ABOUT NAKO
Purpose – NAKO is a forum where members can reach their full potential physically, mentally, emotionally and do so in a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment. The ultimate goal is to help you establish a better lifestyle and enjoy a harmonious, fulfilling life. NAKO accompanies you in the journey towards your successful history.
Kancho HENRI-OH
Kancho Henri-Oh, founder of the independent NAKO organization, holds an 8th-degree black belt in Kyokushin, boasting over five decades of practice under the guidance of renowned instructors like Masutatsu Oyama. Henri-Oh’s extensive experience and training make him one of the few practitioners worldwide with such a prestigious lineage.
In addition to his impressive martial arts credentials, Henri-Oh has a track record of success in competitive arenas, including appearances at the World Full Contact Kyokushin Karate Championships in Tokyo, Japan. Masutatsu Oyama himself certified Henri-Oh as the Branch Chief representative to the United States for the International Kyokushin Organization, recognizing his skill and leadership in the martial arts community.
Beyond his accomplishments in the martial arts world, Henri-Oh is also a distinguished academic, holding Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, as well as completing Ph.D. studies in Bilingual Education with a focus on Socio-Anthropology. His dedication to both physical and intellectual pursuits underscores his multifaceted approach to personal and professional growth, embodying the values of NAKO.
Image ©Kancho Henri-Oh and Shihan Orhan Akyurek
Our Instructors
NAKO is staffed by some of the most experienced and knowledgeable instructors worldwide. The staff brings unparalleled diversity in their area of expertise. Each is a committed Kyokushin practitioner; each dedicated to health and fitness; each committed to your well-being.
Instructors follow a rigorous training regimen. They are vetted carefully before membership affiliation. All instructors are required to maintain a level of training and evaluation. They are assessed regularly and must maintain a satisfactory status as a member or affiliate.
Our Members
NAKO members represent all walks of life – from doctors to construction workers, entertainers to sports athletes, and all other groups. The ages of our members start at four years of age. Programs differ based on age group as well as interest. We offer a Kids Program, an Adult Program, an Elite Program, each with its distinctive features. The appeal of our members is as varied as it is diverse. We tailor the training to suit the interest of our members, some of whom want a class setting, others a small group medium, while some want to follow a one-on-one program. Regardless of your preference, NAKO has a program that suits you.
A Message from Kancho Henri-Oh
The essence of NAKO is dedicated to upholding the integrity of Kyokushin while fostering a holistic approach to health and wellness, with a focus on accessibility for all.
Our team comprises seasoned professionals who are deeply passionate about our mission, traversing great distances to spread our philosophy and promote physical and mental well-being. NAKO is also committed to making a positive impact on humanitarian causes, using our platform and resources to contribute meaningfully to society’s betterment.
We’d be honored to explore potential collaborations where our values align. Feel free to reach out to discuss further.
Our Four Pillars
We focus on attracting exceptionally talented people with selfless commitment, great initiative, and uncompromising integrity. Our team’s breadth of skills and deep expertise are a critical source of intellectual capital. Our members and associates reflect these values.
NAKO embodies the philosophy and spirit of the Martial Arts, embracing the diversity of the Arts, and investing in its staff and members.
NAKO stands as at the forefront of science based research to improve physical, mental and spiritual growth. Our performance is characterized by an entrenched allegiance to tradition, superior state of the art training methodologies, a broad and expanding range of class options to bring out you’re your full potential.
You need discipline, motivation and resiliency to succeed. NAKO contributed to developing the mental toughness to maximize your potential by nurturing your passion. We help hard-wire resiliency into your DNA and help you develop the skills to overcome adversity and turn this into opportunity. Our goal is to make you get better every day and head towards the perfection of character.
Developing a purposeful life, a meaningful existence, perfection of character are the ultimate purpose for NAKO’s existence. NAKO implements strategies that lead to physical, emotional and mental well-being. It’s all about your lifestyle.
NAKO’s History
Over 50 years ago, a young man walked down a hallway filled with the loud sound of people shouting. It brought him to stairs leading to what he learned was a “dojo,” a karate training hall. The loud sound he came to know was a “Kiai,” the convergence of your energy. The passion for this art was born at that visit, and a life dedicated to practicing, teaching, and growing Kyokushin began. This young man was Henri-Oh.
Teaching started at the Kyokushin headquarters located at that time in Brooklyn, New York. His classes numbered between 70 and 90 students regularly.
In 1992, the Sunnyside dojo opened in Queens, and this became the NAKO headquarters in 1995. One year later, the independent North American Kyokushin Organization came to life. Since that time, the chief instructors of the organization have traveled extensively to teach and promote the art. Thousands of students have represented the organization at national and international competitions, consistently ranking in the top categories.
NAKO looks to further its expertise in athletic and fitness training and reinforce the comprehensive philosophy of Kyokushin.
1985
Queens dojo opens
1992
ultimate tesT championship
2000
Independent NAko established
2019
nako headquarters moves to oswego
Become Volunteer or Donate Today
NAKO welcomes volunteers to our activities and events. We use donations to support humanitarian causes and athletic projects for those in need.
Contact Us: Subject Volunteer