American Karate Association

07/19/2026

For 34 years, the AKA/Sharkey Summer Camp has been creating lasting memories, building confidence, and inspiring the next generation.

As we celebrate the 34th Annual AKA Summer Camp, congratulations to all of the campers, attendees, staff, instructors, and volunteers who made this year's camp another incredible success.

Your dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment continue a proud tradition of learning, friendship, and community. Here's to 34 amazing years—and many more to come!

06/14/2026

This weekend, 22 martial artists endured a challenging 4-hour rank/promotion test, demonstrating incredible dedication, perseverance, and skill.

Of those testing, three were active AKA Members proudly representing Team AKA. We were also honored to have AKA representation serving on the judges' panel of esteemed martial artists. Following the testing, the panel of officials unanimously agreed to the promotion of three members of our AKA family who worked exceptionally hard and earned their well-deserved promotion.

We are proud to announce that:

🥋 Haley Powers has been promoted to 4th Degree Black Belt
🥋 TJ Voelske has been promoted to 5th Degree Black Belt
🥋 Corey Holzman has been promoted to 6th Degree Black Belt

Their ranks are officially recognized by the American Karate Association.

Congratulations to ALL of the testees on their accomplishments and dedication to the martial arts.

A special thank you to our AKA Certified School, Black Belt Leadership Academy, for its continued commitment to excellence.

And thank you to Sensei Mark Weinberg, the awarding official, for your leadership and for running an outstanding test. Your dedication to building excellent martial artists and fostering a strong student culture is evident, and you should be very proud of what you have accomplished.

Congratulations again to everyone involved!

04/09/2026

Only a little over a week left… 👀

The Naperville Challenge is coming in HOT 🔥

🥋 High-level competition
💰 Cash prizes up for grabs
🎟️ Win a private session with a Team AKA Captain
🏅 Clean medals
😎 Great vibes

🌎 2026 WKC Regional Qualifier

Don’t miss it.
👉 Register NOW: www.mataction.com/naperville-challenge

03/11/2026

🔥 Naperville Challenge Tournament 🔥
April 19, 2026
TOCA Naperville
1740 Quincy Ave. | Naperville, IL 60540

Get ready for one of the most exciting regional martial arts tournaments of the year! The Naperville Challenge brings together talented competitors from across the region for a day of high-level competition, energy, and unforgettable moments on the mats.

Step onto the competition floor, test your skills, and see how you stack up against some of the best.

🥋 Don’t miss your chance to compete!
Register today:
www.mataction.com/naperville-challenge

03/09/2026

Hunter B. Lyon’s journey to becoming the new President of NASKA began long before tournaments and leadership roles—it started with a kid in Memphis who fell off his bike in front of a martial arts school and discovered a lifelong passion. From earning black belts under Grand Master Terry Brumley...

03/08/2026

Naperville Challenge
April 19, 2026
TOCA-Naperville, Naperville Illinois

Registration is open!
www.mataction.com/naperville-challenge

03/08/2026

👉 https://www.sportmartialarts.com/2026-naska-new-president-intro/

Join us for a look at the new era for the NASKA Circuit as Larry Carnahan passes the torch to Hunter Lyon and names Lyon the new President of NASKA. Lyon has vowed to ensure that his work with the NASKA circuit will focus on "making Mr. Carnahan proud" and continuing the sport karate legacy that Mr. Carnahan built.

👉 https://www.sportmartialarts.com/2026-naska-new-president-intro/

01/31/2026

Celebrate the life of John Sharkey, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of Blake-Lamb Funeral Home.

01/27/2026

01/26/2026