September 2026 Referee Update

Another fantastic Pan American Karate Federation Championship in Costa Rica! The 2026 Junior Pan American Karate Championships was a very successful event, with USA Karate winning 1st place for the 4th consecutive year! The USA Team was well represented by USA Karate leadership, staff, coaches, athletes, families, and referees.

The dedication, professionalism, quality of officiating and coaching, athlete performance and desire to win, and support from the entire USA delegation were apparent throughout the event. The energy and cheering by the USA team were unmatched! Thank you for making this such an exciting Pan American Championship! 

Twenty-one officials participated in the Junior Pan American Championships in San Jose, Costa Rica. Congratulations to the following officials on receiving PKF licenses: Raj Baral (JC Kata), Bishal Gurung (JC Kata), Brian Hobson (RB Kumite), Kelley Hutta (JB Kumite), Yadu Kuikel (JC Kumite), Sergey Kushnir (JA Kumite/JA Kata), Maya Lepcha (JA Kumite), Nurys Saldana (JB Kata), Ancil Steeple (JB Kumite), Alex Tajik (RA Kumite), Bhim Thapa (JC Kumite/JC Kata), Faouzi Touati (RB Kumite/JB Kata), and Max Chomiak (Renew RA/JA). We really appreciate the work ethic and efforts from the USA referees. Thank you for continuing to represent USA Karate so well!

USA Karate

Fifteen USA Karate international officials will be heading to Guadalajara, Mexico, for the Youth League in September. Safe travels to our officials, coaches, and athletes participating in the event. 

One regional seminar was held in August in Columbus, OH. There are 3 upcoming referee seminars in September in Grayslake, IL, Houston, TX, and Las Vegas, NV. 

Thank you for your continued support of USA Karate!