Martial arts is more than just a discipline; it’s a growing phenomenon in the United States and around the world. With an estimated 6.6 million martial arts participants in the U.S. alone, the sport’s popularity continues to thrive. Whether it’s for self-defense, physical fitness, or competition, martial arts offers something for everyone—and events like the 2024 US Open ISKA World Martial Arts Championships demonstrate just how impactful the sport can be.
Held at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Florida, this year’s US Open was one of the largest open sport martial arts competitions in the world. Sanctioned by both the North American Sport Karate Association (NASKA) and the International Sport Karate Association (ISKA), the event drew top talent from across the globe. Competitors from places like Australia, Jamaica, Europe, Venezuela, and the United States along with 20 more countries came together to showcase their skills and vie for prestigious titles. It was a weekend filled with electrifying performances, international camaraderie, and unforgettable moments.
Why Sport Martial Arts Competitions Matter
Sport martial arts competitions like the US Open aren’t just about winning medals; they’re about personal growth, discipline, and fostering a sense of community. For children, competing helps build confidence, improve focus, and develop goal-setting skills. Adults, on the other hand, often find competitions to be a way to stay fit, relieve stress, and achieve personal milestones.
The US Open, with divisions for all belt levels, genders, and age groups, truly embodied these values. Amateur competitors had their chance to shine in the Night of Victory championships, while elite athletes took center stage during the Night of Champions. The event was a testament to the idea that martial arts is a lifelong journey, offering something for everyone from the youngest white belt to seasoned black belts.
Highlights from the Night of Champions
The Night of Champions is the pinnacle of the US Open, showcasing the best talent martial arts has to offer. Ki’Tana Everett stole the show with her dominant performances, earning the NASKA women’s overall sparring grand championship as well as the women’s open weight title. Her double victory highlighted her skill and determination, proving she is one of the top athletes in the sport. Meanwhile, Team Top Ten from Hungary secured the men’s point sparring title, defeating the renowned Team Paul Mitchell in an intense and strategic matchup that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Adding to the excitement, Kristhian Rivas of Venezuela emerged as the men’s open weight point sparring champion, showcasing exceptional adaptability and technique against a highly competitive field.
Youth Division Excellence
The youth divisions were a testament to the depth of talent and future potential in martial arts. Jaiden Graciani demonstrated creativity and precision to win the 13 and under boys open forms title, while Amanda Duarte earned the 13 and under girls traditional forms championship with her flawless execution. Judah Sagawa of Team Freestyle dominated the boys 14-17 divisions, taking home titles in both CMX weapons and forms competitions. His versatility and skill were undeniable, marking him as a rising star in the sport. Averi Presley, the youngest member of the Presley family, continued her family’s martial arts legacy by winning the 14-17 girls CMX weapons title. Similarly, Madalynn Wiersma showcased her talents, claiming a titles in CMX weapons, further highlighting the exceptional skill present in the younger divisions.
Traditional and Creative Form Excellence
The artistry and athleticism of traditional and creative forms competitors were on full display during the Night of Champions. Joey Castro of New York earned the men’s traditional forms championship with a performance that demonstrated mastery of classic techniques and a focused, powerful execution. Following in her mentor’s footsteps, Amber Rutherford secured the women’s traditional forms ISKA championship, adding another accolade to her impressive resume. Sofia Rodriguez-Florez of Florida captured two titles, dominating both the girls 14-17 traditional forms and traditional weapons divisions with a combination of precision and grace. From Canada, Noah Sansait added to the international success stories with his victory in the boys 14-17 traditional forms competition, reinforcing the global appeal of the event.
Team Performances Shine Bright
Team events brought an electrifying energy to the competition, with dynamic performances that showcased the synergy and creativity of group routines. Team Competitive Edge emerged victorious in the Demo Team division, outperforming strong contenders like Team Freestyle and Team Infinity. Their well-choreographed and innovative routine earned them the coveted title. In the synchronized weapons category, Team Paul Mitchell’s Ben Jones and Esteban Tremblay displayed impeccable timing and coordination to take the top spot. Team Infinity claimed the synchronized forms title with a seamless and unified performance, further emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collaboration in martial arts.
Individual Stars and International Talent
Individual competitors brought their unique talents and flair to the Night of Champions, captivating the audience with their extraordinary skills. Alyss Groce impressed with her win in the 14-17 girls CMX forms division, demonstrating dedication and talent. Adomas Rackauskas capped off an outstanding performance in the younger divisions with dual wins in the 13 and under boys traditional forms and CMX weapons categories, showcasing his remarkable versatility and promise as a competitor. Haley Glass, fresh off a tour with Royal Caribbean, dazzled spectators by winning both the women’s CMX forms and CMX weapons titles. Her athleticism and stage presence were second to none. Phillip Brumme of Texas was crowned the men’s CMX forms world champion, while Esteban Tremblay of Team Paul Mitchell added to his team’s success with a victory in the men’s CMX weapons division.
A Vacation and Competition Rolled Into One
One of the unique aspects of the ISKA US Open is its location at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Competitors and their families enjoyed the opportunity to combine the excitement of world-class martial arts competition with a magical vacation. The resort’s amenities and proximity to Disney attractions provided a perfect backdrop for relaxation and entertainment between events.
The 2024 ISKA US Open World Martial Arts Championships was a resounding success, bringing together top athletes, emerging talent, and martial arts enthusiasts from around the globe. With its combination of high-level competition, international representation, and a family-friendly atmosphere, the event truly captured the spirit of martial arts. As the sport continues to grow, the US Open ISKA World Martial Arts Championships remains a shining example of the discipline, passion, and community that martial arts fosters.
Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a newcomer to the sport, the US Open ISKA World Martial Arts Championships is a reminder of why martial arts competitions matter. They inspire, challenge, and unite—qualities that extend far beyond the mat and into every aspect of life. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2025!
