USA Karate Membership Levels
Set Your Standard for Excellence
Hone your skills and stay connected, whether you’re stepping onto the dojo floor for the first time or have spent years honing your craft. Discover which membership level best supports where you are−and where you want to be.
Level I – Community Member
Non/Pre-Competition Member
Be part of the National Governing Body (NGB) without participating in events. Community Members make an impact and shape the future of the sport. They support and elevate current practitioners and stay connected to USA Karate action.
Ideal for:
- Lifestyle athletes
- Parents of competing athletes
- Former athletes
- Former Coaches
- Former Referees
- Boosters
- Sponsors
- Club Members
Included in Membership:
- USA Karate newsletter, bulletins, and member meetings
- Access to USA Karate National Coaches and Trainers in your region
Cost: $20 annually
Level II – Regional Competition Member
Local Regional Member
Sharpen your skills, courage, and dedication as a Regional Competition Member at the local and regional level. Gain access to competitions at great locations, without the need to travel very far, with top safety professionals and precautions.
This membership is required to participate in USA Karate-sanctioned competitions, camps, and seminars.
Ideal for: Those new to the sport or those not planning to attend national-level events like the USA Open or National Championships.
- Beginner athletes
- Coaches*
- Referees*
Included in Membership:
- All Level I membership inclusions
- Access to competition in local and regional USA Karate-sanctioned competitions, training camps, workshops, and seminars
- Individual Member Insurance Benefit coverage
Cost: $30 annually
*A background check is required for all coaches and referees every two years
Level III – National Excellence Member
National Member
Level up your involvement and exert mastery as a National Excellence Member. Access top coaches, trainers, and referees who are committed to helping you reach your full potential. This membership is required to participate in national-level USA Karate-sanctioned events like the National Championships, USA Open, and other USA Karate Signature events. Gain a world-class experience with elite judging and top-tier competition.
Ideal for: Those who wish to practice karate at a national level.
- Athletes
- Coaches*
- Referees*
Included in Membership:
- All Level I and II membership inclusions
- USA-NKF Dan Certification
- Access to participate in national-level USA karate-sanctioned competitions
Cost: $60 annually | $75 annually for coaches and referees
*A background check is required for all coaches and referees every two years
Level IV: International Elite Member
Global Member
Reach higher and achieve greatness as an International Elite member. International Elites are high-level individuals aiming to be on the USA National Karate Team, compete in international competitions outside the USA, coach elite athletes, or referee elite competitions. Train in an environment that upholds the highest standards of instruction and officiating.
This membership is required to compete, coach, or referee at the US Senior or Junior Team Trials and elite categories at the USA Open and National Championships, Pan American Games, Continental and World Championships, WKF Youth Leagues, Series A, and Premier League.
Ideal for: Those who wish to practice karate with the best in the world.
- Athletes
- Coaches*
- Referees*
Included in Membership:
- All previous membership level inclusions.
- Access to US Team Trial competitions
- Access to elite categories at USA Karate Signature Events
- Access to international competitions sanctioned by the Pan American Karate Federation
- Access to international competitions sanctioned by the World Karate Federation
Cost: $75 annually | $85 annually for coaches and referees
*A background check is required for all coaches and referees every two years
Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
When every role is supported, the entire community thrives. Lifetime Members stay connected to the heart of USA Karate, gaining access to exciting moments. Enjoy a full weekend spectating pass to all USA Karate Signature Events for exclusive access to the action. Your support helps shape the future of the sport while celebrating the dedication of current athletes.
Ideal for: Those who wish to have access to some of the best karate events in the world.
- Athletes
- Parents of athletes
- Coaches & referees
- Boosters
- Sponsors
Included in Membership:
- All Level I & Level II membership inclusions
- Full weekend spectating pass to all USA Karate Signature Events
Cost: $1,500
Club Member
Club Member
Karate thrives at every level—from the local dojo to the world stage. Champion and elevate the USA Karate community as a Club Member. Gain recognition with an official banner, website listing, and membership certificate, plus the ability to sanction events and advocate for your athletes in signature competitions.
Ideal for: Those who wish to support and promote USA Karate to their students
- Club owners
Included in Membership:
- A 2’ x 3’ USA Karate banner
- A certificate of USA Karate membership
- Club member listing on the USA Karate website
- Ability to sanction events
- Club consideration for members when charting signature events
Cost: $200 annually
FAQ: Importance of Becoming a Member of USA Karate
Q1: Why is it important for all USA Karate practitioners in America to become a member of USA Karate?
A1: Becoming a member of USA Karate provides numerous benefits, such as access to sanctioned competitions at all levels, opportunities for growth and development, and the ability to contribute to the growth of the sport in the United States.
Q2: What is the significance of the re-introduction of sanction competitions at all levels?
A2: The re-introduction of sanction competitions ensures that practitioners have structured and regulated platforms to showcase their skills and progress in karate. It promotes healthy competition, enables skill evaluation, and allows athletes to gauge their performance against others in a safe and fair environment.
Q3: Why is safe sport competition important in USA Karate?
A3: Safe sport competition emphasizes the well-being and safety of all participants. By adhering to strict rules and regulations, USA Karate ensures that athletes can compete without compromising their physical integrity. This commitment to safety fosters a positive and inclusive environment for all practitioners.
Q4: How does becoming a member of USA Karate contribute to the growth of the sport in the United States?
A4: By becoming a member, karate practitioners actively support the development and advancement of the sport in the country. Membership fees and participation contribute to funding initiatives, training programs, and creating opportunities for athletes to represent the United States at national and international competitions.
Q5: Are there any additional benefits to becoming a member of USA Karate?
A5: Yes, becoming a member of USA Karate provides access to various resources such as coaching clinics, seminars, training camps, and educational materials. Additionally, members can connect with a network of like-minded individuals, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie within the karate community in America.