Each Spring, since 1975, American Kang Duk Won Karate holds its annual tournament for AKDWK students. The tournament presents a time for students from all classes to come together, to reaquaint, to make new friends, and to meet black belts from the entire association, and a wide geographic area.
The tournament is a major activity of the AKDWK and is well represented each year by a majority of the students who compete in three general areas: palgays, weapons forms, and sparring. Around mid-day, the Black Belts present a spectacular demonstration of weapons forms, musical adaptations of various karate techniques, board breaking, etc..
A highlight of the opening ceremony is always the announcement of the Karateka of the Year. This is an honor presented to a AKDWK member who has done outstanding service.
32nd Annual International Championships
The 32nd Annual International Karate Championships were held at Jefferson Community College on March 25, 2006. Mrs. Denise Young was honored as Karateka of the Year.
2005 Karateka of the Year - Mrs. Denise Young
Master Lawlor and Mrs. Young
Recipients of the Karateka of the Year Award from previous years