USA Karate Launches Women’s Elite Training Initiative

First-of-its-kind camps will bring advanced female athletes together for elite training led entirely by women coaches

USA Karate is proud to announce its first-ever Elite All-Women’s Training Camps, a historic initiative created to support, develop, and elevate female athletes within the sport.

The two camps will provide advanced and elite female athletes ages 14 and older with high-level training in an environment led entirely by accomplished women coaches. In addition to preparing athletes for elite competition, including the upcoming World Cup, the initiative is designed to strengthen the pathway for women in karate and inspire the next generation of female athletes and leaders.

“These camps represent an important step forward for women in karate,” said Elisa Au, President of USA Karate. “By bringing female athletes together under the leadership of an all-women coaching staff, we are creating an environment where athletes can challenge themselves, learn from exceptional role models, and see the opportunities available to them at the highest levels of our sport.”

The first Elite All-Women’s Training Camp will take place October 30 through November 1 at Prime Fitness Club in Douglaston, New York. Led by the USA Karate National Women’s Coaching Staff, including Cheryl Murphy and Christina Muccini-Finegan, the camp will also feature Olympic coach Roksanda Atanasov as a special guest. Guided by the theme “Stronger Together: Built to Compete,” the camp will focus on developing athletes, elevating performance, and building a lasting legacy for women in karate.

USA Karate

A second camp will be held November 13 through 15 at United Bay Area Karate Club in San Jose, California. Led by Barbara Maile Chinen-Koncal and Joane Orbon, the camp will continue the initiative’s focus on elite training, one team, and elite standards.

USA Karate

Together, the camps reflect USA Karate’s continued commitment to expanding opportunities for women across the sport. By placing female athletes and coaches at the center of the initiative, USA Karate aims to foster greater representation, strengthen mentorship, and build a more inclusive future for karate in the United States.

Both camps are open to advanced and elite female athletes ages 14 and older. Registration is $85 per athlete. Additional details will be shared through the Team USA Stack app.

Athletes can register atwww.usankf.org.

Elite All-Women’s Training Camp: New York
October 30–November 1, 2026
Prime Fitness Club
241-15 Northern Boulevard
Douglaston, NY 11363
Led by the USA Karate National Women’s Coaching Staff
Special Guest: Olympic Coach Roksanda Atanasov
Questions: cfinegan@usankf.org | 516-606-2086

Elite All-Women’s Training Camp: California
November 13–15, 2026
United Bay Area Karate Club
5591 Snell Avenue
San Jose, CA 95123
Led by Barbara Maile Chinen-Koncal and Joane Orbon
Questions: mchinen@usankf.org | 916-230-4657

Register Today