It was an historic weekend in the history of UAE Warriors this past weekend as the promotion reached a massive milestone fifty events.  UAE Warriors 50  took place Saturday, May 18, in Abu Dhabi and it saw three new champions crowned in a night filled with knockouts, submissions, and incredible action from fighters across the globe. Sweden's  Samuel Bark (10-2)  defeated the long reigning Ali Alqaisi (15-8) via unanimous decision in the main event to become the new UAE Warriors Featherweight champion . Tahir Abdullaev (17-2)  beat Shakhban Alkhasov (8-1) via TKO to list the vacant UAE Warriors welterweight title while Brazil's  Iago Robeiro (13-3)  stunned Yamato Fujita (11-6) in the third round to become the inagural UAE Warriors flyweight champion. Elsewhere on the card,  Jakhongir Jumaev (11-4)  finished UFC veteran Andre Fiahlo (16-9) in the first round and  Diyar Nurgozhay (9-0)  also got a first round stoppage victory over former PFL champion Emiliano Sordi (23-13-1) via TKO (punches), round 1, 4:17. At  UAE Warriors 49  the previous night, Friday, May 17, 'Prince'  Rany Saadeh (14-4)  def. Cedric Doyle (10-7-1) with an incredible heel hook in the first minute of the main event.  UAE Warriors 49 saw an historic Arabia vs. Africa fight card and it was team Arabia won ended the night as winners going 7-3 in what was an incredible display by fighters from both regions. UAE Warriors 50 Results Main Event UAE Warriors Featherweight Title Samuel Bark (10-2) def. Ali Alqaisi (15-8) via unanimous decision. Co-Main Event Vacant UAE Warriors Welterweight Title Tahir Abdullaev (17-2) def. Shakhban Alkhasov (8-1) via TKO (punches), round 2, 4:35. Inaugural UAE Warriors Flyweight Title Iago Robeiro (13-3) def. Yamato Fujita (11-6) via TKO (strikes), round 3, 2:22. Welterweight Jakhongir Jumaev (11-4) def. Andre Fiahlo (16-9) via TKO (punches), round 1, 2:23. Light Heavyweight Diyar Nurgozhay (9-0) def. Emiliano Sordi (23-13-1) via TKO (punches), round 1, 4:17. Middleweight Alibek Suleimanov (5-0) def. Agilan Thanim(12-8) via submission (guillotine), round 2, 2:22. Catchweight 163 lbs Vladislav Rudnev (9-0) def. Nika Kupravishvili (7-3) via unanimous decision. Catchweight Mohammad Osseili (7-2) def. Mamurjon Khamidov (7-4) via TKO (retirement) round 2, 5:00. Bantamweight Lucas Pereira (10-2) def. Ariel Oliveros (8-8) via KO (knee), round 3, 4:01. Catchweight 124 lbs Anelya Toktogonova (6-1-1) def. Elin Oberg (5-3) via submission (RNC), round 3, 4:01. Catchweight Ullubiy Amirzhanov (3-0) def. Syimyk Makhmedov (4-1) via submission (guillotine) round 2, 1:08 UAE Warriors 49 Arabia vs. Africa Results Main Event Featherweight Rany Saadeh (14-4) def. Cedric Doyle (10-7-1) via submission (heel hook), round 1, 0:58. Co-Main Event Welterweight Abdulla Boushehri (11-5) def. Babacar Niang (4-2) via submission (armbar), round 1, 3:42. Featherweight Jaures Dea (11-7) def. Rufino Mante (9-6) via TKO (punches), round 1, 1:11. Featherweight Ali Yazbeck (5-0-1) vs. Mahamed Camara (5-2-1) fought to a split draw. Flyweight Sthembiso Hadebe (4-1) def. Mahmoud Atef (3-2) via TKO (strikes), round 2, 1:06. Heavyweight Badr Medkouri (6-2) def. Thabani Mndebela (5-4) via TKO (punches), round 3, 3:33. Middleweight Sharapudin Ziyaudinov (3-0) def. Mariano Jones (3-3) via TKO (punches), round 1, 2:07. Catchweight 192 lbs Khaled Laallam (4-0) def. Lauwrence Mukiibi (2-2) via submission (arm triangle), round 1, 3:39. Catchweight 130 lbs Ceileigh Niedermayr (2-1) def. Sabriye Sengul (3-5) via unanimous decision. Catchweight 150 lbs Saleem Al Bakri (2-2) def. Henry Kirangwa (1-2) via unanimous decision. Lightweight Hardo Karim (2-1) def. Tapiwa Katikati (5-8) via TKO (elbows), round 1, 4:19. Welterweight Abdelkarim Zouad (4-1) def. Magnus Onyeka Iversen (3-2) via unanimous decision.

“Smokin” Jo Nattawut went toe-to-toe with Tawanchai PK Saenchai in a memorable featherweight kickboxing encounter many believed he should have won. At ONE 167  on Friday, June 7, he can prove his supporters right when a rematch happens in four-ounce gloves. After a victory over Luke Lessei, Nattawut earned a shot at Tawanchai and the ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Championship. The return match has all the makings of an instant classic. Nattawut, who lives in Atlanta, Georgia, hopes this title tilt can help continue the sport’s upward trajectory in the United States. “Everybody who is watching the [striking] fights in ONE, they love it. If it’s my fight, everybody enjoys it and likes my style, so that’s gonna help a lot [to grow the sport],” Nattawut told ONE. “Muay Thai is growing here in Atlanta. It keeps growing every single month. Obviously, because of ONE Championship, it’s making it bigger. Everybody watches it, and then they train Muay Thai even more.” “Thinking about Muay Thai, overall, in the next 10 years, it can be as big as [MMA] or even bigger because it’s so exciting and people love watching it. I think if ONE keeps going like this for the next five to ten years, we can reach the highest level.” Nattawut is even contemplating opening a new gym in the Atlanta region. If so, he plans to teach traditional Muay Thai to his American students and help continue its beautiful tradition behind the borders of Thailand. “Atlanta is home. I live here. I have all my friends, my work, everything is here. This is home for me, so it’s easier for me to open a gym here,” Nattawut explained. “You have to build a good foundation, right? The whole system. If I own the gym, I already have an idea to create a full system. Everybody follows the system and the way we teach authentic Muay Thai.” Nattawut is not looking past Tawanchai and his shot at gold. Still, he is looking to the future of ONE’s impact on the global Muay Thai community. On November 8, ONE 170 takes place at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. “Smokin” Jo already sees how the upcoming event can continue to spark the flame for Muay Thai’s growth. “It’s going to make a huge impact, people getting to see it live. Of course, if it gets more views, more people will know about Muay Thai. Of course, then Muay Thai will keep growing,” the featherweight contender said. “The future, the dream for everyone, is for it to be as big as boxing, as big as [MMA]. If we keep going like this, it’s going to get there.” With the upcoming event in his backyard, Nattawut is putting even more emphasis on capturing gold at ONE 167. A victory would open the door of opportunity for him to compete at home, in front of his friends, while wearing the ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Championship. “It would be fun to compete at the Atlanta event. It’s really for my friends here, too. They would get to watch me live at least one time. I’ve lived here for 10 years but never had a chance to fight at home,” Nattawut said. ONE 167 airs live on Friday, June 7, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Prime Video. The event is free for all Amazon Prime members based in the U.S. and Canada.

The UFC, the leading organization in mixed martial arts, and Catalyst Spirits’ Howler Head, renowned for its super premium banana-flavored Kentucky Straight Bourbon, have extended their global partnership. Howler Head remains the Official Flavored Whiskey of UFC, building on a collaborative relationship that began in 2021 when Howler Head became the UFC's first-ever Official Flavored Whiskey Partner. This partnership renewal follows Howler Head's rapid growth as one of the world's fastest-expanding whiskey brands, a success attributed to its unique banana flavor and effective utilization of UFC's widespread popularity and global reach. Recently, Howler Head launched successfully in Australia, leveraging UFC-focused promotions and ambassador engagements to quickly achieve nationwide distribution in the local burgeoning bourbon market. Available initially in the U.S., Howler Head has expanded into Canada, the U.K., Brazil, and Mexico, managed by Catalyst Spirits with a minority interest from Campari Group. As the Official Flavored Whiskey Partner, Howler Head secures prominent exposure during key UFC events, including select Pay-Per-View broadcasts, reaching an estimated 975 million TV households globally. The brand also benefits from high visibility on UFC and Dana White's social media platforms, engaging with a global audience of hundreds of millions. The renewed partnership includes an annual Brand Ambassador program featuring UFC athletes, which enhances brand presence through creative campaigns and appearances. Previous Howler Head campaigns have showcased top UFC fighters like Sean O’Malley, Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Rob Whittaker, Charles Oliveira, Alex Volkanovski, and Charles Jourdain. Known for its rich banana-flavored whiskey, Howler Head has won several awards, including a Gold Medal at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a Double Gold Medal at the 2023 SIP Awards. Rated a "Best Buy" by Wine Enthusiast with a 95-point score—the highest for any flavored American whiskey—Howler Head is praised for its authentic banana aroma and sweet, easy-drinking nature. Starting with real 80-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon, the whiskey is crafted with proprietary yeast and the finest grains, then aged for at least two years in American white oak barrels before being blended with all-natural banana flavor. Howler Head retails at $29.99 SRP for a 750ml bottle in the U.S. The next major event showcasing this partnership, UFC 302: MAKHACHEV vs. POIRIER, will take place on June 1 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The event will feature UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev defending his title against No. 4 contender Dustin Poirier, with a co-main event between top middleweight contenders Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa.

The Jan 1973 Karate Illustrated cover featured Steve Sanders (now Steve Muhammad) the then International Karate Champion and President of the Black Karate Federation (BKF). He is pictured with BKF Co-Founder Jerry Smith.

Road to UFC Season 3 concluded with a spectacular event at the UFC Performance Institute, showcasing a night filled with decisive victories and technical prowess across a series of thrilling bouts. In the highly anticipated main event, Xie Bin triumphed over Yibugele with a dominant performance, securing a unanimous decision with scores of 30-27 across the board. Xie Bin's control and technique were evident, setting a high standard for the evening. Shi Ming faced a tough challenge from YeDam Seo but managed to edge out a victory by decision, scoring 29-28 on all judges' cards. The closely contested match highlighted both fighters' determination and skill, captivating fans with their strategic gameplay. Masuto Kawana delivered a powerful performance against YoungJae Song, winning by unanimous decision. The judges scored the bout 30-26, 29-27, and 29-27, reflecting Kawana's near-total dominance throughout the fight. In a decisive matchup, Dong Huaxiang proved his prowess by also securing a unanimous decision victory over Priya Sharma, with all judges agreeing on a 30-27 score. Huaxiang's comprehensive control over the bout was clear from start to finish. Wang Cong achieved one of the night's most dramatic finishes, defeating Paula Luna by submission with a mounted guillotine at just over three minutes into the first round. This victory was a standout, demonstrating Cong's grappling expertise and quick finish. Zhu Kangjie's encounter with Tatsuya Ando ended in Kangjie's favor as he won by unanimous decision, with scores reflecting his overwhelming control (30-26, 30-26, 30-25). His performance was among the most dominant of the evening. Shin Haraguchi also secured a unanimous decision over JunYoung Hong, with scores of 30-27, 30-27, and 30-25. Haraguchi's consistency and tactical execution were on full display, earning him a well-deserved victory. Feng Xiaocan's bout against Kiran Singh ended in dramatic fashion with a TKO victory due to strikes at just over two minutes into the first round. Xiaocan's power and precision left a lasting impression on the audience. In a closely matched bout, Bahatebole Batebolati edged out Han Seul Kim by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28), showcasing resilience and strategic fighting from both competitors. The evening also featured a split decision in favor of DongHun Choi over Jiniushiyue, with scores of 29-28. This match was among the most evenly matched, with each fighter showcasing their strengths. Lastly, WonBin Ki closed his fight impressively against Tatsuya Saika with a TKO via strikes just 51 seconds into the second round, capping off the event with a spectacular finish.

This weekend, the UFC returns to its home base at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, headlined by a featherweight showdown between Edson Barboza and Lerone Murphy. Alongside the main event, the card features a robust lineup of bouts with emerging talents and intriguing matchups. Main Event Breakdown: Edson Barboza vs. Lerone Murphy In the spotlight, veteran striker Edson Barboza, known for one of the toughest schedules in UFC history, faces off against undefeated British fighter Lerone Murphy. Barboza aims to build on his recent victories, including a notable comeback win over Sodiq Yusuff. Murphy, making his main event debut, brings a stellar 13-0-1 record, hoping to ascend the featherweight ranks with a victory here. Co-Main Event: Khaos Williams vs. Carlston Harris The co-main event features welterweights Khaos Williams and Carlston Harris, both aiming to climb higher in the division. Williams, known for his striking power, looks to overcome recent mixed results, while Harris, coming off a win via anaconda choke, seeks to continue his successful run in the UFC. Additional Main Card Highlights Themba Gorimbo vs. Ramiz Brahimaj : Welterweights clash with Gorimbo aiming to extend his winning streak and Brahimaj returning from a lengthy absence due to injury. Adrian Yanez vs. Vinicius Salvador : Bantamweights Yanez and Salvador, both Dana White's Contender Series alumni, aim to rebound from recent setbacks in a crucial bout. Luana Pinheiro vs. Angela Hill : Ranked strawweights battle, with Pinheiro looking to recover from her first UFC loss and Hill aiming to crack the top 10 with another strong performance. Preliminary Card Fights to Watch Abus Magomedov vs. Warlley Alves : Middleweights Magomedov and Alves both strive to return to the win column in what promises to be a compelling fight. Victor Martinez vs. Tom Nolan and Tamires Vidal vs. Melissa Gatto : Fighters seek redemption and momentum in their respective divisions. Piera Rodriguez vs. Ariane Carnelossi : Strawweights Rodriguez and Carnelossi face off, each looking to rebound from recent defeats. Opening the Night Alatangheili vs. Kleidison Rodrigues : The bantamweight bout opens the main card, featuring Alatangheili's experience against Rodrigues's youth and speed. Vanessa Demopoulos vs. Emily Ducote : Strawweights Demopoulos and Ducote set the stage for the night, both aiming to establish their positions in the division. This packed event promises exciting matchups across the board, setting the stage for potentially career-defining performances at the UFC APEX. Fans can catch all the action on ESPN+.

Being one of the top martial artists in the world sounds like a dream come true for any practitioner of kung fu, karate or taekwondo. Yet that alone isn’t always enough to bring success outside of martial arts schools and tournament venues. In the early 2000s, Marco Johnson was one of the best tournament competitors out there. The son of Black Belt Hall of Famer Willie “The Bam” Johnson, Marco had won everything in sight as a junior. He was undefeated in empty-hand forms for two years. He earned a rare “triple crown” after being ranked in weapons, forms and fighting the same year. He was named best all-around competitor by the North American Sport Karate Association. Marco seemed poised to take over the tournament world. Yet just a few years later, he was living out of his car. Marco’s up-and-down professional life mirrored his personal life while growing up in Baltimore. His father was a legendary Chinese-martial arts expert and one of the top competitors of the 1980s and ’90s. Naturally, he groomed his son to be a martial artist almost from birth. “I got my white belt when I was less than a year old,” Marco said. Yet his father had his own demons to battle, having gotten involved in drug dealing, which ultimately sent him to jail. Although Marco admired his father and wanted to follow in his footsteps, the youth learned in the most difficult manner possible to stay away from that world. When his father was released from prison, Marco went to live with him. Willie had spent time practicing in China, at one point training at the famed Shaolin Temple. Consequently, his method of parenting sometimes reflected that stern background. “He’d tell me not to go outside, and if I didn’t listen, he’d whup me,” Marco said. “If I messed up in school, he’d make me hold a horse stance for an hour. But I was around a drug-infested situation in Baltimore that kids shouldn’t be exposed to, and if he hadn’t done that for me, I might have been my own worst enemy.” Although Marco was trained to be a champion from youth, Willie was reluctant to let him compete until his own instructor Dennis Brown insisted that the youngster was ready. While Marco never pushed his father to allow him to do tournaments, he’d already decided that martial arts would be his life after getting hooked on Jean-Claude Van Damme’s No Retreat, No Surrender when he was just 4. When his father earned a role on a TV series called WMAC Masters, which featured many of the top tournament competitors of the early ’90s, 11-year-old Marco garnered a guest role as “Little Bam,” getting the chance to show off his blossoming martial arts skills. By the time he was a teenager, he was accompanying his dad to major tournaments across the country and winning consistently. To make his son a better all-around martial artist, Willie would insist that young Marco compete in every division possible — sometimes having him enter up to eight categories per event. “I’d do Chinese forms, but my punches and kicks would have more snap in them like a karate person,” Marco said. “Then I’d do karate, but my stance would be lower like a kung fu person. I was still doing our same routines, but from studying all the best people on the tournament circuit, I was able to camouflage it enough that I could compete in all  those different divisions.” Marco also began to bring his own style to forms competitions, using hip hop to accompany his routines while many of his competitors were still using techno or other types of music. He’d vary his playlist to maximize audience appeal, using local favorites like Luke Skywalker when competing in Miami or T.I. when performing in Atlanta. That eventually spawned a personal style he refers to as “kung fu hip hop.” Despite all his success on the circuit, by 2006 Marco was still living out of his car. “I never told anyone I needed help,” he said. “I was always taught to go get my own.” Marco would make a few hundred dollar here and there, competing in dance contests at local night spots in Philadelphia, then use the money to fund trips to his next tournament, where he hoped to win a couple thousand dollars for a grand championship. “People don’t realize that I won half the tournaments from 2006 to 2009 even though I was sleeping in my car,” he said. “I wasn’t training, but I’d already done the forms so many times [that] I could just train in my mind.” Marco started making more money hosting house parties for celebrities in the Baltimore area, but the thrill of tournaments was still alluring. However, he fathered a son when he was 18, and that changed his priorities. He realized how much money the top athletes in other sports were earning, then compared it to how much the top martial artists were making. “You can’t make more than $2,500 at a tournament, and for that, you might have to spend 16 hours there,” he said. “I began to compete less every year. Now I won’t go unless they offer enough money. If I tear my ACL competing and need surgery and can’t work, how am I going to feed my son? So before I compete, I’ve got to make sure it makes sense.” Marco still aspires to turn his martial arts skills into a film career. Not long ago, he made a story about a homeless person who’s also a martial arts master, and it became an acclaimed short film titled The Legend of Kung Funk. However, rather than trying to make the leap to Hollywood, Marco remains in Baltimore. There, he’s found a new way to have martial arts bring meaning to his life. Working with groups like Living Classrooms, Smart Steps and the University of Maryland, he teaches a program he calls “Da Martial Elements.” It brings his brand of kung fu hip hop to local children in need of structure and guidance. “I’ll win a tournament grand championship, and no one cares or knows who I am,” he said. “But I’ve been working with this program since 2014, and if I’m sick and miss a day, kids are crying, saying they don’t want to be there because Mr. Marco didn’t show up. “Where I’m from in Baltimore, no one’s taught these kids how to build a work ethic or [have] discipline. With kung fu hip hop, I make that cool, trying to match things like honor and integrity with the spoken word.” Marco said the results are more rewarding than any trophy. He recounted the story of one child he worked with at a local youth center, the Under Armour Living Classrooms House. There, the student was frequently getting into altercations with teachers. Now 20 years old, that student is employed as a coordinator for them. “I’ve worked with about 20,000 children since I started this, and I say I can’t leave Baltimore until that number is 500,000,” he said. “My biggest win as an adult isn’t some tournament. It’s working with these kids.” For more information about Marco Johnson, visit pointmma.com This article originally appeared in a 2020 edition of Black Belt Magazine.

Bruce Lee is featured on the 1971 cover, it was his second cover focused on Jeet Kune Do. The cover was shot by Linda Ashley was the wife of a TV studio heads Sy Weintraub and Ted Ashley from Warner Brothers. She grew very close to Bruce Lee, photographing him on many occasions and even photographing Bruce Lee for the cover of Black Belt Magazine . Read more in the Black Belt Magazine section https://www.blackbeltmag.com/free-magazines

The third chapter in the Petch vs. Kento saga will be written at  GLORY 93  on July 20 live from the Topsportcentrum in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. GLORY featherweight champion  Petch (169-40-3, 27 KO)  and RISE national champion  Kento Haraguchi (25-3-1, 14 KO)  have gone to war twice already in 2021 and 2022 with Petch managing to win hard fought decisions on both occasions. Since their last outing, the legendary Thai fighter has defended his GLORY featherweight title a further two times to give him the second most title defenses (seven) in GLORY history, placing him only behind Rico Verhoeven. Meanwhile, Haraguchi has been on a devastating run with four straight victories, including three TKO victories in each of his past three fights in 2023. The Japanese star defeated former GLORY champ Serhiy Adamchuk and top contender Abraham Vidales plus also capturing the ISKA world light-welterweight title last year at RISE ELDORADO. Now, for the first time, these two international stars lock horns on Dutch soil and in the GLORY ring with the GLORY featherweight title & the position as world number one on the line. GLORY 93 will be available to watch exclusively on Videoland in the Netherlands, U-Next in Japan, Bally Live & Stadium across the United States & Canada, and on DAZN in France & Belgium. For full global broadcast listings and all event information, please visit  GLORYKickboxing.com .

In a whirlwind of social media activity, UFC president Dana White has set the stage for an electrifying event as UFC 304 gears up to hit Manchester, England on July 27. With a slew of high-profile bouts, fight fans are already buzzing with anticipation for the action-packed night. Headlining the event is a welterweight title clash that promises fireworks as the reigning champion, Leon Edwards, defends his throne against the formidable Belal Muhammad. Edwards, boasting an impressive 13-fight unbeaten streak, will be put to the test against Muhammad, who enters the Octagon riding a remarkable 10-fight win streak of his own. Adding to the excitement, interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall will make his highly anticipated return to home soil in the co-main event. Aspinall is set to lock horns with Curtis Blaydes in a rematch that has been two years in the making since their showdown at UFC London. With both fighters eager to settle the score, fans can expect nothing short of an epic battle inside the Octagon. Meanwhile, the Co-op Live arena will witness a clash of fan favorites as lightweights Bobby Green and Paddy Pimblett are slated to go head-to-head in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. Additionally, flyweights Manel Kape and Muhammad Mokaev are set to showcase their skills in what is sure to be a fast-paced and dynamic showdown.

ONE Friday Fights 63  delivered 11 martial arts contests from Bangkok, Thailand. ONE Championship started the weekend with a fun night inside historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. Yodphupa Wimanair and Soner Sen went to war in the main event. For three rounds, the two Muay Thai athletes slung heavy leather at one another. After the final bell rang, it was Yodphupa who got his hand raised by majority decision. In the co-main event, Sanpet Sor Salacheep put forth an onslaught of offense against Nuengubon Wankhongohm MBK. It was a consistent outpouring in the first round while Nuengubon covered up. In the second, it was more of the same until it was simply too much punishment, and Nuengubon succumbed by falling to the canvas. Chatpichit SorSorToipadriew extended his lead in his series against Sagaengarm Jitmuangnon with a unanimous decision victory. The victory keeps Chatpichit rolling in ONE action and moves him closer to breaking through to the main roster. Chatpichit now holds a 3-1 edge against his fellow Thai athlete and has won both matches in ONE. After three hard-fought decisions, ONE Friday Fights 63 got another finish when Chartpayak Saksatoon flattened Mowgli Chor Ajalaboon at 2:04 of the first round. The emphatic KO lifted the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium crowd off their feet and netted Chartpayak a performance bonus to boot. ONE Friday Fights 63 got off to a quick start with an 87-second TKO when David Cookie put away Kohei Takegami in their MMA contest. In the following match, Gregor Thom kept the action hot with a first-round KO of his own when he defeated Taku Kondo. If you missed any of the action at ONE Friday Fights 63, you can relive the event on-demand on ONE’s official YouTube channel . ONE Friday Fights 63 Full Results Yodphupa Wimanair def. Soner Sen by majority decision Sanpet Sor Salacheep def. Nuengubon Wankhongohm MBK by KO at 2:14 of the second round Chatpichit SorSorToipadriew def. Sagaengarm Jitmuangnon by unanimous decision Pansak Wor Wantawee def. Pornsanae Sor Phumiphat by unanimous decision Patakake Sinbimuaythai def. Tuangsap Sor Salacheep by KO at 1:11 of the second round Chartpayak Saksatoon def. Mowgli Chor Ajalaboon by KO at 2:04 of the first round Rak Erawan def. Nicolas Leite Silva by unanimous decision Sulaiman Looksuan def. Tomoki Sato by unanimous decision Kimura Ayumu def. Silviu Vitez by unanimous decision Gregor Thom def. Taku Kondo by KO at 2:08 of the first round David Cooke def. Kohei Takegami by TKO at 1:27 of the first round

The Infinity National Championships, a premier event in sport karate, recently concluded at the renowned Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. Promoted by Mike Welch, Jeff Orlowski, and the Wisconsin Sport Karate League (WSKL), the event brought together over 500 competitors hailing from various corners of the United States. New for 2024, Infinity partnered with USA Kickboxing to offer WAKO (World Association of Kickboxing Organizations) open weight sparring divisions.  WAKO USA Tatami Chairman, Bill Viola Jr., was on hand to center referee the divisions and introduce WAKO rules and procedures for athletes who wish to attend the 2025 nationals team trials. The adult champions were Cameron Klos of Team Kumite (Pennsylvania) and Ashley Johnson of Team NK (Minnesota).  Junior Champions included WAKO Team USA members Xander Eddy (14-15 open weight) and Gabby Viola (12-13 open weight) who will also represent USA Kickboxing in Budapest, Hungary this August at the WAKO Junior World Championships.   USA Kickboxing is the only U.S. organization in the sport of kickboxing to have IOC (International Olympic Committee) & AOC (American Olympic Committee) recognition. The athletes compete at the highest of levels, qualifying in our National Championship Tournaments to earn their spots on the team to compete internationally at the Pan-American Championships, World Games and the World Combat Games. WAKO USA serves as the gateway to the Olympics. The World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO) the National Governing Body for the sport under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee.  For more information about the event and upcoming tournaments, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the Wisconsin Sport Karate League website at www.WisconsinSportKarateLeague.com . For more information on WAKO USA visit https://wakousa.org    Division Name Last Name First Name Place State Medal BB 10-11 BB Open weight Point Sparring  (WAKO division) (M/F) Ely Jayden 1 WI 🥇 BB 10-11 BB Open weight Point Sparring  (WAKO division) (M/F) Donnelly Savannah 2 WI 🥈 BB 10-11 BB Open weight Point Sparring  (WAKO division) (M/F) Broin Joe 3 MN 🥉 BB 12-13 BB Open weight Point Sparring  (WAKO division) (M) Melgoza Diego 1 IL 🥇 BB 12-13 BB Open weight Point Sparring  (WAKO division) (M) Aasen-Homs Cole 2 WI 🥈 BB 12-13 BB Open weight Point Sparring  (WAKO division) (F) Viola Gabby 1 PA 🥇 BB 12-13 BB Open weight Point Sparring  (WAKO division) (F) Reps Gracie 2 MN 🥈 BB 14-15 BB Open weight Point Sparring  (WAKO division) (M) Eddy Xander 1 PA 🥇 BB 14-15 BB Open weight Point Sparring  (WAKO division) (M) Muhammad Nasir 2 IL 🥈 BB 14-15 BB Open weight Point Sparring  (WAKO division) (M) Swierczek Max 3 MN 🥉 BB 14-15 BB Open weight Point Sparring  (WAKO division) (M) Reps Bert 3 MN 🥉 BB 14-15 BB Open weight Point Sparring  (WAKO division) (F) Eckdhal Althea 1 WI 🥇 BB 14-15 BB Open weight Point Sparring  (WAKO division) (F) Boulter Adrianna 2 WI 🥈 BB 14-15 BB Open weight Point Sparring  (WAKO division) (F) Guardado Isabella 3 PA 🥉 BB 16-17 BB Open weight Point Sparring  (WAKO division) (M) Hasford Peter 1 MN 🥇 BB 16-17 BB Open weight Point Sparring  (WAKO division) (M) Hong Minh 2 MN 🥈 BB 16-17 BB Open weight Point Sparring  (WAKO division) (M) Pickard Gavin 3 WI 🥉 BB 16-17 BB Open weight Point Sparring  (WAKO division) (M) Eckdhal Connor 3 WI 🥉 BB 16-17 BB Open weight Point Sparring  (WAKO division) (F) Muhammad Amilah 1 IL 🥇 BB 16-17 BB Open weight Point Sparring  (WAKO division) (F) Jugasek Sharla 2 MN 🥈 BB 18-34 BB Open weight Point Sparring  (WAKO division) (M) Klos Cameron 1 PA 🥇 BB 18-34 BB Open weight Point Sparring  (WAKO division) (M) Hasford Paul 2 MN 🥈 BB 18-34 BB Open weight Point Sparring  (WAKO division) (M) Johnson Quintin 3 WI 🥉 BB 18-34 BB Open weight Point Sparring  (WAKO division) (M) Dicarlo Simon 3 WI 🥉 BB 18-34 BB Open weight Point Sparring  (WAKO division) (F) Johnson Ashley 1 MN 🥇 BB 18-34 BB Open weight Point Sparring  (WAKO division) (F) Keen Rhiannon 2 WI 🥈 BB 18-34 BB Open weight Point Sparring  (WAKO division) (F) Otremba Jentai 3 WI 🥉 BB 18-34 BB Open weight Point Sparring  (WAKO division) (F) Bitner Ember 3 IL 🥉