Instructor Development Series 2026

 

UFAF ITC 2026 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN UFAF ITC 2026 is more than training—it’s an investment in leadership, responsibility, and excellence on the mat. This year’s Instructor Development Series (IDS) is designed for instructors & leaders who want to sharpen their mindset, elevate their teaching, and better prepare their students for real-world challenges and milestone tests.  The IDS is about more than information—it’s about transformation. Train smarter.  Teach better.  Lead stronger. The IDS is open to ITC participants who are at least 14 years old and green belt and higher. UFAF ITC is proud to announce the  2026 IDS Instructor Lineup: Master Ed Saenz “How to Be a Better Student & Teacher” With a martial arts journey that began in 1967, Master Saenz brings decades of experience as an instructor, leader, and mentor. His seminar focuses on developing instructors who never stop learning—and who know how to bring out the best in their students. This is a must-attend session for instructors serious about longevity, leadership, and impact. Stephen Hammersley UFAF Krav Maga – Reality-Based Self-Defense Seminar CNS Base-Line • Counter-Blade • Counter-Gun Defenses Learn UFAF Krav Maga counter-offense frameworks, pressure-tested tactics, and proven principles to Disrupt, Survive, and Overcome blade and handgun threats using simple, effective, reality-built skills.  This is practical, no-nonsense self-defense for instructors who demand realism. Reality-Based Self-Defense Seminar Instructors: • Stephen Hammersley – UFAF Krav Maga International Training Director • Brandon Davis – UFAF Krav Maga Chief Training Officer • UFAF Krav Maga Alpha-Team of Advanced Instructors Kenneth Fjeld The Warrior’s Mind: Awareness, Control, and Responsibility This seminar goes beyond drills and combinations and dives deep into the combat mind behind effective self-defense. You’ll develop: ⚡ A focused, decisive self-defense mindset ⚡ Sharper, more functional combative skills ⚡ Tactical awareness of what is actually happening during violent encounters This seminar also tackles a subject many avoid—the real damage and pain our techniques can cause. As instructors, power without understanding is dangerous. By exploring multiple self-defense applications, you’ll grow not just as a fighter, but as an educator who understands consequences, control, and ethical force. Explore. Evolve. Educate. Preparing Students for the CNS Black Belt Test Taught by Joe Gemma, Kenny Herrera, Doug Shaffer & Lindy Woods This panel of Regional Chairs will share proven strategies to ensure students are mentally and physically prepared to endure—and pass—the CNS Black Belt Test. Learn how to build resilience, structure preparation, and guide students through one of the most demanding milestones in their martial arts journey. Register Early & Save Big Registration for UFAF ITC 2026 will open soon, and the best pricing won’t last forever. If you’re planning to attend, now is the time to secure your spot. Important Hotel Reminder 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 You’ll need your Rio confirmation code to receive the maximum discount on your ITC registration—this step is required, so don’t wait.  Reserve your room now! Train hard. Dream big. UFAF ITC Team CLICK HERE - BOOK YOUR ROOM NOW

UFAF ITC 2026 Instructor Reveal #8 - Empowering the Next Generation

 

UFAF ITC 2026 REGISTRATION Opening Soon! UFAF ITC 2026 continues to expand what’s possible on the mat.  We are proud to officially reveal our next featured instructor… Instructor Reveal #8 Clara Melendez Master Clara Melendez operates the K.W. Karate/Tae Kwon Do Centers in California and has been a leader in martial arts education, competition, and community impact for over four decades. She began her martial arts journey in 1978 and quickly rose to prominence as one of the nation’s top-ranked tournament competitors in Sparring, Forms, Weapons, and Board Breaking, earning national recognition in Martial Arts Illustrated Magazine and becoming a 10-time champion at Ed Parker’s Long Beach Internationals. Her accomplishments include: UFAF Female Competitor of the Year (2005) Training over 100 Black Belts, earning Gold Level recognition as the largest Chuck Norris System school UFAF School of the Year recipient in 2011 and 2017 Recognition by the United States Congress for outstanding community involvement Level 2 Coach – Master Rank in Olympic USA Tae Kwon Do International World Tae Kwon Do Referee International presenter and certified instructor in Krav Maga and Violent Critical Incidents, including active intruder and terrorism response Creator of PowerKids vs. Zombies, a nationally recognized child safety seminar program For more than 34 years, Master Melendez has also hosted the Four Valleys of the Sun Open Karate Championships, coaching teams throughout the United States and Mexico. Youth Seminar: Alpha PowerKid - Training with Technology This high-voltage youth seminar is designed to empower Generation Alpha martial artists — children influenced by technology who face real-world challenges both on and off the mat.  Without losing the essence of traditional martial arts, this seminar introduces cutting-edge training tools to help students improve: Speed, force, and timing Defensive and counterattack response Situational awareness and personal safety Confidence under pressure PowerKids will train with technology-based methods to: Improve tournament performance through faster reactions Break the bullying cycle Develop survival skills for high-stress situations Respond quickly and appropriately to unsafe or inappropriate behavior This seminar is about preparing kids for the world they live in — not the world we grew up in.  The message is simple:  Come as an Alpha. Leave as a PowerKid. Register Early & Save Big Registration for UFAF ITC 2026 will open soon, and the best pricing won’t last forever. If you’re planning to attend, now is the time to secure your spot. Important Hotel Reminder 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 You’ll need your Rio confirmation code to receive the maximum discount on your ITC registration—this step is required, so don’t wait.  Reserve your room now! More world-class instructors will be revealed soon, and this is just the beginning. We can’t wait to see you in Las Vegas for another unforgettable ITC. Train hard. Dream big. UFAF ITC Team CLICK HERE - BOOK YOUR ROOM NOW

Instructor Reveal #7 - From Reps to Results

 

UFAF ITC 2026 Registration Opens Friday, Feb. 6 UFAF ITC 2026 continues to raise the bar. We are excited to officially reveal Instructor #7… Instructor Reveal #7 Andi Lynn Woods Andi Woods began training in the Chuck Norris System at just three years old and has grown into one of UFAF’s most accomplished competitors and instructors.  She is a 6th Degree CNS Black Belt, 4th Degree Black Belt in UFAF Krav Maga, Hyper Black Belt Level 2, a multi-time UFAF ITC Grand Champion, Female Competitor of the Year, and a recipient of UFAF’s Most Inspirational Award.  With over two decades of training & leadership experience, Andi is a full time instructor, a member of the UFAF Training and Development Committee and the UFAF Krav Maga Alpha Team.   Adult Seminar: From Reps to Results - Perfect the Pattern with Kata Drills that Build Confidence and Consistency This seminar is built specifically for adult participants who want to sharpen their kata for belt testing or competition — without mental fatigue or burnout. The goal is simple: Get more meaningful reps without the burnout. Through creative drills, structured training methods, and purposeful exercises, students will learn how to disguise repetition — allowing them to train longer, stay engaged, and build stronger, more consistent kata performance. This seminar will focus on: • Improving kata consistency and precision • Breaking forms into purposeful sections • Building confidence for testing or competition • Training with focus, intention, and enjoyment This is not about changing traditional kata.  It’s about training it better. Students will leave with practical tools they can immediately apply to their personal training — whether preparing for a test or stepping onto the competition floor. If you want your kata to feel sharper, stronger, and more intentional — and you want to enjoy the process again — From Reps to Results is a seminar you won’t want to miss. Register Early & Save Big Registration for UFAF ITC 2026 will open soon, and the best pricing won’t last forever. If you’re planning to attend, now is the time to secure your spot. Important Hotel Reminder 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 You’ll need your Rio confirmation code to receive the maximum discount on your ITC registration—this step is required, so don’t wait.  Reserve your room now! More world-class instructors will be revealed soon, and this is just the beginning. We can’t wait to see you in Las Vegas for another unforgettable ITC. Train hard. Dream big. UFAF ITC Team CLICK HERE - BOOK YOUR ROOM NOW