The 54th AAKF National Championships and International Camp on June 26-27, 2015 was hosted by the JSKA International in the Washington, DC area, convening almost 200 participants that included top Traditional Karate contenders, domestic and international officials, and judges in an environment of learning, hospitality, and social giving. The championships were preceded by a three-day International Camp that featured training and lectures led by instructors from the United States, Poland, Brazil, and Venezuela. Camp participants worked together in an interactive manner as they shared their knowledge and perspectives on the roots and fundamentals of Traditional Karate, and training methods for athletes as well as judges. In this spirit of growth and development the National Championships for adults and youth was begun!

Both championships enjoyed a full room of spectators who were present to support the athletes and witness Traditional Karate at its best. Athletes tested and challenged one another in form and sparring events as they strove to improve their skills, and attain a spot on the USA team that will travel to Natal, Brazil in November. Congratulations to all of the athletes who traveled far and wide to demonstrate their best karate, and most especially to the athletes who will be part of representing the United States abroad.

In a theme of hospitality and camaraderie, the host awarded officials and judges with tokens of appreciation for their efforts and dedication to Traditional Karate, an art-form and way of life that transcends individual development and into society. This point was generously demonstrated by JSKA International who donated canned foods – collected as the entrance fee to the Championship finals – in addition to their donation of $3500 to BackPack Buddies, a program that tackles the issue of child hunger.

The AAKF is proud of its progress over the recent years, as exemplified by its steady membership growth, international partnerships and presence, and most importantly its youth involvement. Together, the future of Traditional Karate and the leadership role of AAKF as the governing body of the art in the United States stands bright and strong.

Congratulations to the JSKA International and the Mid-Atlantic Region for hosting an efficient, safe, and fun event that demonstrated – in numbers and in quality – a promising future.