USA Karate Opens 2026 with Largest National Team Training Camp in Organization History

Miami, FL — January 18, 2026 — USA Karate kicked off the 2026 season by hosting the largest National Team Training Camp in the organization’s history, held January 16-18, 2026, in Miami, Florida. The event brought together nearly 100 athletes from all six USA Karate regions, alongside national team coaches, trainers, and performance staff, for an intensive weekend focused on athlete development and competitive readiness.

Training sessions took place at Hialeah Gardens High School, with athletes and staff headquartered at the Miami Lakes Hotel. Participants ranged in age from 12 and up, reflecting USA Karate’s commitment to developing talent across multiple stages of the athlete pathway.

In parallel with athlete training, USA Karate hosted its first national training camp for referees. More than 40 referees from all six regions participated in advanced education and on-court training, underscoring the organization’s investment in strengthening the entire competitive ecosystem of the sport.

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The camp was led by Director of Sport Brody Burns, Head Kumite Coach Dustin Baldis, and Chief Referee Fariba Madani, with support from members of the national coaching staff and national referee staff.

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“National Team Training Camps are critical to preparing our athletes and officials for international competition,” said Burns. “They allow us to align technically, evaluate progress in real time, and create a shared standard across regions. Just as importantly, they help build trust and cohesion within our national program.”

USA Karate also welcomed athletes from neighboring national teams, including Guatemala, Panama, Colombia, and Mexico, creating a high-level international training environment that provided valuable experience and fostered regional collaboration.

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On Saturday, January 17, USA Karate hosted a Youth Development Program seminar for pre-elite athletes of all ages. The seminar focused on long-term athlete development principles and provided education and guidance for athletes and families navigating the early stages of the competitive pathway.

Reflecting on the weekend, USA Karate President Elisa Au emphasized the organization’s broader mission.

“Everything we do is driven by our responsibility to serve our athletes and our members,” said Au, President of USA Karate. “We are committed to creating an environment that supports long-term success - not just competitive results, but sustainable growth, education, and opportunity. This camp was a strong example of what’s possible when we invest in people, systems, and community.”

USA Karate Board directors also took time during the weekend to meet with local sensei and karate leaders, gathering feedback and insights from members in the region as part of its ongoing commitment to engagement and continuous improvement.

With strong participation, expanded programming, and growing international collaboration, the Miami National Team Training Camp marked a significant start to 2026 and set the tone for the year ahead.