie and mutual growth.

His dedication extends far beyond the confines of our dojo, accompanying our students to events both in Japan and throughout the United States and serving as a cultural ambassador, bridging the gap between traditions old and new.

Shihan Orhan remains an integral part of our journey, guiding and inspiring future generations of martial artists to reach new heights of excellence. He heads the Court system in Long Island, is married, and has five children.

Repentigny, Montreal, Canada

Claude Bouchard began his martial arts journey in 1971 with judo and ju-jitsu in Montreal, and by 1982, had moved to Kyokushin Kai under Sensei Normand Bourbonnais, later affiliating with Saiko Shihan Shigeru Oyama’s Fairfield Dojo. In 1984, he opened his first dojo in Laval, demonstrating his dedication and skill by completing 100 kumite with students and 30,000 geri kicks in 1987. His martial arts career included significant achievements such as witnessing the 5th World Tournament in Japan, securing a vice-champion title in the Wright Heavy Division, and meeting the founder of Kyokushin, Sosai Masutatsu Oyama. By 1998, Bouchard was awarded the Roku Dan (6th Dan), marking him as the highest-ranked practitioner in Canada under the North American Karate Organization (NAKO).

Oswego, New York, USA 

Charles Burger, a distinguished 6th-degree black belt in Kyokushin karate, is the head of the North American Kyokushin Organization (NAKO), based in Oswego, NY. His martial arts journey began in 1979 when he started training in Okinawan Goju Ryu at the age of ten, achieving a 5th-degree black belt (Go Dan) in the style. His passion for martial arts led him to discover Kyokushin in 1994, marking the start of a profound commitment to this discipline.

Over the years, Charles has competed in numerous prestigious tournaments, including the American International, the Ultimate Test at the Manhattan Center, Shidokan, the Gold Cup, the US Kyokushin Open, and the 7th World Open. His outstanding performances have earned him national and international recognition, including representing the United States at the Kyokushin World Championships in Japan.

In addition to his achievements in Karate, Charles is also skilled in Kubudo and Judo, holding various ranks across these disciplines. His expertise extends into the realm of law enforcement; he retired as a detective after 20 years of exemplary service and is a certified defensive tactics instructor at the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. He has played a pivotal role in training both recruit and veteran officers and led the defensive tactics program at the Oswego City Police Department.

His dedication extends beyond the dojo. He serves as a legislator in Oswego County, bringing his vast experience in law enforcement and martial arts to enrich his community leadership and contributions

Brooklyn, New York,
Anthony Celestine, a 6th-degree black belt in Japanese Kyokushin Karate, has dedicated over 40 years to mastering this full-contact martial art, starting his journey with Shihan Seiji Kanamura in Brooklyn, NY, and later advancing under Shihan (now Kancho) Henri Oh at NAKO. He has competed globally, including at the prestigious 6th World Tournament in Yokohama, Japan, and has achieved notable success in tournaments across Maine, Puerto Rico, and New York. He is a senior North American Kyokushin Organization (NAKO) instructor, imparting his extensive knowledge and experience to students. He continues to inspire and lead in the Kyokushin community.

Todd Chapman has been training in Kyokushin karate for 23 years, initially under Shihan Michael Monaco and the USIFK, affiliated with Hanshi Steve Arneil and the IFK,  attaining the rank of 3rd Dan. The senior instructor at Hilton Kyokushin Karate has been awarded 4th Dan from Kancho Henri-Oh,

Poland

Edward Chober holds a 3rd DAN in Kyokushin Karate. He embarked on his martial arts journey 2000 at the Międzyzdroje Karate Club BUSHIDO, initially established by Shihan Mariusz Traczyk. Under Chober’s guidance since achieving instructor status in 2005, his club has nurtured students who have won the Polish Championship multiple times. In 2023, he joined N.A.K.O., collaborating with Shihan Mariusz Traczyk to establish the N.A.K.O. branch in Poland, which now encompasses several clubs. Currently, efforts are underway to finalize the documentation for establishing the Polish Federation of the North American Kyokushin Organization, abbreviated as NAKO POLAND

Cedric is a lifelong martial arts practitioner, initially in Goju, Capoeira, Kung Fu, and Goshin Jitsu in his youth, then resumed more seriously in adulthood. A primary element to Cedric’s martial arts DNA is his Kyokushin training, as a Shodan and strong supporter of NAKO (North American Kyokushin Organization), never missing any summer camp training and never failing to deliver on assigned tasks to promote NAKO’s organizational strength and unity.

Aside from being a tenacious Kyokushin striker, Cedric has trained under Hanshi Marco Ovalle, Shidoshi Ron Van Clief, and Soke Glenn Perry, earning Godan Renshi (5^th Dan) in Chinese Goju-Ryu Karate and Krav Maga Black Belt under Shihan Stephan Del Castillio, KMMA. FL. Cedric also has experience in stand-up Jiu-Jitsu and No-Gi grappling at UFC Canal Street (Soho), as well as participating and earning a medal at the NYC Grappling Industries competition (despite being the oldest No-Gi competitor in his division). He also has over a handful of tournament black belt 1^st place trophies, earmarking his development path in Kata, Weapons, and Self-Defense.

Mr. Curry serves as Regional Director for the Chinese Goju System in New York, working under Soke Glenn Perry, focused on martial arts research, strengthening the mental aspects of martial arts among its members, and preserving the bridge from young to old as the art evolves. Cedric enjoys the cultural inheritance of martial arts, blending Eastern and Western thinking and leveraging his working knowledge of Mandarin to train young people to keep their minds as sharp as their physical development.

In his professional and academic life, Cedric Curry is Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for DCAS, one of New York’s largest government agencies, protecting NYC 24/7 from Cybersecurity Threats. Cedric holds a bachelor’s degree in management science and a master’s degree in psychology, as well as an industrial organizational psychology Ph.D. Candidate. Cedric’s professional designations include being a Certified Information Security Professional (CISSP), and Project Management Professional, commonly known as the “Gold Standard” in information security and Project Management respectively.

Mr. Cedric has married his lovely wife Nicole for over 25 years. They have a son, Elijah, a young martial arts student who has trained under Cedric’s Sensei, Hanshi Marco Ovalle, since age four. Both father and son are on their journey together! Osu!

Sensei Susan Collins embarked on her journey in Kyokushin in 1991, distinguishing herself as one of the pioneering female black belts from the esteemed NAKO headquarters Queens dojo. Her leadership was evident as she spearheaded the Little Dragons Program, was Chief Manager for NAKO headquarters in Queens, NY, and co-hosted the prestigious Ultimate Test Championships. Recognized for her expertise, she was an assistant coach to the US Team in Japan and currently holds the vital role of NAKO’s Executive Assistant.

Beyond the dojo, Susan’s professional acumen shone as she dedicated years to supporting the Chief CEO of SONY in an executive capacity. Presently, she serves as the Chief Operating Officer for a renowned private consulting firm, leveraging her martial arts discipline to excel in the corporate arena. Susan’s journey embodies the fusion of martial arts principles with professional success, inspiring others to achieve excellence in all endeavors.

Driven by the passion for martial arts at an early age, Sensei Franco Di Marco embarked on his journey in the early 70s with Korean Taekwondo, which Chinese Wushu followed. In the early 80s, Sensei Franco enrolled himself in Dawson College’s Shorinjiryu Kentokukan Karatedo program with founder Shihan Wayne Donivan.

By the late 90s Sensei Franco embraced Kyokushinkaikan Karate and has fought and judged in several tournaments since. He has opened several dojos and created a mini karate program for daycares and elementary schools in Montreal, which he continues to refine and offer to various daycares and schools for over 25 years.

He recently affiliated with N.A.K.O. In February 2024, and ranked 4th degree black belt via N.A.K.O. at the 2024 Summer Camp.

Queens, New York, USA

Rivière-des-Prairies, Montreal, Canada

Chicago, USA

Mariusz Traczyk, a 6th Dan in Kyokushin, was born on November 11, 1962, in Swinoujscie, Poland. At the age of 16, he started Kyokushin karate training. With a weak body build, the boy did not make his decisions hastily. He knew that Karate would give him agility, strength, and speed, finally allowing him recognition by his peers. When he was only 21, he started running the Swinoujski Karate Club on his own and soon won his first Dan championship. Wanting to change his life and train with the karate champions of 1990, he went to the United States. After arriving in Chicago, he almost immediately starts cooperation with the Kyokushin Karate club ”Kanku”, owned by Shihan Leslaw Samitowski (7 Dan), and the Super Kick (kickboxing) club, where he will soon become Marek Piotrowski’s sparring partner. While training at the Super Kick club, he had the opportunity to fight in the North American Amateur Championships, which he won ahead of time in the second round by KO. While training in the Kyokushin Kanku club, Shihan Samitowski became North American Vice Champion twice. In 1994 and 1998, Mariusz represented the United States at the Japan Tokyo World Championships. During the preparations for the Japan World Championships, Shihan Mariusz Traczyk trained under the supervision of the great Master Miyuki Miura (8 Dan) ”Oyama World” for a full year. His entire Kyokushin Karate journey took place under the supervision of the great Kancho Henri-OH (8 Dan Kyokushin Karate), who acted as a father figure and mentor for Mariusz and still does to this day.

Bobbi Simmons-Sarnov is a 3rd degree black belt who started training in Kyokushin Karate 14 years ago with Shihan Todd Hutchison. She was in charge of promotion paperwork for USA IFK for multiple years. She was the Hilton Karate dojo manager for eight years under Shihan Todd Hutchison and has organized five karate tournaments.

Madison, Mississippi, USA

Gregory Slusarczyk, distinguished by his 4th-degree black belt, brings over thirty years of expertise in Kyokushin Karate. His dojo, the Bushido Kyokushin Karate School, has proudly been a part of the North American Kyokushin Organization (NAKO) network since 2004. In addition to holding an MBA, he possesses an impressive academic background with Master of Science degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science, alongside a PhD in Civil Engineering.