Our Instructors

🥋 Shihan Michael Monaco (8th Dan)
Chief Instructor- Kyokushin Karate USA

Shihan Michael Monaco 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 Shihan Robert Fabrey, Soshu Shigeru Oyama, Sosai Mas Oyama, and Hanshi Steve Arneil, representing a direct lineage connection to the founders and early leaders of Kyokushin.

He earned his Kyokushin Shodan in 1972 and has since built one of the most respected Kyokushin programs in North America.

Shihan Monaco is:

• Founder and President of USA-IFK (1996–Present)

• IFK Executive Committee Member (2010–Present)

• Tournament Director of the longest-running Kyokushin tournament in North America

• Former USA Team Coach for multiple World Championships

In the dojo, he emphasizes Kihon (fundamentals) and Bunkai (practical application), believing that strong basics build confident and capable martial artists.

Families can expect a traditional martial arts environment that promotes discipline, respect, and personal growth.

A Tradition in Rochester

Kyokushin Karate Dojo in Rochester, NY

For decades, Kyokushin Karate USA has served the Rochester community under the leadership of Shihan Michael Monaco. The Honbu Dojo maintains a direct lineage to Sosai Mas Oyama and the early pioneers who helped shape Kyokushin in its formative years.

Training is structured and progressive, welcoming youth and adults of all experience levels. Students develop discipline, strong fundamentals, physical conditioning, and confidence through consistent practice rooted in respect, effort, and character development.

For families in Rochester seeking authentic martial arts training, the Honbu Dojo offers a focused environment grounded in tradition.

Sensei Jack Welch (3rd Dan)
Instructor

Sensei Jack Welch began training in Kyokushin Karate in 2008 and earned his Shodan in 2013. He has trained under Hanshi Steve Arneil, Shihan Monaco, and Shihan Karl Biedlingmaier. He also attended the 2016 World Black Belt Camp in The Netherlands.

Sensei Welch assists with youth, adult, and weapons classes, with a strong emphasis on bunkai — helping students understand the practical application behind each technique.

His teaching philosophy:
“Without understanding the bunkai, kata becomes only an exercise.”

Staff

Rita Veltre
Dojo Manager

Rita oversees office operations, student enrollment, and day-to-day administrative coordination, ensuring families have a smooth and welcoming experience when contacting or visiting the dojo.

Sensei Lisa Cook (3rd Dan)
Instructor

Sensei Cook began training in 2009 under Shihan Michael Monaco and earned her Shodan in 2019. She assists with youth, adult, and weapons classes, emphasizing precise technical execution and a clear understanding of bunkai.

Her training includes completing a rigorous five-day Nidan examination in demanding summer conditions.

Her teaching philosophy: "Everyone has inner strength they are not conscious of, until they conquer their own fears. Kyokushin karate will establish the, “I got this” attitude, that we all endeavor to achieve."

Shihan Gregory Stokelin (7th Dan)
Instructor

Shihan Stokelin began training in 1983 and earned his Shodan in 1985 under Shihan Michael Monaco. He later graded for Sandan in Japan and has operated his own dojo.

He was the 1992 and 1993 Mas Oyama Masters Class Division Champion and played a principal role in the development of the USA-IFK officiating program.

As the only 7th Dan in USA-IFK, he brings decades of experience to the dojo, emphasizing disciplined kihon and training until correct technique becomes second nature. His teaching philosophy is helping students to the point where "Kyokushin karate is as natural as walking".