In the aftermath of the breakup of the IKO in Japan following Mas Oyama's death in April 1994 and the consequent factional turmoil that took place in Australia and the rest of the world, a few of the Australian instructors chose to place themselves under the guidance of Hanshi Steve Arneil. The resulting organisation was the International Federation of Karate Kyokushinkai Australia Inc. and it was registered in 1995.

The IFK logo and badge

The IFKKA has organised successful non-contact tournaments since its inception, and in 2004 ran its first full contact tournament, and has done so ever since. Students and instructors have participated in the IFK World Full Contact Championships held in Moscow in 1997, in Barcelona in 2002, and in London in 2005, with the non-combatant Australian representatives refereeing at all levels. In 2001 and 2004 our black belts attended the week long IFK Black Belt camps in Switzerland, and in 2006 we sent a team of teenagers to the First IFK Junior World Tournament, also in Switzerland, where one of them took home 3rd place.

Our policy towards the Japanese factions is to encourage cooperation and unity. We all owe our martial arts existence to the same person, Sosai Mas Oyama, and should therefore not discourage any discourse between our members. We do not prohibit our students from training in any other dojo, Kyokushin or otherwise, nor do we restrict them from participating in other tournaments. Indeed, Shihan Doug Turnbull and Sensei Shaharin Yussof were very active as officials in the National All Styles circuit until the end of 2006, with both of them accredited as Level 4 referees, and Shihan Turnbull having taken the role as the NAS State technical director National Referee Trainer. In 2007 the IFKKA took a leading role in the development of Australian Martial Arts Championships circuit instead.

Naturally, we also welcome ALL Kyokushin students regardless of affiliation, and those of other styles as well, to participate in our dojo training and tournaments. If you would like to come and train with us, contact the instructor of the dojo nearest to you. If you currently run your own club, kyokushin or otherwise, and would like to join our organisation, see the "Joining the IFKKA" for conditions and application forms.