Martial artists and spectators from around the world will gather in Daytona Beach for the 2026 International Martial Arts Festival, taking place October 16–18, 2026, at the Ocean Center.
The International Martial Arts Festival, also known as IMAF, is a three-day celebration of martial arts competition, culture, discipline and athletic excellence. Competitors of different ages, skill levels and martial arts backgrounds will come together for an action-packed weekend near the World’s Most Famous Beach.
USA Sport Karate International Championship
The International Martial Arts Festival includes the USA Sport Karate International Championship, a fully open tournament featuring divisions for competitors of different ages and experience levels.
USA Sport Karate competition includes Traditional, Creative and Extreme Forms, Weapons, Point Sparring and Continuous Sparring. Competitors have an opportunity to demonstrate their speed, precision, control and martial arts skills in a professionally organized tournament environment.
USA Sport Karate also maintains a national ranking system, allowing athletes to earn points through eligible competitions and work toward qualification for the USA Sport Karate National Championships.
Multiple Martial Arts Championships in One Festival
The International Martial Arts Festival brings several styles and competitive organizations together under one roof. Scheduled disciplines and championships include:
- Sport Karate Forms and Weapons
- Point and Continuous Sparring
- Light Contact and Kick Light Kickboxing
- Olympic-style Taekwondo
- Traditional Karate
- ITF Taekwondo
- Gi and No-Gi Grappling
- Breaking competitions
- Iaido Kata and Tameshigiri cutting
- Creative and team competitions
- Specially gifted martial arts divisions
The festival also includes the Elite World Martial Arts Championship, where qualified competitors can compete in forms, weapons and point sparring against leading martial artists from different regions and styles.
Can the Public Attend the International Martial Arts Festival?
Yes. Spectator tickets are available for the 2026 International Martial Arts Festival. You do not have to be a competitor or coach to attend.
If you enjoy karate, taekwondo, kickboxing, grappling or other martial arts, this event offers three days of exciting competition. Spectators can watch athletes demonstrate years of training, discipline and dedication across a wide range of martial arts styles.
Tickets, competitor registration and updated schedules are available through the official International Martial Arts Festival website.
Where Is the 2026 International Martial Arts Festival?
The event will be held at the Ocean Center, located at:
Ocean Center
101 N. Atlantic Avenue
Daytona Beach, Florida 32118
The Ocean Center is near the Daytona Beach Boardwalk, restaurants, shopping and the Atlantic Ocean. Attendees should allow additional travel time and plan for paid parking near the venue.
Turn the Tournament into a Daytona Beach Getaway
Whether you are competing, coaching or attending as a spectator, Max Beach Resort offers a comfortable oceanfront retreat after a full day at the Ocean Center.
Our fully furnished one-, two- and three-bedroom residences provide separate living and sleeping areas, full kitchens, private washers and dryers, smart televisions, complimentary Wi-Fi and private terraces.
Two-bedroom residences sleep up to six guests, while three-bedroom residences accommodate up to eight. The additional space is convenient for martial arts families, teams and coaches traveling together.
A full kitchen makes it easy to prepare meals and competition-day snacks, while the private washer and dryer help keep uniforms and family clothing ready throughout the weekend.
Relax and Recharge at Max Beach Resort
Between competitions, guests can enjoy a heated pool and jacuzzi, direct beach access, an oceanfront lawn, a Technogym® fitness center and the 12th-floor Beacon Lounge.
The Beacon Lounge offers billiards, tabletop shuffleboard, foosball and floor-to-ceiling views. It provides families with a comfortable place to unwind after an exciting day of martial arts competition.
Max Beach Resort is conveniently located just 1.8 miles from the Ocean Center, allowing competitors, coaches, families and spectators to stay close to the International Martial Arts Festival while enjoying a spacious oceanfront setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 International Martial Arts Festival?
The festival takes place October 16–18, 2026.
Where is the International Martial Arts Festival being held?
The event will be held at the Ocean Center at 101 N. Atlantic Avenue in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Is the USA Sport Karate International Championship a separate event?
The USA Sport Karate International Championship is one of the competitions held as part of the larger International Martial Arts Festival at the Ocean Center.
Can spectators attend?
Yes. Spectator tickets are available. Visit the official International Martial Arts Festival website for current ticket prices and purchasing information.
Who can compete?
The festival offers divisions for multiple ages, experience levels and martial arts disciplines. Some championships are open, while others may require qualification or special registration.
Plan Your Stay Early
The International Martial Arts Festival takes place during a busy October weekend in Daytona Beach. Competitors, coaches, families and spectators are encouraged to reserve their accommodations early.
We look forward to welcoming martial artists and fans to Max Beach Resort for an exciting weekend of competition, community and oceanfront relaxation.
2026 International Martial Arts Festival
Including the USA Sport Karate International Championship
October 16–18, 2026
Ocean Center
101 N. Atlantic Avenue
Daytona Beach, Florida
