By • 25 Referees Trained as Championship Preparations Underway
By Sahayatri Dhakal
The USA Karate Region 5 Referee Licensing Seminar has successfully completed at NIKA Dojo in Forest Hills, Queens, New York.
Meanwhile, the dojo is intensifying preparations for the upcoming 3rd NYC Queens Karate Championship 2026, scheduled for November 15.
A total of 25 referees and judges participated in the licensing seminar held at NIKA Dojo. The training was led by Sensei Cedric Barksdale, Region 5 Lead Referee and member of the USA Karate Referee Committee, along with Sensei Shant Thokar, Chief Instructor of NIKA Dojo.
Both instructors shared their knowledge, experience, and professional guidance to help participants strengthen their officiating skills and understanding of karate competition rules.
The seminar aimed to promote professional standards, improve the quality of officiating, and develop more knowledgeable and qualified karate referees.
In a related development, NIKA Dojo will host the 3rd NYC Queens Karate Championship 2026 on Sunday, November 15, at the Elmcor Center in Queens, New York. The competition is USA Karate-sanctioned and will be held under Region 5.
Athletes from different age groups are expected to participate in the championship. Organizers have invited athletes, coaches, and dojos to register before the deadline.
The registration deadline is Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 12:00 noon. Participants can register online at www.TournamentInABox.com.
According to tournament organizer and NIKA Dojo Chief Instructor Sensei Shant Thokar, the primary objective of the championship is to showcase young talent, provide athletes with competitive opportunities, and contribute to the continued growth and development of karate in the United States.
Organizers believe that both the referee licensing seminar and the upcoming championship will play an important role in strengthening technical standards, improving competition quality, and supporting the future development of the karate community.
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