Dear Karate Enthusiasts,

We are excited to announce the launch of the AKR Sport Karate Program, an exclusive opportunity for students to train in both Kata (forms) and Kumite (sparring) at the highest levels of  competition. This program is designed to prepare athletes for World Karate Federation (WKF)-style competition, a format that has become integral to national and international tournaments, including the Olympic Games 2020.

Kata (Forms) Training:

As dictated by the WKF, there are specific katas that must be performed with precise techniques to ensure competitiveness. To help our students achieve these high standards, we have the guidance of Shihan Shelton, a globally recognized official who holds a Ref A, which is the highest officiating credentials at the world level. He is part of the panels that select world champions, and through his expertise, we can offer an elite training environment that ensures our students perform at the highest level while retaining the traditional values of karate.

Kumite (Sparring) Training:

In kumite, the level of competition has evolved significantly, and today’s karate practitioners are required to train as high-performance athletes. With Shihan Shelton’s credentials Judge A, also the highest level at WKF, we are able to offer top-tier training for kumite competitors aiming for National and International competitions, including the USA National Karate Team. This program is tailored for students who aspire to represent the United States in competitive karate or who are already part of the National Team.

The program runs from September through July, with the year’s training culminating in the USA-National Karate do Federation (USA-NKF) Nationals. The Sport Karate Program is divided into two main categories:

• Kumite (sparring)

• Kata (forms)

Students will be trained under the WKF competition rules, including the WKF-modified rules used at the USA-NKF events for under-Black Belt competitors.

Who Can Join:

The Sport Karate Program is not exclusively for competitors. While students are encouraged to participate in tournaments. Our program is designed to challenge and benefit students of all skill levels and ages 10+. Regardless of your experience, this program will offer you advanced training and deeper knowledge of both kata and kumite.During class, students will receive individualized attention, with an emphasis on their performance being closely observed to ensure consistent improvement and readiness for competition. Independent or unaffiliated individuals will not be accepted.