IKON Kyokushin Singapore
I.K.O.N Kyokushin Singapore committee members in red polos
02, Leadership

Our committee.

The president, vice presidents, directors and coaches guiding I.K.O.N Kyokushin Singapore, bound by passion, patience and perseverance.

01, President

President

Sensei Lawrence Poh after completing the 40-Man Kumite in Kobe, Japan
President

Sensei Lawrence Poh

押忍40-Man Kumite · Kobe, Japan

For nearly four decades, Lawrence Poh’s life has been shaped by Kyokushin Karate. Since first stepping onto the dojo floor in 1987, he has focused on discipline, perseverance, and steady leadership, values that also guide his career as an interim CFO across various industries. A graduate of the former Singapore Command & Staff College (SCSC) and a veteran of the Jungle Confidence Course (JCC) in Temburong, Brunei, experiences that taught him patience and perseverance.

In 1991, he completed the 20-Man Kumite in Singapore, a test of will that included several Gurkhas from the Singapore Police Force. He earned his Shodan Certificate, which was personally signed by the late Sosai Mas Oyama, founder of Kyokushin Karate. In recent years, he has completed both the 30-Man and 40-Man Kumite in Kobe, Japan.

Committed to supporting the art, Sensei Lawrence has organized five tournaments in Singapore (one Kata and four Kumite) and placed 2nd Runner-Up in his category at the International Kumite Tournament in Osaka. In 2025, he hosted a tournament in Singapore that was graced by Daihyo Masanaga, marking a significant milestone for the organization.

Through all these years, Sensei Lawrence credits his journey to the support of his family and his lifelong friend and fellow practitioner, Sensei Chen Chun Kai, who has walked alongside him every step of this Kyokushin journey.

02, Vice Presidents

Vice Presidents

Sensei Chen Chun Kai
押忍
I.K.O.N · SG
VP (Technical)

Sensei Chen Chun Kai

Sensei CK, an experienced aviation industry veteran, began his Karate journey in the late 1990s. His outstanding performances led to him being awarded three double promotions, which showcased his passion and unwavering dedication. In 2001, he competed in the 20-Man Kumite event and earned his black belt.

As a Technical Coach, Sensei CK has spearheaded the IKO Nakamura Singapore Team in various local and international tournaments, demonstrating his expertise in the martial art.

In his capacity as National Coach, Sensei CK leads the selection, conditioning and tactical preparation of the Singapore team, setting the technical direction and competition standards for athletes representing the country on the international stage.

In January, he launched the Fighter Training Session, a dedicated high-intensity squad programme he personally coaches, to sharpen fight IQ, sparring craft and tournament readiness for our most committed competitors.

Sensei CK's commitment and dedication as a mentor have inspired numerous students to pursue excellence in their endeavours, making him a true role model in the world of Karate.

Sensei Gerald Poh
押忍
I.K.O.N · SG
VP (Development)

Sensei Gerald Poh

An MOE Edusave Scholar and now a 2nd Dan Black Belt, Sensei Gerald Poh has been practising Karate since he was seven. Off the mats, he is a Computer Science undergraduate and the Principal of A1 Math Academy, balancing his studies and work with his deep commitment to the art.

Sensei Gerald is the 2021 Kata Grand Champion of I.K.O. Nakamura Singapore’s first-ever Kata Competition and the 2024 Singapore Open Weight Kumite Champion at the King of Kyokushin. He also proudly represented Singapore at the 2023 International Karate Championships in Osaka, Japan.

As Head Coach of Tiong Bahru Dojo since March 2023, Sensei Gerald is known for his warm personality and his focus on safe, progressive training. He tailors his programme to match each student’s fitness level and competency, fostering a supportive environment where every karateka can continually refine their skills.

03, Directors

Directors

Sensei Nara
押忍
I.K.O.N · SG
Director (Community)

Sensei Nara

A seasoned professional in the IT industry, Sensei Nara embarked on his Karate journey in January 2019, stepping onto the dojo floor for the very first time at the age of 51. Where many would have walked away, he embraced the challenge head-on, proving that the spirit of Kyokushin knows no age.

Since then, he has actively competed in both Kata and Kumite championships, most notably clinching 1st Runner-Up in his category at the 2022 Singapore King of Kyokushin. His progress has been remarkable, marked by double promotions that reflect not just technical skill, but unwavering devotion to the art.

Beyond the floor, Sensei Nara plays a central role in shaping the future of the community. He has stepped forward to serve as Chairman for the upcoming Singapore King of Kyokushin Championship, taking on the responsibility of organising and leading one of the most anticipated tournaments on the local Kyokushin calendar.

His journey stands as a powerful reminder that it is never too late to begin, and that true grit, paired with steady commitment, can take a karateka anywhere.

Sensei Azman
押忍
I.K.O.N · SG
Director (Youth)

Sensei Azman

Sensei Azman began his Kyokushin Karate journey in April 1985 and attained his Shodan (black belt) in 1989. In 1992, he represented his dojo at the Singapore International Open, a milestone event graced by the late Sosai Mas Oyama as Guest of Honour.

Today, as a member of IKO Nakamura, Sensei Azman contributes actively to the development of students at the Tiong Bahru and One Punggol dojos. He is especially valued for his patience and approachable nature, qualities that make him a trusted mentor for young learners.

Guided by the spirit of Kyokushin, Sensei Azman believes in instilling discipline, respect, and perseverance in every student, lessons that extend beyond the dojo into daily life.

Sensei Germaine
押忍
I.K.O.N · SG
Instructional Director

Sensei Germaine

A graduate of Singapore Polytechnic with a Diploma in Optometry, Sensei Germaine has been practising karate since young and has trained diligently over the years. In 2019, prior to the Osaka tournament, she competed in a friendship match against an overseas opponent and won, witnessed by Daihyo and Shihan Tats. She went on to participate in the 2019 IKO Nakamura Friendship Tournament in Japan and has since served as a Side Judge at various IKO Nakamura Singapore tournaments.

Since November 2024, she has served as Head Coach of One Punggol Dojo. With a genuine passion for guiding children, Sensei Germaine strives to create a nurturing and encouraging environment where every student can grow, both on and off the mat.

04, Safety

Safety

Sensei Koushick
押忍
I.K.O.N · SG
Head of Safety

Sensei Koushick

A proven competitor in the open-weight division, Sensei Koushick was crowned Champion of the 2022 Singapore King of Kyokushin Open Weight and went on to represent Singapore at the 2023 Osaka International Tournament.

He continued to make his mark on the circuit as 1st Runner-Up at both the 2024 Singapore King of Kyokushin Open Weight and the 2025 Singapore Karate Classic Open Weight, reflecting his consistency, fighting spirit, and dedication to the art.

A former Army medic with subsequent attachment to the SCDF, Sensei Koushick is well-versed in first aid, CPR, and AED response, bringing a strong safety and emergency-care foundation to his role as Head of Safety.

05, Coaches

Coaches

Sensei Jaden
押忍
I.K.O.N · SG
Kumite Coach

Sensei Jaden

Sensei Jaden is a multiple-time Kyokushin tournament champion, clinching the Singapore King of Kyokushin Teenager Category Championship in 2022 and 2024, as well as the Singapore Karate Classic Category Championship in 2023 and 2025. He also proudly represented Singapore at the 2023 Japan Osaka International Championships.

Known for his strong competitive spirit and disciplined mindset, Sensei Jaden is an inspiring role model for the new generation of karate practitioners. His dedication to continuous improvement, perseverance in competition, and humility in training motivate younger students to push beyond their limits and embrace the true spirit of Kyokushin.

Sensei Egbert Ong
押忍
I.K.O.N · SG
Dojo Coach

Sensei Egbert Ong

A Senior Project Manager by profession, Sensei Ong brings the same discipline and focus he applies at work onto the dojo floor. He began his Kyokushin karate journey in 2019, training with quiet perseverance and steady commitment over the years.

In September 2025, he successfully attained his Black Belt, a milestone reflecting his years of dedication to the art. His competitive record speaks to that same grit, with him being crowned Champion of the 2025 Singapore Karate Classic category, 1st Runner-Up at the 2023 Singapore Karate Classic Open Weight, and 3rd Runner-Up at the 2021 Kyokushin Karate Kata Tournament.

As a Dojo Coach, Sensei Ong passes down the values of patience, precision, and resilience that Kyokushin has instilled in him, guiding students to sharpen both their technique and their spirit.

Sensei Gopu
押忍
I.K.O.N · SG
Dojo Coach

Sensei Gopu

Starting karate at the age of 38, Sensei Gopu transitioned from a white belt who struggled with basic fitness into a dedicated black belt. This journey of discipline culminated in major competitive success, with him clinching the Champion title at the 2024 Singapore King of Kyokushin Category Tournament.

Now, Sensei Gopu focuses on nurturing the next generation of karatekas. By consistently being present on the mats to coach, he provides the guidance and encouragement needed to help students push past their own limits and upgrade their standards.

With over 7 years of training and teaching experience, his path proves that commitment always pays off. Joining the dojo stands out as one of the best decisions of his life.

Sensei Ganesh
押忍
I.K.O.N · SG
Dojo Coach

Sensei Ganesh

Sensei Ganesh’s recent achievements are a direct result of the grit and commitment he brings to the mats. At the 2025 Singapore Classic Tournament, he put on a stellar performance against a tough field to clinch the 1st Runner Up spot in his category.

But his impact goes way beyond tournament medals. He was named the Best Student of 2025, a well deserved recognition of his leadership, attitude, and martial arts growth. This didn’t happen by chance. It is backed by years of turning up day in and day out, earning him the Best Attendance Award. By rarely missing a training session, Sensei Ganesh sets the highest standard for every practitioner in the dojo, proving that consistency always pays off on the path of karate.

Sensei Harish
押忍
I.K.O.N · SG
Dojo Coach

Sensei Harish

Driven by curiosity after watching nearby training sessions, Sensei Harish started his karate journey in 2021. Since then, he has established himself as a fierce competitor on both the local and international stages. His impressive track record includes being crowned the 2023 Singapore Karate Classic Open Weight Champion, clinching 1st Runner-Up in his category at the 2024 Asia Championship in Taiwan, and successfully retaining his title as the 2025 Singapore Karate Classic Open Weight Champion.

Now a black belt, Sensei Harish focuses on nurturing the next generation of karatekas. When he is on the mats to coach, he passes down the resilience and hard work that karate has instilled in his daily life, providing students with the guidance and encouragement needed to upgrade their standards.

With his extensive championship experience, his path stands as a strong example of peak competitive performance for practitioners in the dojo.