It starts with a kid on a bicycle in Memphis, Tennessee.

Hunter was born on June 16, 1989, and grew up living what he describes as a pretty typical Southern childhood—riding dirt bikes, hunting, and eating plenty of grits. Like a lot of kids of his generation, he became fascinated with martial arts thanks to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the Power Rangers.

But the moment that truly changed his life happened one afternoon when he crashed his bike into a curb and split open his chin—right in front of a martial arts school called Taekwondo University.

The school manager, Mr. Oakes, stopped his class, helped the injured kid, and drove him home to his parents.

That act of kindness left a lasting impression.

Hunter was hooked.

Training Under Grand Master Terry Brumley

Hunter began training at Taekwondo University in Memphis, where he trained under Grand Master Terry Brumley.

Through Grand Master Brumley’s tutelage, leadership, and knowledge, Hunter gained not only martial arts training but also the discipline and leadership skills that would shape the rest of his career.

Hunter eventually earned a first-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do under Grand Master Brumley and continues to maintain a strong relationship with him to this day.

When news broke that Hunter had been chosen as the next president of NASKA, Grand Master Brumley shared his pride publicly with Hunter in a Facebook comment on the announcement of the presidency, a moment that meant a great deal to him.

Hunter also holds multiple black belts in martial arts, including Shorei-Ryu under John Sharkey, where he was promoted to 6th degree black belt in Karate in 2023. In addition, he holds a brown belt in Jiu-Jitsu.

Inspired by the Next Generation of Martial Arts

In 2003, Hunter watched the XMA documentary produced by Mike Chat on the Discovery Channel.

For many young martial artists at the time, it offered a glimpse of what the next evolution of martial arts performance could look like.

For Hunter, it sparked a clear goal.

He wanted to train with John Sharkey at Sharkey’s Karate in Naperville, Illinois.

By then, Sharkey had already built a reputation as one of the most respected instructors in sport karate, producing competitors who went on to careers in film, stunt work, and entertainment.

Hunter began attending AKA training camps and seminars, gradually becoming part of the Sharkey program.

Moving to Naperville

In 2006, Hunter was hired as an assistant instructor by John Sharkey and moved to Naperville.

Over time, his role expanded beyond teaching.

Hunter eventually became one of Sharkey’s office managers and administrators, where he began implementing systems that modernized the business side of the school.

Through the leadership skills he had developed under Grand Master Brumley and his own natural ability for organization and systems, Hunter helped transform the operational side of Sharkey’s Karate.

He introduced systems such as:

• credit card processing
• marketing campaigns
• structured leadership programs and black belt club
• improved administrative systems

He also helped enhance and expand the AKA Camps, turning them into even more effective training opportunities for competitors from around the country.

These systems helped the program grow and thrive, while allowing Sharkey to focus on what he loved most—teaching students and developing martial artists.

Team Sideswipe and the Entertainment World

Hunter also became closely involved with Team Sideswipe, Sharkey’s elite martial arts performance team.

As Team Manager, he traveled extensively with the group as they performed around the world, including performances for U.S. Navy personnel at bases overseas.

Hunter eventually fulfilled one of his childhood dreams when he became the Cast and Talent Manager for the official Saban Power Rangers appearances in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a role he held through AKA and Sideswipe for more than a decade.

He also served as Production and Cast Manager for Caesars Entertainment Group at the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas, where he helped manage Sideswipe Live!, the first live-action martial arts–based stage show to appear on the Las Vegas Strip.

Building the Warrior Cup

Hunter’s involvement with tournaments began through his work with Sharkey’s long-running event, which was originally known as the AKA Grand Nationals.

In 2007, Hunter became a co-promoter of the event alongside John Sharkey.

Over the years he helped transform the event into something even bigger.

In 2015, Hunter led the rebranding of the tournament as the AKA Warrior Cup.

Today, the Warrior Cup is widely recognized as one of the most professional and respected sport karate tournaments in the world and serves as the host of the NASKA Awards Banquet, bringing together competitors, instructors, and promoters from across the circuit.

Hunter currently serves as President of the American Karate Association, Team AKA, and Promoter of the AKA Warrior Cup.

MAT Action: Building Infrastructure for the Sport

Hunter’s entrepreneurial instincts led him to create MAT Action, a software company designed specifically to support martial arts tournaments and organizations.

MAT Action provides:

• tournament registration systems
• event administration tools
• membership management
• ratings and rankings administration

The platform is now used by tournaments and leagues around the world, and Hunter often acts as a consultant to other event promoters—frequently at no cost—to help them develop and grow their events.

Much of this work happens behind the scenes, but it has helped modernize the infrastructure that supports sport karate competition.

Personal Loss and Resilience

Hunter’s life has also been marked by significant personal loss.

Over the years he has experienced the deaths of his mother, his only sibling, and most recently his mentor and instructor John Sharkey.

Despite these tragedies, Hunter has remained committed to continuing the work they believed in—supporting martial arts schools, tournaments, and the sport karate community.

The Call from Larry Carnahan

Against that backdrop, Hunter received a call that would change his role in the sport.

Larry Carnahan, who had served as president of the North American Sport Karate Association (NASKA) for decades, informed Hunter that he wanted him to take over leadership of the organization as he wanted to step back from running NASKA to focus on his family. Mr. Carnahan’s intent is to remain involved in NASKA in an advisory role and to continue to promote his Diamond Nationals tournament.

Hunter was surprised and humbled.

The two have had many conversations about Carnahan’s vision for the future of the sport, including the importance of unity among promoters and creating a positive experience for competitors and families.

A Philosophy of Unity

Hunter’s philosophy for NASKA moving forward is simple.

He wants to bring people together.

His goal is to create an organization that welcomes and includes all promoters, martial artists and supporters who want to work together to grow the sport, strengthen tournaments, and provide an incredible experience for competitors and their families.

His belief is that when NASKA becomes stronger as an organization, everyone benefits.

As the saying goes:

When the ocean rises, every boat rises with it.

A New Chapter

Sport karate has always been built by people who dedicate themselves to the community.

Competitors step onto the mats.
Promoters organize events.
Instructors train the next generation.

And behind the scenes, people like Hunter Lyon build the systems that help everything run.

As NASKA enters a new chapter of leadership, Hunter brings with him experience in tournament promotion, martial arts instruction, technology development, and organizational leadership.

Most importantly, he brings the same passion for martial arts competition that began years ago with a young kid in Memphis who fell off his bike in front of a martial arts school.

Sometimes the path to leadership in a sport begins in the most unexpected places.

Editor’s Note

This article is part two of a four-part SportMartialArts.com series exploring the legacy of Larry Carnahan, the leadership of Hunter Lyon, and the evolving future of the NASKA sport karate circuit.

The post Hunter B. Lyon: From a Memphis Kid to the Next President of NASKA appeared first on SportMartialArts.com Website.

For more than four decades, Larry Carnahan has been one of the central figures shaping the world of sport karate. As a competitor, kickboxer, instructor, promoter, and longtime president of the North American Sport Karate Association, Carnahan helped build the structure that modern sport karate competitors and promoters rely on today.

Many people know him as the president of NASKA or the promoter behind the Diamond Nationals, but Carnahan’s influence runs much deeper. His career traces the growth of American martial arts itself—from the early days of karate tournaments in the 1970s to the global sport karate circuit that exists today.

Early Years and Training

Larry Carnahan began training in martial arts in 1967 in Fort Worth, Texas, studying Tae Kwon Do in the lineage of legendary martial arts pioneer Jhoon Rhee.

He earned his black belt in 1970, quickly establishing himself as both a talented competitor and instructor. Early in his career he moved to Washington, D.C. to train and teach at the Jhoon Rhee Institute, one of the most influential martial arts schools in the United States at the time.

While working with Rhee, Carnahan received major recognition for his teaching ability, including:

• Jhoon Rhee Top Instructor Award
• School of Champions Award

These years placed him at the center of the emerging American martial arts movement during a time when the sport was rapidly evolving.

A Top Competitor in the Golden Age of Sport Karate

In the early 1970s, Carnahan was not just teaching—he was also one of the most successful competitors in the country.

Among his competitive accomplishments:

• Member of the Texas Black Belt Competition Team (1970)
• Named “Black Belt Rookie of the Year” by the Southwest Karate Association
• Tournament champion at events such as:
  • Battle of Atlanta
  • United States Karate Championships (Dallas)
  • U.S. Open

In 1975, Karate Illustrated Magazine named Carnahan one of the Top Ten Black Belts in the Nation.

This recognition placed him among the elite fighters of the era.

Kickboxing Pioneer

Carnahan’s competitive career expanded into professional full-contact karate—what would later become known as kickboxing.

Beginning in 1975, he fought professionally and was ranked among the Top 10 lightweight kickboxers in the world by the Professional Karate Association (PKA) from 1976 through 1982. 

During the early days of American kickboxing, fighters competed in a brand-new combat sport that blended karate striking with boxing-style ring competition. Carnahan was among the athletes helping define the sport.

He later served as a fight commentator for ESPN’s televised kickboxing events and also worked as a promoter for professional kickboxing cards. 

Building National Karate

In 1977, Carnahan moved to Minnesota to work with martial artist John Worley and help grow what would become the National Karate Schools organization.

Together with the Worley family and other partners, Carnahan helped build National Karate into one of the most successful martial arts school systems in the Midwest.

The organization expanded into dozens of schools and produced generations of martial artists, competitors, and instructors.

Carnahan’s commitment to teaching and leadership was later recognized when he was promoted to 10th Degree Black Belt by martial arts pioneer Grandmaster J. Pat Burleson in 2014.

The Diamond Nationals

One of Carnahan’s greatest contributions to the sport karate community is the Diamond National Karate Championships.

First promoted in 1978, the Diamond Nationals quickly grew into one of the most respected tournaments in the world.

The event’s name comes from its signature prize:
black belt grand champions receive a diamond ring.

Over the decades the Diamond Nationals has become a cornerstone of the sport karate circuit and regularly attracts competitors from across the United States and around the world.

Leading NASKA

Carnahan’s greatest legacy may be his leadership of the North American Sport Karate Association.

He was elected president of NASKA in 1988 and held the position for 38 years until February of 2026 when he named his successor.

Under his leadership, NASKA became the largest sport karate sanctioning body in the world, linking major tournaments into a unified circuit and creating a ranking system that allows competitors to measure themselves against the best in the sport.

The NASKA circuit now includes many of the most prestigious tournaments in the industry.n forward, this moment represents both continuity and opportunity for the sport karate community.

A Leader Known for Inclusiveness

What makes Carnahan’s leadership unique is his philosophy about how the sport should operate.

Although he served as president and majority owner of the organization, Carnahan consistently emphasized collaboration among tournament promoters.

Major decisions affecting the circuit were often discussed with promoters and event leaders throughout the sport.

His goal was not to control the circuit—but to bring the community together around a shared structure that allowed tournaments to thrive while maintaining their independence.

That philosophy helped stabilize the open tournament industry and allowed sport karate to grow into a global competitive system.

A Lasting Legacy

Over the past fifty years, Larry Carnahan has influenced nearly every corner of the sport karate world.

He has been:

• A nationally ranked competitor
• A top-10 professional kickboxer
• A successful school owner
• A major tournament promoter
• The longtime president of NASKA

Most importantly, he has been someone deeply invested in the growth of the sport and the people in it.

For generations of competitors, instructors, and promoters, Carnahan helped create the structure that allows sport karate to exist today.

And that legacy will continue long after his time as president comes to a close.

Editor’s Note

This article is part one of a four-part SportMartialArts.com series exploring the legacy of Larry Carnahan, the leadership of Hunter Lyon, and the evolving future of the NASKA sport karate circuit.

The post Larry Carnahan: The Architect of Modern Sport Karate appeared first on SportMartialArts.com Website.

For decades, the North American Sport Karate Association (NASKA) has been one of the central organizations shaping the world of open martial arts competition. Through thousands of tournaments, countless champions, and generations of competitors, the NASKA circuit has helped define what we now know as modern sport karate.

At the center of that growth for many years has been Larry Carnahan, whose leadership helped guide the organization through an era of tremendous expansion in the sport.

Carnahan’s influence on martial arts extends far beyond his role with NASKA. As a competitor, instructor, promoter, and organizer, he helped build many of the structures that competitors rely on today—tournaments, rankings, championships, and the sense of community that brings martial artists together from around the world.

After decades of service to the sport, Carnahan has stepped away from the presidency of NASKA, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in the organization’s history.

His contributions helped shape an entire era of sport karate.

As one chapter closes, another begins.

Leadership of NASKA has now transitioned to Hunter Lyon, a figure who represents a newer generation of contributors working to support the continued evolution of the sport.

Many competitors know Lyon through his involvement with the AKA Warrior Cup and through his work developing MATAction, a tournament management system designed specifically for martial arts events. His work has focused on one of the most challenging aspects of tournament promotion—creating systems that help events run smoothly while supporting the needs of promoters, officials, competitors, and spectators.

As sport karate continues to grow, the sport increasingly depends on strong infrastructure and new technology to support tournaments and the competitors who participate in them.

Lyon’s experience working behind the scenes of major events and developing tournament systems positions him to help guide NASKA as the sport continues to evolve.

A Moment Worth Reflecting On

Moments of leadership transition are rare in any sport, and they offer an opportunity to reflect on where the community has been and where it may be headed.

Sport martial arts has always grown through the combined efforts of many people:

• promoters who organize tournaments
• instructors who train the next generation
• competitors who push the sport forward
• innovators who build the systems that support it

Organizations like NASKA succeed because the entire community participates in building the sport together.

With Carnahan’s decades of leadership providing a strong foundation and Lyon stepping into a new role guiding the organization forward, this moment represents both continuity and opportunity for the sport karate community.

A Special Editorial Series

To recognize this moment in the sport’s history, SportMartialArts.com will be publishing a special four-part editorial series exploring the past, present, and future of NASKA and the sport karate circuit.

The series will include:

Part 1
Larry Carnahan: The Architect of Modern Sport Karate
A look at Carnahan’s martial arts career and his decades of leadership shaping the NASKA circuit.

Part 2
Hunter Lyon: Technology, Tournaments, and the Next Generation
An introduction to the new NASKA president and the work he has already contributed to the sport.

Part 3
The History of NASKA and the Rise of Sport Karate
A deeper look at how the tournament circuit evolved and how the sport has grown over the past several decades.

Part 4
A New Chapter for NASKA: The Future of the Sport
Exploring the opportunities ahead for the organization and the community that supports it.

Supporting the Next Chapter of the Sport

Sport martial arts has always been built by the people who care about it.

Each generation of leaders, competitors, and promoters adds something new while building on the foundation created by those who came before.

As NASKA enters its next phase of leadership, the continued success of the organization—and the sport itself—will depend on the same spirit that has always driven martial arts competition: respect, dedication, innovation, and community.

The next chapter of the sport karate story is beginning.

And like every chapter before it, it will be written by the community that steps onto the mats each weekend.

Editor’s Note

This article is the introduction to a four-part SportMartialArts.com series exploring the legacy of Larry Carnahan, the leadership of Hunter Lyon, and the evolving future of the NASKA sport karate circuit.

The post A New Era for NASKA appeared first on SportMartialArts.com Website.

A standout feature this year was the addition of Kung Fu and Chanbara divisions through a new partnership with a Kung Fu organization. Winners from these divisions were invited to compete in the overall Grand Championships, underscoring the event’s commitment to inclusivity. On Saturday before the competition, a traditional forms seminar led by Joey Castro gave competitors unique insights and inspiration. Castro then remained on site to judge and encourage athletes throughout the event, adding credibility and energy to the competition.

Wisconsin competitors shined on their home turf. Dayana Grzegorzewski’s hard work and travel on the national circuit paid off when she earned the 14-17 Forms & Weapons Grand Champion title from a field of fourteen divisional winners. In the younger ranks, Coraleen Likeric captured the 13-and-under Forms & Weapons Grand Champion crown with a flawless traditional routine. These hometown victories highlighted the depth of talent in Wisconsin’s martial arts community and electrified the crowd.

The adult categories provided equally thrilling moments. Ben Bridwell, representing Kung Fu, captured the 35 & Over Forms & Weapons Grand Champion title, earning cheers from both the Kung Fu contingent and the broader audience. Libby Heule claimed the Women’s Overall Sparring Grand Champion title, while Colin Obrien proved nearly unstoppable, seizing 18-34 Forms & Weapons Grand Champion and 18 & Over Men’s Sparring Grand Champion honors. Their versatility and discipline demonstrated the Milwaukee Open’s ability to attract top-tier athletes across multiple styles.

The professionalism and organization of the tournament left a lasting impression. Competitor Bob Painter praised the promoters, saying:

“This Karate tournament is VERY well run, thanks to Corey Holzman and Mark Weinberg. The competition is great and the professionalism of the volunteer judges and staff is second to none. Thank You!!!”

With record-breaking attendance, expanded divisions, and praise like Painter’s, the 2025 Milwaukee Open set a new benchmark for open sport karate events in the Midwest. Under Holzman and Weinberg’s leadership and the support of Black Belt Leadership Academy, Milwaukee has cemented its place as a premier destination on the open sport karate calendar.

The post Top Talent Shines at 2025 Milwaukee Open in Wisconsin appeared first on SportMartialArts.com Website.

Martial arts is one of the few sports where the journey truly never ends. For people over the age of 40, open martial arts competition isn’t just possible—it’s thriving. Whether you’re a new student stepping into your first division or a lifelong black belt, tournaments offer an empowering way to stay active, challenge yourself, and build lifelong friendships. There are age-specific and rank-specific divisions that make it easy to jump in at any stage. From novice to executive black belt, there’s a place for everyone.

As Minnesota-based 40+ black belt competitor Dee Everett puts it:

“The short answer as to why I continue to compete at the executive level, basically, is because I can! I love to compete, and as long as I am healthy and trained enough, I will continue to do so.” — Dee Everett, 40+ Black Belt Competitor

More Than a Sport: Community, Travel, and Purpose

Competing later in life offers benefits that go far beyond fitness. Training for tournaments keeps you strong, flexible, and mentally sharp—but the real treasure is connection. In a world where digital communication often replaces face-to-face interaction, martial arts tournaments offer a space to meet people in real life, make meaningful friendships, and stay socially engaged. Many senior competitors use their financial flexibility to travel to local, national, and international events—turning competition into a powerful way to see the world while staying connected to a global martial arts community.

“I have a school competition team that ranges in ages from 7 years to 50+, all ranks. We’ve consistently competed locally and nationally for over 15 years, and internationally for more than 8. I’m also a member of a professional team—Team Army Strong. Because I’m there in the trenches, my ability to teach and coach carries more weight and is more relevant with my students.” —Dee Everett

Train Smart, Compete Strong

For athletes over 40, competing successfully is about preparation and perspective. Choose the right divisions, prioritize warm-up and recovery, and understand that your journey is your own. You don’t have to train like a teenager—consistency, patience, and experience are your biggest assets. Senior competitors bring something special to the mat: they’ve lived, they’ve learned, and they know how to balance intensity with sustainability. And when you train alongside others, especially younger students, your mindset and work ethic become contagious.

“I train with my students all year round… I’m right there in the mix doing the same drills with them—not just shouting orders. My mindset and behavior toward preparation, wins and losses spills over into how they handle competition. And their drive to be great also fuels me.” –Dee Everett

Leaving a Legacy and Leading by Example

Competing after 40 isn’t just about personal growth—it’s about showing others what’s possible. Senior competitors inspire both peers and younger martial artists with their passion, discipline, and willingness to lead by example. Whether you’re stepping onto the mat for your first time or continuing a decades-long journey, you’re proving that martial arts truly is a lifelong pursuit. You’re not just competing—you’re mentoring, motivating, and making the martial arts world better by being in it.

“I prefer to lead by example as I tend to practice what I preach… Iron sharpens iron.” – Dee Everett

Dee Everett – Competitive Highlights:

•  Competing since 2001; NASKA circuit since 2012
•  NASKA World Champion (2012–2024) – Forms, Weapons, Sparring
•  NASKA Overall Grand Champion (2024) – Sparring
•  NASKA World Top Ten – Multiple years
•  WKU World Champion – 3x Sparring (Austria, Canada), 1x Korean Forms
•  WMAC World Champion – Korean Style Forms (Czech Republic)
•  NCKA Top Competitor Award – Multiple years (2012–2024), currently ranked #1 in sparring
•  Team Army Strong – Professional Martial Arts Team Member
• Coach & Team Leader for School Competition Team (ages 7–50+)
• Learn more about Ms. Everett’s martial arts school HERE.

The post Still Kicking: Why Martial Arts Competition is Perfect for Competitors Over 40 appeared first on SportMartialArts.com Website.

The Community You Didn’t Know You Needed

You don’t have to win every match to love martial arts competition. Some of the most rewarding parts of competing have nothing to do with medals or rankings. When you step onto the mat, you’re joining a community of people who are all there to test themselves, grow, and have fun. You’ll meet people from all walks of life—different ages, backgrounds, and styles—but with a shared love for martial arts. Many competitors form friendships that last for years, built on mutual respect, shared experiences, and a passion for the sport.

Everyone Can Compete—No Matter Your Age or Experience

Martial arts is one of the few sports where you can start competing no matter your age or skill level. Whether you’re five or fifty-five, a total beginner or a seasoned black belt, there’s a division for you. Competitions are structured to include age groups, experience levels, and belt ranks, making it easy to jump in whenever you’re ready. You don’t have to be an expert to compete—just be willing to step in and try. This makes martial arts one of the most inclusive sports around, with a low barrier to entry and a welcoming environment for all.

Stay Active, Stay Social, Stay Engaged

For older competitors, martial arts is an excellent way to stay active and connected. It keeps your body moving, challenges your mind, and brings you into a community that thrives on real-life connection—something that’s increasingly rare in our social media-driven world. Tournaments become more than just a place to test your skills—they become a social outlet where you can meet new people, bond over shared experiences, and be part of something meaningful.

Losing Builds Grit That Lasts a Lifetime

And yes, there will be losses. But losing in competition builds something you can’t learn from a textbook: grit. You learn how to take a hit—sometimes literally—and come back stronger. You discover that failure isn’t the end, it’s just part of the process. These lessons apply to every part of life, helping you develop the kind of resilience that carries over into school, work, relationships, and anything else that throws you a challenge.

A Place to Test, Learn, and Level Up

Competing also gives you the opportunity to put your training to the test. All those hours in class come to life in front of judges or in the ring with an opponent. You learn what works, what needs improvement, and where you’ve grown. Each tournament becomes a benchmark and a motivator to keep pushing yourself forward. There’s nothing quite like the adrenaline of competition, and nothing more satisfying than realizing you’ve leveled up.

More Than a Sport—It’s a Family

Perhaps most importantly, martial arts competition creates a sense of belonging. Whether you’re stepping into your very first tournament or returning for your twentieth season, the people you meet and the bonds you build make the journey unforgettable. Win or lose, you’re part of a global family—and that makes every moment on the mat worth it.

The post Why Martial Arts Competition Is Worth It—Even If You Don’t Win appeared first on SportMartialArts.com Website.

Step 1 – Long-Term Vision

The first step in setting goals for your martial arts competition journey is identifying your long-term vision. What do you ultimately want to achieve? This could be winning a national or world title, earning a spot on a competition team, or simply improving your skills and confidence in the ring. Your long-term goal should be ambitious yet realistic, providing a big-picture view of where you want to go. Once you have this vision, break it down into smaller, short-term goals that will serve as stepping stones to your ultimate achievement.

Try and create your step 1 long-term vision goal for 2025 to get yourself on track. No goal is too big but make sure you are ready to create the steps you need to reach the goal.

Step 2 – Short-Term Goals

Short-term goals should be specific, measurable, and time-based. For example, instead of saying, “I want to get better at sparring,” you might set a goal like, “I will score five points using my hands in my next tournament.” These smaller goals help you focus on daily and weekly improvements, making your progress more tangible. Additionally, setting goals around training habits, such as increasing flexibility, improving reaction time, or mastering a difficult technique, can keep you consistently growing as a martial artist.

What are the short-term goals you need in order to meet your long-term vision? Some ideas are the number of work-outs per week. Training on certain techniques that need the most improvement a certain number of times is also great.

Step 3 – Track Your Progress

Another important aspect of goal-setting is tracking and adjusting your progress. Keep a journal or use a goal-setting worksheet to document your achievements and setbacks. If you fall short of a goal, assess what went wrong and make the necessary adjustments. Maybe you need more practice in a certain area or a new training strategy. It’s essential to be flexible with your goals while maintaining the discipline to push forward. Surrounding yourself with supportive coaches, teammates, and mentors can also help you stay accountable.

Step 4 – Reward Yourself and Celebrate Success

Finally, remember to celebrate your milestones and enjoy the process. Martial arts competition is about more than just winning—it’s about improving yourself, gaining confidence, and embracing the challenges that come with the sport. Recognizing your progress, no matter how small, keeps you motivated and fuels your passion for competition. With a clear vision, structured goals, and a positive mindset, you can make the most of your martial arts journey and achieve success on your own terms.

To help you to set goals and reach your long-term visions, we have created a goal tracking worksheet. You can download it here – Goal Setting Worksheet

The post How to Set Goals for Your Martial Arts Competition Journey appeared first on SportMartialArts.com Website.

You can watch the finals on YouTube at this link: 2025 Compete Internationals Finals

Friday Night Featured Some Greats

Friday night’s competition was full of high-energy matchups, particularly in open weight and team sparring. Sport karate legend Raymond Daniels made a much-anticipated return, competing for Team All Stars alongside the always steady Jack Felton. Team ATL, featuring Willie Hicks and Jermond Wiggins with coach Regena Thompson, put up a strong fight, but it was Team Paul Mitchell’s Jake Mueck who stole the show in his adult debut. Mueck, who competed as a junior at the 2025 AKA Warrior Cup, used his strategic defensive side kicks to claim victory over Daniels in both open weight and teams. Although Daniels, Hicks, Wiggins, and Felton didn’t advance to the finals, their performances proved that executive competitors are still a force to be reckoned with.

Amazing Finals Performances

The forms and weapons divisions saw several AKA Warrior Cup champions continue their dominance. Dawson Holt of Team Paul Mitchell, was the winner of the men’s CMX weapons grand championship with a sword routine that had everyone talking. Judah Sagawa once again controlled the 14-17 boys’ divisions, but this time winning both overall forms and overall weapons titles after his Warrior Cup win in January. Maddy Kennaway, coming off a strong performance in Chicago where she made it to the stage, carried her momentum to California, this time with a triumph as she won the women’s traditional forms championship.

In the younger divisions, Olivia Cano won the 13 and under girls’ weapons overall title, while Lukas Dravinskas got his first chance on stage and captured the 13 and under boys’ overall forms championship. Sofia Rodriguez-Florez, overcame some obstacles like illness and a hair fiasco to add another title to her growing list, taking the 14-17 girls’ overall forms championship with a stellar traditional performance. Jake Presley, known for his precise execution, entered just one division at Compete Internationals but still walked away as the men’s overall traditional weapons grand champion. Meanwhile, Sofia Campos revitalized the soft style division with her victory in women’s traditional weapons, and Sara Campbell claimed the women’s CMX weapons title with some amazing moves.

It was exciting to see the diversity of Averi Presley as she won the 14-17 girls weapons title but this time with a traditional performance – we normally see her winning with CMX routines. In the 13 and under divisions, Amanda Duarte showed her steady and consistent skills with the win for girls’ weapons. Michael Molina and his trademark headband was stellar in 13 and under boys weapons winning both the traditional and CMX titles in the day and revving up the crowd with his high energy demo performance in the finals.

Synchronized competition delivered some exciting performances, with Ben Jones and Dawson Holt winning synchronized forms, while Jones teamed up with Esteban Tremblay to take synchronized weapons. Kaitlyn Vong, secured the women’s CMX forms title showed she is one of the top women’s creative competitors out there right now.

Sparring was just as intense as the forms and weapons divisions. Enrique Letona walked away with both the men’s lightweight sparring grand championship and the men’s open weight title, while Kameren Dawson claimed the men’s heavyweight sparring grand championship. Ki’Tana Everett dominated the women’s sparring division by winning both the open weight and overall sparring titles with a controversial fight with teammate Katarina Hermann for the overall title.

Watch the finals show from the 2025 Compete Internationals

A Great Event, A Great Family

With a combination of high-level competition, seamless event organization, and a passionate family leading the charge, the 2025 Compete Internationals stood out as one of the premier events of the year. The Jahan-vash family not only ensured the tournament ran smoothly but also played active roles in its success—Ava as MC, Shahin as commentator, and Alec competing on stage. Their dedication to the sport, along with the talent on display, made this year’s Compete Internationals a true celebration of martial arts. The road to the next major event is shaping up to be just as exciting, with these champions and rising stars looking ahead to their next challenge.

Make sure to watch the finals show live stream and hear Shahin’s commentary right here: 2025 Compete Internationals Finals Show.

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This year’s event was not only the largest in recent history but also one of the most efficiently run. The organizers managed to accommodate hundreds of competitors and spectators seamlessly across multiple divisions and rings. The Hyatt Regency’s spacious venue provided ample room for the action-packed schedule, which included forms, weapons, sparring, and demo team competitions. Feedback from participants and attendees highlighted how well the event flowed, with minimal delays and clear communication keeping everyone informed and engaged. As Team Infinity coach and world champion competitor Mike Welch remarked, “I was so impressed by how stacked the divisions were.” He noted that the event not only attracted a record number of participants but also featured incredible talent across all divisions, making it a true showcase of the best in the sport.

The open weight point sparring competitions were among the most thrilling highlights of the tournament. The men’s division featured intense battles showcasing incredible skill, speed, and strategy. In the end, Alex Mancillas of Texas, representing Team Paul Mitchell, emerged victorious after a series of challenging matches. The women’s division also impressed, with competitors delivering strong performances. Katarina Herman of Canada, also representing Team Paul Mitchell, claimed the top spot, solidifying her reputation as one of the sport’s brightest stars. Both champions displayed extraordinary determination and talent, making the open weight divisions a standout aspect of the event.

The event’s emphasis on inclusivity and progression was evident in the under-black-belt divisions. Eleven young competitors advanced to the finals to vie for mini-Warrior Cup titles, with six champions ultimately crowned. Among them, Pablo Linares shone brightly, winning two mini-Warrior Cups. Other winners included Blakely Johnson, Bear Rodriguez, Carleigh Jenkins, and Jayden Crawford. These young athletes showcased exceptional talent and promise, proving that the future of martial arts competition is in great hands.

For the black belt competitors, the coveted Warrior Cups were awarded to only six deserving champions. Judah Sagawa of California, representing Team Freestyle, delivered a stunning performance despite battling a cold, earning the Junior Weapons Warrior Cup. Esteban Tremblay of Canada secured his second Warrior Cup in three years, this time for Adult Weapons, completing his collection of titles in both forms and weapons. Meanwhile, Wassim Dridi of Canada celebrated his first Warrior Cup win for junior forms, an incredible achievement in his burgeoning career.

In sparring, Katarina Herman’s dominance continued as she claimed her third Warrior Cup in as many years for women’s sparring. Tyson Wray delivered a heroic performance to defeat two Warrior Cup incumbents—Richard Avery Plowden and Kevin Walker—and take the men’s sparring title. Meanwhile, Mason Stowell of Colorado added his third Warrior Cup to his impressive resume with a win in Adult Forms, calling the award the most prestigious of his career.

The demo team competition was another highlight, with Team Freestyle of California and Team Competitive Edge delivering show-stopping routines that earned them spots in the finals. Across the board, the performances in the finals were awe-inspiring and served as a testament to the skill, dedication, and passion of all involved. Every year, the AKA Warrior Cup sends out a survey to participants in order to gather feedback and make improvements. One area of critique in past years was the length of the finals. In response, the event organizers tightened up the finals show, and it ran efficiently in just 2 hours and 38 minutes, providing a seamless and engaging viewing experience.

The overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants and spectators underscores the hard work and meticulous planning by the organizers. For those who missed the action, the finals and other competition highlights are available on YouTube, offering a glimpse into the magic of the 2025 AKA Warrior Cup. This year’s event set a new standard for excellence in martial arts competition, leaving both participants and spectators eager for what’s to come in 2026.

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The banquet opened with inspiring remarks from AKA Warrior Cup promoter and host John Sharkey, who welcomed attendees with enthusiasm and gratitude for their contributions to the sport. NASKA president Larry Carnahan followed with a speech highlighting the growth of sport karate and the dedication of the competitors, instructors, and promoters who make the community thrive. Their words set the tone for an evening filled with recognition and camaraderie. Promoters from all world-level NASKA events were in attendance to personally present awards and congratulate the year’s standout competitors, adding a personal touch to the prestigious honors.

This historic banquet was not just a celebration of individual achievements but also a testament to the strength and unity of the sport martial arts community. Attendees had the opportunity to reflect on the successes of 2024 while looking ahead to another exciting year of competition. With the support of organizations like MAT Action and SportMartialArts.com, as well as the continued dedication of promoters and athletes, the 2025 NASKA Banquet underscored the passion and excellence that define the world of sport martial arts.

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