Keeping Kata Fresh & Fun with Master Albert Hernandez We are positively thrilled to announce Master Albert Hernandez as our inspiring guest instructor for youth attendees at the upcoming International Training Conference (ITC) 2025! Prepare yourselves for an immersive seminar aimed at teaching students how to stay passionate about kata. Master Albert Hernandez began his martial arts journey at the age of 7 under the guidance of Master Kevin Hibbs. Over the years, he cultivated a deep passion for the art, steadily rising through the ranks and fully dedicating himself to mastering the craft.  As an instructor at Gateway Martial Arts Academy, Master Hernandez is known for his love of kata and his ability to make it engaging and exciting for students. He values the history and tradition behind kata, seeing it as a way to stay connected to the roots of martial arts. At the same time, he believes in keeping katas fresh and fun to inspire the next generation.  An avid competitor in the NASKA and AZMATC circuits, Master Hernandez has dedicated himself to compete in traditional Japanese and Korean divisions. His experience has taught him the value of balancing technical mastery with creative expression, and now he is eager to share these insights with young martial artists. He believes kata isn’t just about memorizing movements - it’s about finding personal growth, focus, and connection to martial arts roots.  In his upcoming seminar, Master Hernandez will teach students how to stay passionate about kata - whether through technical study or fun games - while discovering new ways to grow as martial artists.  ROOMS ARE FILLING QUICKLY AT OUR NEW ITC Venue - The RIO HOTEL AND CASINO We have a block of rooms at a great discount and we don't want you to miss out on it!   July 17-20 may be months away, but our room block is smaller this year and will probably fill up!  After that, there is guarantee that you will get our discounted rate!!    To reserve your room click HERE.    Not only is The Rio historical but EVERYTHING is fully remodeled! This iconic Vegas destination has been reborn. Critics and online reviewers agree, “The Rio Hotel in Las Vegas is BACK!”  Here are some highlights we think you’ll love! ­  Rooms: ·      EVERY ROOM has a MINI-FRIDGE! ·      FULLY REMODELED! ·      Since The Rio was the first-ever all-suite resort in the Las Vegas Valley, every room is spacious. ·      The suites are 582 square feet in size, with a state-of-the-art 65-inch flat-screen TV, walk-in shower, sofa with a queen-size pull-out bed, floor-to-ceiling windows, (and as we mentioned before…a mini-fridge!). You can choose between a double queen bedroom (sleeps 6 people with the pull-out couch) or a king bedroom (sleeps 4 people with the pull-out couch).   ·      Also, did we mention that every room has a mini fridge?  Pool: The beautiful Pool at Rio is open daily. You have the option to use reserved seating, daybeds, and cabanas (all cabana reservations also include food and water!), or you can simply enjoy a regular pool day without all the bells and whistles. Entertainment: Every show featured at the Rio has won several awards. There are several stage shows (including the famous Penn & Teller magic show), but “WOW—The Vegas Spectacular” is truly a must-see. Here are some of the highlights you might like. ·      For ages 4+ (totally family friendly!) ·      Over 30 performers that “fly, flip, dance, and defy the imagination.” ·      180-degree stage with 3-D projections, holograms, and a 1,000-square-foot “liquid centerpiece.” (What the heck is a “liquid centerpiece” for a stage show? You’ll just have to wait and see for yourself!). ·      Winner of several “Best in Las Vegas” awards, including: “Best Production Show” “Best New Show” “Best Family Friendly Show” “Best Value Show" Food: The Rio has so many amazing and different food options, including but not limited to American, Chinese, Mexican, Vietnamese, Japanese, and Indian. The Rio’s got something for every budget. Feeling fancy? The Rio can do that. Feeling like a quick bite? The Rio’s got it. Somewhere in between? The Rio has it all! Here is a quick breakdown of the food and price ranges. ·      $: Wetzel’s Pretzels, Starbucks, Smashburger (all classic favorites), and Sports Deli.  ·      $$: Luckley Tavern and Grill, Guy Fieri’s El Burro Borracho (yes, the Guy Fieri!), Hash House A Go Go, Attaboy Burger, Nama Nama, Tender Crush, Tony Luke’s, Shogun Ramen, Southland Burrito Co., KJ Dim Sum, Kang’s Kitchen, and Royal India Buffet. ·      $$$: Voodoo Steak (50 stories high!) and The Wine Cellar Tasting Room. Attractions and Experiences: ·      KISS by Monster Mini Golf Glow in the Dark Live DJ playing lots of music from the band KISS ·      Arcade ·      One-of-a-kind rock museum, with the world's largest public collection of KISS memorabilia! ·      Shopping at Shops in Rio **With The Rio's already low prices and our highly discounted resort fees, our group rate for the rooms this year will be lower than ever! That means you’ll have to act fast when registration becomes available. Once the room block is filled up, we can’t guarantee the same low prices!    UFAF participants will also receive the following perks! ·        Discounted Resort Fee ·        Access to the Fitness Center ·        2 for 1 Beverages (select outlets on property) ·        On property show tickets at a 50% Discount (max 2 tickets)    We are so excited about this new chapter of UFAF ITC. We can’t wait to see you all again, July 17-20, 2025…at The Rio Hotel and Casino!   P.S. The Rio is one of the only Vegas hotels that still has FREE PARKING!