The USA Nationals and Team Trials are over, and our staff will be filtering back into the office next week but in the meantime we have the results online.

We will be compiling photos and articles but in the meantime all persons who made are eligable for the PKF competition in Canada this August please Click Here to get Junior PKF info.

For a full list of final results please click here

Watch the finals video that was streamed live. Click Here

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America’s best karate athletes congregated in Greenville, SC from July 8 through July 11.  Athletes came from as far away as Alaska and Hawaii, and ranged in age from 4 years old to 78 years of age.  1500 athletes came to compete in over 420 divisions during the 2010 USA National Karate Championships and the USA National Team Trials.  Coaches, officials, volunteers and family members, totaling 10,000, helped to make the event the largest National Championship in the history of karate in the USA.  The event was held at the state-of-the-art BI-LO Center in downtown Greenville, SC and was hosted by Sensei Tommy Hood.  Revenue from the successful event may top as much as $5 million, a much needed boost to the local hotels, restaurants, and surrounding shops.

The overall operations were led by National Event Director Jake lease and his senior staff of Brody Burns, David Richmond, Darren Myers and Darren Free.  The success of the event can be attributed to this group of dedicated tournament veterans, who seamlessly covered every aspect of the event.
 
The first day started with the weapons division.  In this event, athletes compete with a variety of farm implements, like scythes, oars, and staffs, that were used as weapons by the people of Okinawa in an attempt to protect themselves from the devastating forces of the samurai.  

The second day of competition was in kata which is a detailed choreographed pattern of fighting movements.  National Team kata trials were also held on the second day.  

Spectators were able to watch a full day of kumite, traditional karate fighting, during the third day. Ten mats were busy with competition all day.  Kumite National Team Trials were popular to watch, as many athletes battled for a prestigious position on the National Team.  80 Athletes qualified for the Junior National team who will travel to Montreal in August for the Pan American Junior Karate Championships

During the forth and final day, kumite matches continued early in the morning and finished in the afternoon.  Then the Bi-Lo Center was transformed to a one ring arena, with all eyes focused on a center ring for the televised National Championship matches in kata and kumite.  Starting in the early evening, the elite finals provided drama and tension as several hundred spectators saw some of the best karate athletes in the USA fight for Gold in kata and kumite.

Cindy Feith	Eimi Kurita	Brian Mertel	Clevland Baxter
Volunteer of the Year	Female Athlete of the Year	Male Athlete of the Year	Person of the Year

In addition to kata and kumite championships during the final evening, USA Karate paid tribute to individuals who have excelled in their dedication and work in karate.  The following people were recognized for achievements in 2009:  Volunteer of the year was Cindy Feith; Female Athlete of the Year went to Eimi Kurita; Male Athlete of the Year was Brian Mertel; and Person of the year was Cleveland Baxter.

Introduced this year for the first time was a title sponsor, Steadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas.  Steadman Hawkins, one of the largest and most comprehensive orthopedic and sports medicine groups in the state, were the team doctors.  Asian World of Martial Arts was the second major sponsor.

This year is also the first time that the Championships have been expanded into a four day event.  The added day makes scheduling more convenient and events can end at reasonable times.  It will also allow more recovery time for the athletes between events.  Another major improvement were the scoreboards found at every mat.  Seeing the time, scores, and penalties on the bright LED screen is very easy from near or far and from any angle.  

The award medals had a noticeable improved look. Over 2000 Olympic size medals were awarded on the podium stand for the first time.  Medal winners were personally congratulated by Mr. Luke St. Onge, Chief Executive Officer of USA-NKF, along with some of the national coaches.
 

Hundreds of hours of training and personal sacrifice are made every year in hopes for a medal or a spot on the National Team.  The USA National Championships are possible because of the tireless support of coaches, parents, volunteers, officials, and individuals with a passion for karate and competition.  Sensei Tommy Hood is a National Team Coach and owner and head instructor of the Carolina Karate and Fitness Center.  Sensei Hood orchestrated one of the most successful National Championships and has set a standard for all to follow in the future.  

Special thanks to USA Karate Board President John DiPasquale and the USA Karate Board of Directors.  Their vision and support make the Nationals second to none in the sport.  See you in Arlington, TX next year and have a great year of training.  Gambatte kudasai!

Thanks to everyone for a great event! USA-NKF Staf