Get Ready For 2026 (Copy)

Written By Sean Wong

🥋 AKC 2026 Season Updates & Announcements

Dear AKC Members and Promoters,
We’re excited to share the latest updates and decisions shaping the 2026 AKC competition season. These changes aim to make our events more unified, efficient, and athlete-focused.

🥇 1. Kata Elimination (High Performance & Recreational)

A new optional format for kata elimination will be available this season:

  • Winners determined by total score

  • All athletes complete two rounds; scores are combined

  • Top 4 athletes advance to the third (medal) round

  • Medals based on third-round scores only

    🥇 Gold – Highest score

    🥈 Silver – Second highest

    🥉 Bronze – Remaining two athletes

🥊 2. Kumite Elimination (High Performance)

  • High Performance divisions will now use Single Elimination with Repechage.

👊 3. Kumite Elimination (Recreational)

  • Promoters may continue to choose either Round Robin or Double Elimination.

💻 4. SportData Integration

All promoters agreed to use SportData to streamline registration, scoring, and event results. This step moves us toward a unified AKC system across all tournaments.

🩶 5. AKC Champion Patches

Athletes can now proudly wear their AKC Champion patch on the right sleeve of their Karate Gi.

🎽 6. Competition Belts

All athletes—Recreational and High Performance—must wear red or blue belts for both Kata and Kumite events.

⚖️ 7. Dual Participation Policy

To ensure fairness and balance:

  • Athletes cannot compete in the same discipline (e.g., Kumite) in both High Performance and Recreational divisions.

  • Athletes may compete in a different discipline (e.g., Kata) at the intermediate or advanced level, with coach approval.

🗓️ 8. Additional Tournament Opportunity

Interest has been expressed by new hosts to run AKC events. One proposal appears viable—further details are being confirmed.

🏆 9. Grand Championships

The Grand Championship will be paused for 2026 due to logistical constraints. The discussion will resume at the end of the 2026 season.

📅 10. Confirmed 2026 Event Dates

🌍 11. Coordinating with National Events

  • Senior Nationals: March 2026

  • Junior Nationals: May 2026

    Both Montreal and Toronto events are working to avoid PSO scheduling conflicts.

🤝 12. Unified Standards for 2026

Promoters agreed to align on key standards for all AKC events:
✅ Division numbers
✅ Kata requirements by experience level
✅ Approved kata lists
✅ Kumite weight classes

🌐 13. WKF Division Alignment

AKC will follow WKF divisions wherever possible—except for 16+ and U21, which will no longer be included.

🔢 14. Simplified Points System

Points will now be awarded only to medalists:

  • 🥇 Gold – 50 points

  • 🥈 Silver – 40 points

  • 🥉 Bronze – 20 points

  • 🎖 Participation – 1 point

💬 Final Note

These updates reflect our collective goal to unify AKC tournaments, support athlete growth, and elevate the competition experience across Canada. Thank you to all promoters, coaches, and volunteers for your continued dedication and teamwork. Let’s make 2026 our best season yet! 💪

Sean Wong https://noxdojo.com
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