IMAF 2026 · Discipline
Isshinryu Karate Championship
One heart, one way - traditional Okinawan karate on the world's biggest festival floor.
Overview
The Isshinryu Karate Championship brings the Okinawan tradition of Master Tatsuo Shimabuku to the IMAF floor, uniting dojo from across the country and around the world for three days of kata, kobudo, and kumite competition.
Competitors of every rank, from first-time white belts to seasoned black belt masters, compete on dedicated Isshinryu rings judged by certified traditional officials, with grand championship rounds staged on the festival's center court.
Divisions & Format
Divisions are split into three core competition areas: Traditional Weapons, Traditional Forms, and Point Sparring.
Traditional Weapons
Bo, sai, and tonfa kata performed with traditional Okinawan weapons.
Traditional Forms
Empty-hand Isshinryu kata judged on technique, power, and authenticity to the system.
Point Sparring
Point sparring scored with controlled contact and protective gear.
Additional Divisions You’re Eligible For:
Rules & Judging
- Competition follows Isshinryu traditional standards; kata must be recognizable to the system and performed without embellishment.
- A panel of certified judges scores kata on stance, focus, breath control, timing, and technical accuracy; high and low scores may be dropped.
- Kumite uses light-to-moderate controlled contact. Excessive contact, uncontrolled techniques, and strikes to prohibited targets draw warnings and disqualification.
- Required safety gear: hand, foot, and head protection, plus mouthguard; groin and chest protection where applicable.
- Clean, traditional gi with school patch is required. Competitors must report to their ring at the posted call time.
- Ring officials' decisions are final; protests must be filed with the division head judge before the next match begins.
Compete at IMAF 2026
October 16-18, 2026 · Ocean Center, Daytona Beach, FL