Cotten’s Karate

06/20/2026

2025-2026 TENTATIVE USKA NATIONAL POINT STANDINGS ARE NOW AVAILABLE:

The tentative final National Point Standings for the 2025–2026 USKA Tournament Season have now been published and available for review using the link below.

All competitors are encouraged to carefully review the standings to verify the accuracy of their point totals and membership status. Competitors will have 7 days to report any discrepancies or disputes regarding points or membership eligibility.

Please note that all competitors who were previously marked with an (X) for inactive membership and did not join or renew their USKA membership have been removed from the official standings.

We are proud to recognize our Top 10 National Point Champions at the USKA National Awards Banquet on Friday, July 17, 2026, during the 2026 USKA World Championships in Phoenix, Arizona at the Arizona Grand Resort.

Congratulations to everyone on a great tournament season! We look forward to celebrating your accomplishments and seeing everyone in Phoenix, Arizona!

www.uskaratealliance.com

06/11/2026

DEADLINE REMINDER: The Arizona Grand Resort has added more rooms for the 2026 USKA World Championships at the group rate up until the deadline on June 26th. The resort will continue to provide additional rooms as long as they have availability. Make sure to book your rooms before the upcoming deadline. Use the link below to make your reservations today.

www.uskaratealliance.com

05/31/2026

REMEMBERING THE CO-FOUNDER OF THE U.S. KARATE ALLIANCE (USKA):
Dr. David Jordan (1942–2016) was a monumental figure in American martial arts, a 10th Degree Black Belt in Korean Karate/Tae Kwon Do who seamlessly blended a profound academic expertise with martial discipline. After beginning his training in 1967, he became a cornerstone of the United States Karate Association, where he served as Texas State Representative, South-Central Regional Director and National Points Coordinator. He was uniquely recognized as a scholar-practitioner, holding a Ph.D. in Physical Education with an emphasis in kinesiology, physiology, and biomechanics. As a professor at Louisiana Tech University, he utilized this scientific background to refine martial arts training. Under his guidance, the Louisiana Tech Karate Team became a national powerhouse, capturing multiple national team championships.

Following the passing of Grandmaster Robert Trias, Dr. Jordan co-founded the United States Karate Alliance in 1989 alongside James Hawkes, ensuring the continuity of one of the nation’s most prestigious tournament circuits. Throughout his career, he was a multi-time National Coach of the Year and a 1990 USKA Hall of Fame inductee. Based in Ruston, Louisiana, he operated the Olympic Karate Institute, where he was celebrated not just for his technical prowess, but for his integrity and commitment to "character first." By the time of his passing in 2016, Dr. Jordan had left a profound mark on the martial arts world, mentoring thousands of students and presiding over the World Championships for decades.

05/29/2026

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05/28/2026

REMEMBERING THE FOUNDER OF THE USKA:
Grandmaster Robert A. Trias (1923–1989) is revered as the "Father of Karate in America," a title earned by his tireless efforts to pioneer and organize martial arts in the United States. A 10th Degree Black Belt, Trias was first introduced to the arts while serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, training under Tung Gee Hsing in the Solomon Islands. In 1946, he made history by opening the first karate school in the United States in Phoenix, Arizona.
Beyond his role as an instructor, Trias was a visionary administrator. In 1948, he founded the United States Karate Association (USKA), the first organization of its kind, which served to unify various styles and establish standardized rules for competition. He also organized the first world karate tournament in 1963, a landmark event that helped transition karate from a secretive practice to a mainstream sporting discipline.
Throughout his career, Trias authored several foundational texts on martial arts and mentored many major figures in the early American karate scene. His commitment to the martial arts remains the bedrock of the organizations that followed him. By the time of his passing in 1989, he had transformed the martial arts landscape, leaving behind a global legacy of discipline and excellence that continues to influence practitioners today.

05/26/2026

IMPORTANT DEADLINES!!! Room discount deadline for the 2026 USKA World Championships is June 26th as long as the Arizona Grand Resort still has availability. Tournament registration deadline is July 5th. Register for weapons, forms, sparring, ippon (1 point) sparring, chanbara (samurai sport), team forms, team weapons and Master Phillip Koeppel Trias Cup competition by the July 5th deadline and save $$$$! Reminder that the we will also be recognizing the 2026 top 10 national point winners for all ages and ranks at the National Awards Banquet. Recipients must be preregistered by the competition deadline. All resort reservations, competition, spectator passes and National Awards Banquet tickets can be purchased online at www.uskaratealliance.com.

05/25/2026

No Ruston classes due to Memorial Day holiday. Classes resume Wednesday.

05/20/2026

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