15 Years of Martial Arts Competition
Southeast Michigan’s premier invitational tournament for kumite, kata, kihon, and flag sparring. All ages and ranks welcome.
Competitive Events
Competition is available in four event categories. Divisions within each event will be formed to ensure fair competition for all participants.
Flag Sparring
Children Ages 5-11
Flag sparring is a form of non-contact sparring. To flag spar, competitors are fitted with two “flags”, fragments of belt or other material, which hang at each competitor’s side from their karate belts. Competitors score by removing flags from their opponent, and win by removing all of their opponent’s flags.
Competitors may participate in either Flag Sparring or Kumite, but not both.
For more detail refer to page 4 and page 5 of the Tournament Package, and Flag Sparring Rules.
Kihon
All Ages
Kihon challenges competitors to demonstrate their mastery of basic karate techniques. Exercises increase in difficulty based on rank and are meant to be practiced before tournament day. Competitors win based on their performance in one-on-one competition as graded by a panel of senior black belts.
For more detail refer to page 3 of the Tournament Package.
Kata
All Ages
Kata is one of the basic forms of karate competition. Competitors are judged one-on-one on their performance of forms appropriate for their rank. Judges are senior black belts guided by the WKF Kata Competition Rules.
For more detail refer to page 4 of the Tournament Package.
Kumite
All Ages
Two competitors free spar (fight) against each other for a set period of time. Judges award points and assess penalties as appropriate. The winner is the competitor with the most points (8 maximum) at the end of the time period. Rules are based on the WKF Rules of Competition.
For more detail refer to page 4 and page 5 and page 6 of the Tournament Package.
Entering the Tournament
All competitors must complete and return a registration form by March 17, 2025. Registration forms received after March 17, 2025 are subject to a $5.00 late fee per event. No registration forms will be accepted after March 23, 2025 and registrations will not be accepted at the door.
Tournament Day
Competitors are expected to arrive at Garden City Middle School beginning at 9:30 on the day of the tournament to sign in. Check-in will be done in a rolling manner throughout the morning. Competitors are required to be checked in prior to the start of their competition, but are encouraged to arrive early to warm up and prepare.
Cameras
Cameras are welcome, but tripods and lights (including flashes) are not.
Food & Drink
Pizza, hot dogs, pop, coffee, Gatorade and bottled water may be purchased on site. Only water in plastic bottles will be allowed in the gymnasium. All other food or drink must remain in the designated eating area.
Awards
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals will be awarded in each competition division. A spirit medal will be awarded for competitors ages 11 and younger for all events.
Volunteers
The Michigan Karate Tournament is seeking volunteers for the day of the event. No experience in karate is required. All volunteers will receive free admission, snacks, water, and lunch on the day of the tournament.
Please contact us if you would like to volunteer and let us know if there is a particular duty that you would prefer. Every effort will be made to best match volunteers with their preferences. Please also let us know if you have any karate experience or if you have any physical restrictions as these may be factors in duty assignments.
Positions Available
- Timekeeper
- Scorekeeper
- Division assembler
- Kitchen/snack counter
Volunteers are asked to be at Garden City Middle School by 9:30 a.m. on the day of the tournament.
Details for Spectators
Spectators are welcome to join us beginning at 9:30 a.m. A small spectator fee may be paid at the door:
- Free: Children (4 yrs & younger)
- $5.00: Adults (15 yrs & older)
- $3.00: Sr. Citizens (62 yrs & older)
- $3.00: Children (5-14 yrs)
Spectators are encouraged to cheer on their favorite competitors. However, please be aware that hostile or harassing behavior will not be tolerated.
Contact Us
Contact us via email or phone for event details and inquiries.
Sensei Tony Valvona
Cell phone: (734) 658-5683
E-mail: Tony@karatemi.com
The tournament will be located at Garden City Middle School in Garden City, Michigan. The middle school is located just south of Ford Road between Wayne and Venoy. Parking is available in a lot to the south of the building.