Top Nominees for 2026 Awards

 

UFAF ITC 2026 AWARDS Dear UFAF Nation, One of the highlights of every International Training Conference is recognizing the outstanding individuals and schools that make our organization stronger through their leadership, service, dedication, and example. We are excited to announce the Top 5 nominees in each category for the UFAF ITC 2026 Awards. These nominees were selected from the many deserving members and schools throughout our organization.  Here they are in alphabetical order: Instructor of the Year • Ashley Fehrenkamp • Kenneth Fjeld • Chantal Jackson • Doug Shaffer • Andi Woods School of the Year • Club Karate — Chuck Elias • Gateway Martial Arts — Kevin Hibbs • John Malone Karate Studio — John Malone • Legacy Martial Arts — Tara Cox • Ocean Martial Arts — Mark Myers Most Inspirational Member • Karina Alvarez • Britini D'Angelo • Chuck Elias • Steve Smith • Allen Wood Congratulations to each of these outstanding nominees.  The winners will be announced during the UFAF ITC Gala on Saturday evening at the International Training Conference. We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of these exceptional members and schools together at ITC 2026! Sincerely, UFAF Office REMINDER:  ITC Early Bird Discount  Ends June 15th! ⚠️ Important ITC Hotel Booking Reminder If you are attending ITC 2026, please note: ✅ You will need your Rio Hotel confirmation number to receive the lowest ITC registration rate ➡️ Book your room FIRST, then register for the ITC If you experience any issues booking your room—whether inside or outside our reserved time block—please contact Mrs. Cox, and she will be happy to assist you. Be sure to book your room at the Rio using the official UFAF room block.   https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/LASDH/G-UF26 Let’s come together to celebrate the leaders, schools, and members who make UFAF extraordinary. We can’t wait to see who you nominate! UFAF OFFICE CLICK HERE - BOOK YOUR ROOM NOW

Public Registration for the Chuck Norris Tribute is Now Open

 

Grand Master  Chuck Norris March 10, 1940 - March 19, 2026 Dear UFAF Members, The  public registration for the Chuck Norris Tribute at UFAF ITC 2026 is now officially OPEN! You can now share the registration link with your friends, family members, former students, and anyone who would love the opportunity to be part of this historic and unforgettable event honoring Mr. Chuck Norris. Registration and full event details can be found here: ufafnation.com/tribute This special evening will celebrate the incredible legacy, impact, and inspiration Mr. Norris has provided to generations around the world, and we are excited to now open the doors to the public. IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR UFAF MEMBERS: Your special UFAF discounted pricing will still remain available through the ITC registration process. However, now that public registration has opened, seats may go quickly. Once the tribute reaches capacity: • Registration links will be removed • No additional tickets will be made available • Even ITC attendees without a reserved tribute ticket will NOT be allowed entry If attending this tribute is important to you or your family, please secure your tickets NOW before they are gone. We also encourage you to help spread the word by sharing the registration page with others who would appreciate the opportunity to celebrate the life and legacy of Mr. Norris alongside the UFAF family. We look forward to sharing this unforgettable evening with all of you. Sincerely, UFAF Office

⚠️ Important ITC  Hotel Booking Reminder If you are attending ITC 2026, please note: ✅ You will need your Rio Hotel confirmation number to keep the lowest ITC registration rate ➡️ Book your room FIRST, then register for the ITC If you experience any issues booking your room—whether inside or outside our reserved time block—please contact Mrs. Cox, and she will be happy to assist you. Be sure to book your room at the Rio using the official UFAF room block.   https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/LASDH/G-UF26

Don't Delay - Make Your Reservations for the Norris Tribute ASAP!

 

Grand Master  Chuck Norris March 10, 1940 - March 19, 2026 Dear UFAF Members, This is an important reminder regarding the special Tribute for Mr. Chuck Norris taking place during the UFAF International Training Conference 2026. The response to this event has already been incredible, and we want to strongly encourage all UFAF members not to delay in registering. Currently, registration is ONLY open to UFAF and KSK members. However, after May 15th, registration will officially open to the public. Please understand: Once all seats are filled, no additional attendees will be allowed into the event. We want to make sure our UFAF family has the first opportunity to reserve their seats before the remaining spots become available to the public on May 16th. If attending this once-in-a-lifetime tribute is important to you, now is the time to secure your registration. This will be a truly special evening honoring the man whose influence has impacted generations of martial artists, instructors, students, and families around the world. We would love for our UFAF family to be there together to celebrate it.

REMEMBER:  The deadline to submit your nominations is May 15th! Your school, your instructor, or someone who inspires you could be recognized—but only if you nominate them. Log in to the UFAF homepage and look for the ITC 2026 Awardssection.   ⚠️ Important ITC  Hotel Booking Reminder If you are attending ITC 2026, please note: ✅ You will need your Rio Hotel confirmation number to receive the lowest ITC registration rate ➡️ Book your room FIRST, then register for the ITC If you experience any issues booking your room—whether inside or outside our reserved time block—please contact Mrs. Cox, and she will be happy to assist you. Be sure to book your room at the Rio using the official UFAF room block.   https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/LASDH/G-UF26