USA Karate 2023 Senior Team Trials
by USA NKF Staff
USA Karate held its 2023 Senior Team Trials in Long Branch, New Jersey on February 18, 2023.
The event was officiated by 25 world-class referees and 54 athletes who had qualified through the previous year's National Championships and were invited to compete in all 12 senior categories across kata and kumite disciplines. The top four athletes in each category were selected for the National Team pool.
USA Karate Chairwoman Elisa Au was on hand and said, “The 2023 USA senior team trials were a success, and now we are looking forward to showcasing our National Team in international events this year. It was fantastic to hold the trials in Long Branch, in a new venue, with lots of support from fans from the tri-state area. A special thank you to the organizing committee for hosting such a great event. We hope to be back in the wonderful city in the future.”
All four U.S. Olympians from the Tokyo Olympic Games competed at the trials. Ariel Torres, who won the bronze medal in Tokyo, claimed the top spot in male kata. Tom Scott and Sakura Kokumai also claimed first in their kumite weight class, while Brian Irr took second in his.
For complete tournament results, please click HERE.
