A New Legacy Begins: Inside the Rebirth of the International Karate Tournament
- Black Belt Team
- Jul 25
- 4 min read
In the world of martial arts, few events carry the historical weight of the legendary Long Beach Internationals. For decades, this tournament—originally founded by Ed Parker in 1964—was the proving ground for martial artists from all corners of the globe. Now, after a dramatic farewell in 2024, the legacy lives on in a bold new form: The International Karate Tournament (IKT), Year One.
This isn’t just a rebrand. It’s a passing of the torch—literally and figuratively—to a new era of martial arts excellence, led by longtime event producer and martial arts champion, Steve Cooper.
Honoring a Giant, Without Standing Still
To understand the weight behind this transformation, one must appreciate the lineage. Ed Parker's original tournament ran from 1964 until his passing in 1990, ushering in a decade of memorial events curated by his family. When Cooper took the reins in 2004, he committed to preserving Parker’s legacy—not just in name, but in spirit. From the signature Tori-style trophy to the continued presence in Long Beach, Cooper ensured the event remained a shrine to martial arts tradition.
But 2024 marked the 60th anniversary—and the final chapter—of the Long Beach Internationals in its existing form. Now, with the launch of the International Karate Tournament, Cooper aims not to replicate the past, but to evolve it. “The torch has been passed,” Cooper explains. “We remember the legacy, but we must live in the now and look to the future.”
One Arena, Many Disciplines
The new IKT is a mosaic of martial arts disciplines, each with its own tournament operating under one unified roof. It’s a celebration of diversity and unity, gathering styles, organizations, and champions in a single venue that feels more like a world expo than a competition.
This year, IKT will host six distinct tournaments:
America’s Kenpo Championship – A homecoming for American Kenpo stylists.
Intercontinental Kajukenbo Championships – Bringing together Kajukenbo affiliations from across the globe.
SKL International Karate Championships – A premier sport karate event tied to the National Karate League (NKL) and World Karate League (WKL).
So Cal Traditional Karate Championships – A stage for AAU and WKF practitioners of traditional Japanese karate.
WAKO Tatami Sports Sparring California State Championships – A landmark partnership with WAKO USA to bridge the gap between sport karate and international-level competition.
Saber Martial Arts Championships – A futuristic twist featuring LED saber sparring and kata.
From padded weapon combat to kata battles, the International now offers a platform for everyone—from traditionalists to tactical innovators.
Tech-Forward Tournament Management
What sets this event apart isn’t just the range of competition. It’s also how the entire experience is delivered. Powered by Cooper’s tech company, Martial Logic, IKT leverages the most advanced event management system in the martial arts world. From online registration and real-time bracket updates to seamless document pickup and scoring, the back-end of the tournament runs as sharp as a kata performance.
“Efficiency is key,” Cooper notes. “We’ve taken everything we’ve learned since 2003 and poured it into making this the smoothest, most professional martial arts event in the country.”
Legends Among Us
While the tournament looks to the future, it remains steeped in legacy. Martial arts luminaries scheduled to appear read like a who’s who of martial arts cinema and combat history: Cynthia Rothrock, Benny “The Jet” Urquidez, Chuck Sullivan, Jeff Speakman, Bill Wallace, and many others.
Now in its fourth year, the International Martial Arts Hall of Fame Gala will continue its tradition of honoring excellence, with seven inductees and the coveted Icon of Martial Arts Award. 2025’s honorees include Billy Blanks, Cynthia Prouder, Gilbert Velez, and Rick Kingi, promising a black-tie night of celebration that rivals the competition itself in prestige.
A Torch to Light the Way
In one of the event’s most symbolic gestures, this year’s IKT will include a Torch Lighting Ceremony—a tribute to legacy, unity, and future champions. Details on participation will be announced on July 1 at longbeachikc.com, but Cooper promises it will be a signature moment for martial arts culture.
“This ceremony is about lighting the path forward,” Cooper says. “We’re not just hosting an event. We’re creating a movement.”
Looking Ahead
Workshops and seminars will return in 2026, with plans to include business-focused sessions aimed at helping martial arts schools grow sustainably. But for now, IKT is all about the competition—pure, powerful, and polished.
So why is The International 2025 a must-attend?
Because it’s more than a tournament. It’s a gathering of legends. A technological leap. A tribute and a transformation. Most of all, it’s a glimpse into the future of martial arts—a future that respects its past but refuses to be confined by it.
As Steve Cooper puts it: “We have history. We have passion. We have heart. If you want to be a part of something unforgettable, this is where you need to be.”
For registration, event schedules, Hall of Fame tickets, and hotel information, visit longbeachikc.com.
The International 2025 takes place this August in Long Beach, California.
