Available spots
Service Description
5th Annual First State Karate Tournament First State Karate is proud to host the 5th Annual First State Karate Tournament on April 18, 2026, at: First State Karate 26089 Longneck Rd. Millsboro, Delaware 19966 This event brings together martial artists from First State Karate and partnering schools for a day of competition, sportsmanship, and skill development. Competitors will have the opportunity to test their abilities in multiple traditional martial arts events. Tournament Eligibility To compete in the tournament, participants must: Be an active student of First State Karate or an approved partner martial arts school Be at least 5 years of age Event Schedule Doors will open at 9:00 AM, and the first division will begin at 10:00 AM. Exact division and event times will be published one week prior to the tournament and communicated to all registered competitors. Event Registration The first event costs $50. Competitors may register for multiple events, and the cost per event decreases when registering for additional events. Competitors should consult their school’s head instructor before registering to ensure they are eligible to participate in their selected events. Tournament Events 1. Pull the Obi (Ages 5–7) Pull the Obi is a fun and safe alternative to sparring for younger competitors. Participants attempt to remove their opponent’s belt (obi) during controlled movement and positioning. 2. Kata (Forms) Kata competition allows students to demonstrate their precision, balance, power, and technique through a traditional martial arts form. 3. Kumite (Sparring) Competitors engage in controlled point sparring matches. Participants must be approved for sparring by their home dojo. Competitors must bring their own sparring gear. First State Karate will provide loaner chest protectors for competitors if needed. 4. Ippon Kumite (One-Step Sparring) Competitors perform pre-arranged self-defense techniques against four attackers (other competitors). Judges evaluate timing, control, technique, and overall execution. 5. Kobudo (Weapons Kata) Competitors demonstrate a traditional martial arts weapons form. All weapons must be reviewed and approved by the tournament judges or sensei prior to competition.
Upcoming Sessions
Cancellation Policy
First State Karate Tournament Policies These policies are established to promote a safe, fair, and respectful competitive environment for all participants, coaches, and spectators. Eligibility Participation in this tournament is limited to students who are members of First State Karate or students from approved partner schools. The tournament host reserves the right to verify eligibility and deny participation if this requirement is not met. Competitors must be 5 years of age or older to participate in the tournament. Registration and Payment Submitting the tournament registration form does not constitute full registration. After the registration form is submitted, an invoice will be sent to the email address provided during registration. Registration is not complete until payment has been received. Competitors who have not completed payment may not be assigned to a division or allowed to compete. Division Assignments Divisions are typically organized by age, rank/experience level, and gender (where applicable). The tournament host reserves the right to combine, split, modify, or adjust divisions at their discretion to ensure fair and competitive brackets. Final division assignments will be determined by the tournament host. Divisions may also be canceled due to insufficient registrations. In the event a division is canceled for this reason, First State Karate will refund any payments made for that division. Refund Policy Tournament registration fees are non-refundable except under the following circumstances: The tournament is canceled or rescheduled by the host A division is canceled due to insufficient registrations No refunds will be provided for withdrawals, illness, scheduling conflicts, or other personal circumstances. Conduct and Sportsmanship All competitors, coaches, parents, and spectators are expected to demonstrate respect, sportsmanship, and proper conduct throughout the event. The tournament host and/or judges reserve the right to remove any spectator or participant displaying disrespectful behavior, including but not limited to: Heckling officials or competitors Use of foul or abusive language Disruptive or unsportsmanlike conduct Failure to follow these expectations may result in removal from the venue without refund. Uniform and Equipment Requirements Competitors are expected to wear a clean and appropriate martial arts uniform (gi) representing their school. Required protective equipment for sparring divisions
Contact Details
26089 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, DE, USA