USA Karate is the National Governing Body (NGB) of karate for the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) & as such is a member of the World Karate Federation (WKF). The organization has complete authority over all decisions regarding the U.S. National Junior & Senior team selections for international events. Tournaments held by USA Karate are large and nationwide events in which many famous martial artists have attended in the past. The Junior International Cup & the USA Open, held annually in Las Vegas, NV is one of the largest international karate events in the world. Every year USA Karate holds its National Championship for all ranks & ages in varying locations around the country where athletes who qualified at a National Qualifying event held throughout the country compete for a Junior or Senior Team spot as well as the National Champion Title.

Karate has been a part of the Pan American Games since 1995 but was recently added to the 2020 Olympics which took place in Tokyo, Japan from July 23-August 8, 2021, postponed from 2020 due to Covid-19. Olympic karate featured two events, Kumite & Kata. Four Americans, Sakura Kokumai, California (Female Kata), Ariel Torres, Florida (Male Kata), Tom Scott, Texas (Male -75kilo Kumite), & Brian Irr, Texas (Male +85Kilo Kumite) represented the USA at this prestigious sporting event. Of the four athletes, Ariel Torres brought home the bronze medal for the USA which was an impressive feat for karate’s Olympic premiere. Additionally, Colorado resident and Member of the USA Karate Referee Committee, Fariba Madani, was the sole member from the USA chosen to officiate in the Olympics.