2024 Karate National Championships & Team Trials

Cajundome Convention Center
444 Cajundome Boulevard
Lafayette, LA 70506

USA Karate Nationals Hotel Information - Team Travel Source

We want to take a moment and make sure the athletes and coaches are aware that for Elite Categories per the NKF rules of competition, the WKF equipment requirements will be enforced at the National Championships and Jr. Team Trials. This includes the Elite 12-13 (U14/Youth) categories with external body protection and WKF facemask and helmet. No exceptions will be made and athletes are encouraged to plan ahead and arrive with the required equipment.

Please refer to this WKF link for equipment requirements HERE.

For NON-Elite categories, please refer to the USA NKF Rules HERE.

Per the listed rules of competition mentioned above, for all NON-Elite categories under 14, a solid white headgear must be worn in kumite. USA Karate will not provide equipment at the tatami and athletes are encouraged to come prepared with all required equipment.

Every year, USA Karate celebrates its top athletes, coaches, volunteers, and officials. This year, we're adding two new awards to the lineup: the Golden Gi and the Platinum Dojo award.

The Golden Gi isn't just any award—it's all about recognizing the club with the most gold medals. The Platinum Dojo award goes to the club with the highest participation at Nationals. How do you snag one of these shiny accolades? Check out our criteria below.

Get ready to bring your A-game to the National Championships, and let's see who'll be taking home the Golden Gi!

Club Awards
Golden Gi

Criteria:

• Must be a registered USA Karate club
• Highest overall medal count, regardless of categories

Platinum Dojo

Criteria:

• Must be a registered USA Karate club
• Highest number of registrations from a club

Athlete Awards

Sr. Male Athlete of the Year

Sr. Female Athlete of the Year

Jr. Male Athlete of the Year

Jr. Female Athlete of the Year

Criteria:

• Based on WKF ranking one month prior to the National Championships

Coaches Awards

Coach of the Year

Criteria

• USA National Coach
• Has made significant contributions to the National Teams and National Coaching Staff
• Actively participated in the success of US Team athletes
• Led or actively participated in USA Karate training or regional camps

Developmental Coach of the Year

Criteria

• Coached at all Signature Events in the past year
• History of coaching at USA Karate local and national tournaments
• Actively and positively supports USA Karate with their participation and the participation of their athletes
• Produces athletes that consistently make the podium domestically at Signature Events regardless of category.

Referee Awards

Referee of the Year

• Criteria
• International licensed referee (PKF, WKF)
• Currently participates in international PKF and WKF events
• Currently participates in USA-NKF Signature Events
• Serves as a Mentor to help build up other referees pursuing higher licenses.
• Positively contributes ideas to increase operations at Signature Events
• Is a positive example to other referees of the quality of USA Referee Program

National Referee of the Year

Criteria

• USA-NKF National licensed referee
• Currently participates in USA-NKF Signature Events
• Works to continually seek improvement and guidance from other referees.
• Provides support through athlete and volunteer participation for USA-NKF events.
• Represents the USA Referee program well.

Volunteer Awards

Volunteer of the Year

Criteria

• Repeated volunteer service to USA Karate
• Presents a positive image of USA Karate to the public
• Demonstrates the giving spirit of volunteerism by selflessly donating time and effort to USA Karate events and goals
• Contributes a positive attitude and behavior toward fellow volunteers, referees, coaches, fans and athletes.

*All award recipients must be members of USA Karate

This rule does NOT apply to athletes participating in the event.  Additionally, no outside food or drinks are allowed, with the exception of athletes bringing in sports drinks, protein bars, etc.

The birthday cut offs for the 2024 Jr. Team Trials are:
Jr. PKF - August 27, 2024
Jr. World Championships - October 7, 2024

The athlete must be the age they are trying out for by those dates. For example, if a 15-year-old turns 16 after Nationals, but before Aug 27, 2024, they are eligible to compete in 16-17 year old (Junior Elite) category at the National Championships.

If an athlete has a birthday between the Jr. PKF Championships and the Jr. World Championships they are eligible to compete in both categories and try out for both events.  For example, if an athlete is 15 at Nationals and turns 16 on October 6, 2024, they can compete in 14-15 (Cadet Elite) and 16-17 (Junior Elite) categories at Nationals so that they have opportunity to win a spot for both the PKF Team and the World Championships Team. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to our National Office at natoffice@usankf.org.