Saturday, January 31, 2026

Instructor Reveal #2 – A Legendary Leader for Our Young Warriors!

 

UFAF ITC 2026

Instructor Reveal #2 
A Legendary Leader for Our 
Young Warriors!



We are excited to officially reveal Instructor #2 for the UFAF ITC 2026 — and this is one your kids are going to LOVE!

Youth Seminar:

Spin It & Win It - Warrior Legends in the Making


This seminar is specifically designed for beginner & youth students and focuses on building strong fundamentals in a way that is safe, structured, fast-moving, & FUN.


What your child will gain:
• Proper and safe handling of the bo
• Improved confidence, coordination, and focus
• Strong basics — grips, stances, and strikes
• A short, exciting Bo Kata they’ll be proud to perform
• An engaging environment that keeps kids motivated and smiling


Cheryl’s teaching style makes learning exciting while reinforcing discipline and control — helping young martial artists start right, so they can grow strong.


If you want your child to build confidence, sharpen focus, and feel empowered while having a blast, this is a seminar you won’t want them 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

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Drum Roll Please - Our First ITC Instructor Reveal ...

 

UFAF ITC 2026

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!


The countdown to UFAF ITC 2026 has officially begun—and we’re excited to kick off our instructor reveal series with a powerhouse name you don’t want to miss.


Instructor Reveal #1: Ben Jones

Professional martial artist representing Team Paul Mitchell and Century Martial Arts, Ben Jones is one of the most accomplished and respected competitors in Sport Karate today.

Ben holds multiple World Titles across UFAF, NASKA, ISKA, and WKC, spanning Traditional and CMX forms and weapons, as well as numerous Synchronized Team titles. He’s also a 9-time Norris Cup Champion, earned at UFAF ITCs over the past several years.

Beyond competition, Ben is passionate about giving back to the next generation. A lifelong martial artist who earned his black belt at age 8, he has dedicated his career to teaching forms, weapons, and tricking—mentoring students and world champions alike with intention, positivity, and purpose.

Adult Seminar:

The Art of Creative Bo with Ben Jones

Discover the tips, tricks, and insights Ben has developed over the last decade to become one of the top Bo competitors in the sport. He’ll break down:

  • Simple techniques with intentional execution

  • Spins and tricks focused on efficiency and fluidity

  • Signature creative throws you won’t see anywhere else

This seminar is fun, high-energy, and packed with value—an experience every forms and weapons competitor will want to be part of.


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


Friday, January 23, 2026

The Legacy Grows - Warrior Legend Kata Challenge

 

The Legacy Grows


Following the powerful debut of the Warrior Legend Sparring Competition, UFAF is proud to announce a brand-new elite event for UFAF ITC 2026:

The Warrior Legend Kata Challenge


This is the kata counterpart to Warrior Legend Sparring Award — designed to honor precision, mastery, strategy, and legacy at the highest level of our system.


THE FORMAT: ELITE. STRATEGIC. UNFORGIVING.

Open to all UFAF Black Belts ages 14 and up, this is a head-to-head elimination challenge where only the strongest advance.  We will have one male and one female winner.


Round 1
• Two competitors face off
• Each performs a 
Pyong form
• Judges immediately select a winner — no scores, no delays


Round 2 and Beyond
• Head-to-head elimination using 
any UFAF open-hand form
• 
No form may be repeated
• Strategy matters as much as execution


The rounds continue until two finalists remain — and one competitor earns the ultimate honor:  🏆 THE WARRIOR LEGEND KATA CHALLENGE AWARD


This is not just a trophy.  It is a statement of mastery.  A moment of recognition.  A place in the UFAF legacy.


📍 UFAF ITC 2026

July 16–19, 2026  -  Las Vegas, Nevada

This challenge will take place at the International Training Conference, where the future of our federation is shaped and legends are recognized.


🔔 REGISTRATION OPENING SOON

To be ready when ITC registration opens:

✔ Book your hotel now through the official UFAF Room Block
✔ This is required to receive the 
largest ITC discount
✔ You will need your 
hotel confirmation number when registering for the ITC!

Book here:
https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/LASDH/G-UF26

Rooms are limited and will fill quickly.


Prepare your forms.  Refine your strategy.  Honor the legacy.


We’ll see you in Las Vegas.

UFAF Office

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

East Coast Tournament - Register by 2/21

 

Club Karate’s Goodwill Tournament 2026

2nd Tournament in the 

UFAF Tournament Circuit




UFAF Members,

The 2026 UFAF Tournament Circuit is officially underway, and we’re excited to invite you to the SECOND tournament of the year — the Goodwill Tournament 2026!

This is a fantastic opportunity for your students to gain experience, earn recognition, and continue building momentum in the UFAF tournament season.


GOODWILL TOURNAMENT 2026

📅 Saturday, February 28, 2026
📍 
Beaufort High School Gym - 84 Sea Island Parkway • Lady’s Island, SC


⏰ Schedule

  • Doors Open: 9:00 AM

  • Demonstrations: 10:00 AM

  • Competition Begins: 11:00 AM


💵 Registration Fees

  • $65 Pre-Registration

  • $75 After February 21

  • No refunds – space is limited

🏆 Competitor Perks

  • Plaques for ALL competitors

  • 1st–4th place ribbons

  • Black Belt Judges compete FREE

  • Powered by Sidekick digital registration & live brackets

👉 Register Now:
https://register.sidekick.events/VA9V15XY

🎟 Spectators: $10 | Children under 6 FREE
📞 Questions: Chuck Elias – 843-252-7283


📣 IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR SCHOOL OWNERS & HOSTS

If you are hosting a tournament in 2026, please send your event details to
📧 ufafoffice@gmail.com

UFAF is committed to supporting our schools and helping promote your events across the organization—but we can only do that if we have your information!


Let’s keep the 2026 UFAF Tournament Circuit strong, well-attended, and exciting for our students and families.


Respectfully,
UFAF Office

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

RSVP School Owner Retreat by 1/31

 



UFAF School Owner Retreat 2026



🚀 Get Ready to Level Up Your Teaching 


UFAF School Owners & Future School Leaders,


This is your official invitation to attend the UFAF School Owner Retreat in Las Vegas—and RSVP is required by January 31 so UFAF can properly prepare meals and materials.

📍 Legacy Martial Arts – Las Vegas, NV
📅 February 20–21, 2026


This retreat is designed for leaders who are serious about growth, systems, and long-term success. If you are committed to strengthening your school—or preparing to open one—this event is for you.


🔥 What to Expect

Friday, February 20
• Afternoon seminars
• Dinner provided by UFAF

Saturday, February 21
• Full day of seminars
• Lunch on your own
• Dinner provided by UFAF


🎤 Seminar Presenters & Industry Updates

Here are a few of the seminars that we already have lined up.  More will be announced soon. 


• Steve Giroux – Reinventing Your Program from the Ground Up
• Tara Cox – The Importance of an Online Presence
• Lindy Woods – Digital Tools to Help Your School Grow, Engage, and Thrive
• Special Information from Melody Johnson & MAIA

• Important updates every school owner needs to hear


⏰ RSVP DEADLINE: JANUARY 31

If you plan to attend, you must RSVP by January 31 so UFAF can finalize meals and planning.

📧 RSVP to: Tara Cox - ufafoffice@gmail.com

Please include:
• Your name
• School name (or future school owner)
• Number of attendees


This retreat is about working on your school, not just in it. Seats are limited, preparation is underway, and timely responses are critical.

We look forward to training, learning, and growing together in Las Vegas.


Respectfully,

UFAF Office