What new things are happening at 2023 COMPETE Internationals?
- Hotel rooms are at a premium due to a competing NASCAR event the same weekend as 2023 COMPETE Internationals. Make sure to book early to get the best rates.
- COMPETE Internationals introduces Special Needs Divisions at the event. We want martial arts competition to be inclusive because martial arts is for everyone.
- NEW! Adult black belt divisions will start earlier at 9:00 am on Saturday, February 25th. Please plan accordingly.
- NEW! In 2023, the COMPETE Internationals will offer separate boys and girls divisions for Kenpo Forms.
- We appreciate our color belt competitors and we show it with 76 color belt grand championship titles with $50 savings bonds for each champion.
- For Class AA juniors, the 2023 COMPETE Internationals offers savings bonds for grand champions in forms and weapons AND for junior fighters.
- For Class A competitors, there are grand championship divisions and cash prizes and savings bonds for the champions.
What is the difference between the Class A and Class AA Black Belt divisions?
AA Divisions - You can expect to compete against national and world level competitors, many of whom travel the world level circuits/leagues and are rated by the North American Sport Karate Association (NASKA). Competitors who are ready to take their competition to the next level and compete with the best in the world should compete in AA divisions.
A Divisions - You can expect to compete against mostly local or regional competitors with little to no experience competing on a national or world tour level.
How can I determine what belt/rank level I should compete at?
In general, use the following guidelines for determine what level rank you should use for competition:
White Belts (under 6 months of martial arts training)
Beginner (usually white, yellow or orange belt) (under 18 months of martial arts training)
Intermediate (usually blue, purple or green belt) (Under 36 months of experience)
Advanced (usually brown or red belts) (Under 48 months experience)
Black Belt (new black belts may want to compete in Class A divisions rather than Class AA - see explanation above)
What are the music requirements for this event?
Competitors participating in the COMPETE Finals on Saturday, February 25th must use licensed music from Epidemic Sound. Find out more information here:
2023 MUSIC REQUIREMENTS FOR FINALS
Is there an SMA Membership feature at the event?
Yes. This is an SMA VIP event and SMA Members will receive VIP treatment including accelerated check-in, warm up space and concierge services.
I'm an international competitor and I need an invitation to go to the event, how can I get this?
In order to be eligible for an international invitation, you must demonstrate the following:
- Hotel room booked with confirmation number at one of the four hotels approved by the event.
- Competitors and spectators requesting individual invitations must be registered with the COMPETE Internationals as a competitor or spectator with confirmation. Note that your registration fee is non-refundable.
- Email your confirmation to the event and we will provide you with the list of additional items needed for an international invitation to compete-karate@gmail.com
Will the finals for your event be live streamed on Black Belt Magazine? What is the media coverage for the event?
The 2023 COMPETE Internationals finals will be live streamed on Black Belt Magazine, SportMartialArts.com and MAT Action. Professional finals production provided by SportMartialArts.com and MAT Action
Media coverage, including photos and video by SportMartialArts.com
What are the rules for the event?
All Class AA and Class A Black Belt Divisions follow NASKA Rules for competition.
