IKU USA Headquarters
Kaicho David Farzinzad (IKU Founder)
​Kaicho David Farzinzad was born just north of Tehran, Iran in 1962. From age seven he was involved with sports, principally soccer and Olympic wrestling, and became attracted the practice of martial arts. Kaicho captured the title of junior youth champion of Olympic wrestling in Tehran from the age of nine until he was 12. Kaicho experimented with the practice of Kung Fu briefly but later was captured by the Kyokushin style of karate. At the age of twelve, Kaicho decided to dedicate himself to Kyokushin and would forego other sports in order to practice the art seriously. Through his hard work and dedication, Kaicho excelled in the art and captured his first national bare knuckle karate championship at the age of 16.
Kaicho would go on to win 10 consecutive national championships by the age of 26. Additionally, Kaicho took two national titles in Kyokushin kata competitions and placed an impressive 10 in a national competition open to all styles (many of which focus principally on the practice of kata). During that period Kaicho assumed a leadership role in Iran’s Kyokushin community, having become the manager of Iran’s central dojo at the age of 17. Kaicho became a candidate for two World Karate Tournaments held in Japan in 1984 and 1987 but could not compete due to the Iran – Iraq war and his military service obligations.
Soke Nahid Farzinzad (IKU Co-Founder)
Soke Nahid Farzinzad is one of a select few women to have successfully completed the formidable 30-man kumite as part of her 3rd Dan test at the IKO Honbu under Sosai Mas Oyama on May 22, 1993—a historic accomplishment that established her as a pioneering figure in Kyokushin Karate.
A pivotal force in the evolution of modern Kyokushin, Soke Farzinzad is the co-founder of the International Kyokushin Union (IKU) and serves as the Chief Instructor of the IKU Honbu. In these roles, she has been instrumental in shaping organizational standards, preserving traditional Kyokushin principles, and promoting a unified global approach to the art.
Her technical mastery, uncompromising discipline, and lifelong dedication to the Kyokushin Way have inspired practitioners around the world. As a mentor and role model, she has played a significant role in empowering women to train, compete, and teach within the demanding realm of full-contact karate.
Soke Farzinzad has held influential leadership positions throughout her career, including Chairwoman of the Iran Kyokushinkai Karate Association, Board Member of the Kyokushinkai Foundation, and Chair of the IKU Women’s Committee. Her contributions extend beyond the dojo: she is a member of the board of Autism Move, Inc., and the owner and CEO of Shihan Skin Care, where she developed her own all-natural skin care line.
In recognition of her decades of dedication and impact, Soke Farzinzad was inducted into the Association of Women Martial Arts Instructors (AWMAI) Hall of Fame in 2018 for her 30-year milestone in martial arts, and again in 2024 for her 40-year milestone.
Throughout her distinguished career, Soke Nahid Farzinzad has remained committed to uplifting others, preserving tradition, and shaping the next generation of Kyokushin practitioners worldwide.
Sensei Joseph Farzinzad (IKU USA Chairman)
Sensei Joseph Farzinzad is the Chairman of IKU USA, a 4th Degree Black Belt, and a dedicated Kyokushin karate instructor representing the International Kyokushinkai Union across the United States. Raised in a traditional martial arts family, he grew up under the guidance of his father, Kaicho David Farzinzad, founder of IKU, and his mother, Soke Nahid Farzinzad, co-founder and Chief Instructor of the Honbu Dojo in Avon, Connecticut. From an early age, Joseph’s life was shaped by the Kyokushin Way — discipline, humility, respect, and the constant pursuit of personal growth.
Training at the IKU Honbu Dojo, he developed not only strong technical skill but also a deep understanding of the true spirit of Kyokushin: Osu no Seishin — the spirit of perseverance. Today, he continues his family legacy by teaching traditional, full-contact Kyokushin karate while promoting character development, mental strength, and lifelong discipline. Alongside him is his wife, Sensei Irene Farzinzad, a fellow Kyokushin practitioner and respected instructor who actively supports IKU’s mission of spreading true budo spirit and discipline to the next generation.
Sensei Joseph is actively involved in IKU’s international network. He has participated in training sessions in Europe, including Switzerland, and has cross-trained at renowned martial arts centers such as Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA Thailand. His passion for continuous learning reflects his belief that true martial arts has no borders — it is a global culture of respect, spirit, and unity.
Beyond the dojo, Sensei Joseph is also a passionate entrepreneur. He owns and operates several businesses, including Avon Vacuums and LibertyPaw, a U.S.-made pet wellness brand dedicated to supporting veterans and service dogs. He proudly works alongside his partner and Honorary Board Member, David Spitz, continuing their shared mission of service, leadership, and positive community impact.
He shares Kyokushin teachings through seminars, community outreach, and social media, inspiring the next generation to carry forward the values of respect, discipline, and indomitable spirit.
At the IKU Honbu in Avon, Connecticut, Sensei Joseph continues to uphold the mission of IKU — to build stronger, more resilient human beings, not just fighters. He serves as a mentor, instructor, leader, and ambassador of Kyokushin karate in the United States and beyond.
Senpai David Spitz (Chairman of the IKU Honbu Board of Directors)
Dr. David Spitz has been a cornerstone of the IKU Honbu for more than 15 years, embodying integrity, professionalism, and unwavering loyalty. A devoted family man and trusted advisor, Dr. Spitz exemplifies the true spirit of Kyokushin—honesty, dedication, and service to others. His influence extends from the headquarters in Avon, Connecticut, to IKU branches around the world.
As Chairman of the IKU Honbu Board of Directors, Dr. Spitz plays a vital role in shaping the strategic direction, governance, and financial stability of the headquarters. His steady leadership in both board oversight and organizational development ensures that IKU remains a beacon of excellence, tradition, and community spirit.
Beyond his formal role, Dr. Spitz is a respected mentor to Sensei Joseph Farzinzad, Chairman of IKU USA, working closely alongside him to advance the growth of IKU both nationally and internationally. Together, they also collaborate through LibertyPaw—a U.S.-made pet wellness brand founded by Joseph and his brother David Spitz—which reflects shared values of quality, honesty, community service, and giving back. Their partnership bridges martial arts, mentorship, and social impact, supporting causes such as veterans, service dogs, and community wellness.
Dr. Spitz’s guidance, generosity, and unwavering support have helped strengthen IKU’s mission of discipline, respect, and global unity—while also inspiring future generations to lead with purpose and heart.
