competition team
Karate is one of the most popular sports practiced in the world with over 50 million people involved from 164 countries. Our competition classes are geared towards competitive athletes who wish to enhance their speed, focus, accuracy, timing and efficiency of movement for local, regional, national and international karate competition. Interested students are required to obtain permission from their instructor. Your sensei can answer any questions or concerns that you may have about competing. Fonseca Martial Arts students are encouraged to participate in competitions throughout the year.
FMA provides additional competition training for members interested in tournaments. Students on the competition team are required to attend these Competition Karate classes. However, any student may register for competition training without participating in competitions with permission from their sensei.
structure
Competition team members must be enrolled in Competition Karate classes and meet the minimum number of classes per week. The purpose for the competition schedule and requirements is to ensure that all competition team members receive the very best preparation and coaching for karate competition and to hold all students accountable for their commitment to the program. The competition team members will receive coaching at all events where allowable. Competition team members are required to wear exclusive competition team apparel to all tournaments.
Level 1 • JUNIOR team
FMA students who are interested in karate competitions. Tournaments are local, some hosted by other organizations and others hosted by FMA. This level is open to all ages and skill levels.
level 2 • travel team
Athletes who have at least one year on the Junior Competition Team. You should be recommended by an FMA instructor to join the FMA Travel Team. This level is open to all ages and levels.
level 3 • elite team
Athletes who are trying to make the USA Junior or Senior National Team. Additionally, Elite Team members must participate in at least one WKF Youth League or Series A event.
competitions
There’s a world of opportunity out there for a karate athlete. Carpe diem.
Dojo Tournaments
This is a great opportunity for beginning students to learn about karate tournaments. Dojo tournaments are held at one of the Fonseca Martial Arts dojos and are only open to FMA students. FMA instructors referee the Dojo Duels tournaments. Students compete in teams and everyone goes home with a medal!
AAU and NKF Local
As students become comfortable with dojo tournaments, we encourage them to try local tournaments. The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and USA National Karate-Do Federation (USA-NKF) hold local competitions throughout the year— see below for resources. All FMA students are encouraged to participate in local tournaments.
AAU Nationals
Those students who qualify at AAU Regionals are eligible to compete at AAU National Championships. FMA has sent a team to AAU Nationals every year since opening, and they have always returned with great results. Joining the FMA competition team at this level requires a commitment to training. Students will be required to attend Competition Karate classes in preparation for the tournament.
NKF Nationals
The USA National Karate-Do Federation is recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee as the National Governing Body for the sport of Karate. While there are divisions for all ages and levels at the USA-NKF National Championships, Advanced competitors, ages 12-20, have the opportunity to compete for a spot on the USA Junior National Karate Team. Students on the FMA competition team are required to attend Competition Karate classes in preparation for the tournament.
International Championships
Several of FMA’s instructors and senior black belts are members of the USA Junior and Senior National Teams. These athletes represent the USA at the Pan American and World Karate Championships, as well as compete in other international tournaments. They are role models for younger FMA competitors.
Other Competitions
The Senseis will notify all students of open tournaments held locally and nationally throughout the year. The USA Open is the premier international tournament in the US, and is held every year in Las Vegas over Easter weekend. FMA sends teams annually to these events.
Upcoming Tournaments
These tournaments are recommended for the competition team
FONSECA CUP
November 2
WINDSOR OPEN
December 1
FAQ
Is the Competition Team open to everyone?
Yes! It’s never too early to start. We have a variety of Competition level classes available for athletes who are considering competing.
How much time do we have to dedicate?
This varies based on your rank within FMA. In-House Team members can expect a very doable commitment, while Elite level athletes will be required to dedicate much more of their time.
Does it cost anything?
Competition classes require a simple upgrade fee of $50 per month to start. Once you are settled into the In-House Team, you’ll start competing in local tournaments, followed by travel opportunities if you choose. Those will have coaching fees and tournament entry costs associated, which will vary by tournament.
How do we start?
Start by asking your sensei which Competition class is right to jump into. They can help place you in a class where you’ll thrive.
resources
Want to look into it some more? Here are some resources for you to get started.