2026 Friendship Karate Tournament

May 30-31, 2026
Honoring the Memory of Zahra & Sima Bambouyani

Welcome Letter

Dear Friends,

Please join us for the 2026 ITKA Friendship Karate Tournament, a special event held in honor of Zahra and Sima Bambouyani.

Sima and Zahra were dedicated karate practitioners who actively taught and trained at the ITKA Headquarters. They participated in numerous karate events and made significant contributions to our community before we tragically lost them in the devastating Bam Earthquake of 2003.

The ITKA Tournament is more than just a competition. It is a reunion for old friends, a place to make new ones, and an opportunity to experience the true spirit of karate. Our focus extends beyond winning or losing — it’s about honor, respect, perseverance, and personal growth.

During this memorable weekend, you will:

  • Witness spectacular black belt demonstrations.
  • Celebrate students who began as beginners and persevered through years of training.
  • Participate in a cultural exchange, as practitioners from many dojos and countries unite to share knowledge, traditions, and skills while upholding the values of humility, respect, courage, and sportsmanship.

We look forward to welcoming you to this special event as we continue to build a legacy of excellence in karate.

Respectfully and sincerely,
Kancho Mahmoud Bambouyani
Founder & Chairman – ITKA Karate Global

Event Schedule

Saturday, May 30th – Seminar & Training & Lunch

$60 per participant

Sunday, May 31, Tournament Day

  • Tournament Venue: Margate Park Gymnasium
    4921 N. Marine Drive, Chicago, IL 60640
  • Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (estimated)

Competition Events:

  • Kihon (Basics) – up to 7th Kyu
  • Kata (Forms)
  • Kumite (Sparring)
  • Kobudo (Weapons)
Fees
Number of EventsFee
1 Event$65
2 Events$75
3 Events$85
4 Events$95

Spectator Tickets:

  • Children (ages 5–12): $5
  • Age 13+: $10
Age Groups & Divisions

Kata / Kumite

  • Ages 7–9: Beginner / Novice / Intermediate / Advanced
  • Ages 10–12: Beginner / Novice / Intermediate / Advanced
  • Ages 13–15: Beginner / Novice / Intermediate / Advanced
  • Ages 16–17: Beginner / Novice / Intermediate / Advanced
  • Ages 18–35: Beginner / Novice / Intermediate / Advanced
  • Ages 36+: Beginner / Novice / Intermediate / Advanced

Black Belt Divisions:

  • Under 18 and Over 18

Kobudo (Weapons)

  • Ages 7–13: Novice / Intermediate / Advanced
  • Ages 14–17: Novice / Intermediate / Advanced
  • Ages 18–35: Novice / Intermediate / Advanced
  • Ages 36+: Novice / Intermediate / Advanced

Black Belt Divisions:

  • Under 18 and Over 18

Kihon (Basics)

  • 9th–7th Kyu (White, Yellow, Orange Belts)

Skill Level Divisions

  • Beginner: Less than 1 year of training
  • Novice: 1–2 years of training
  • Intermediate: 2–4 years of training
  • Advanced: 4+ years of training (Brown & Black Belts)

Note: All divisions and age groups are subject to change based on registrations.

Registration Instructions & Tournament Day Reminders

  1. Complete all sections of the application form.
  2. Accept both the Waiver and Photo/Video Release sections.
  3. Submit the completed form and payment to ITKA Headquarters no later than May 20th, 2026
  4. Early Registration April 20th (10% discount)
  5. Late Registration: May 10–20th, 2026
  6. $20 late fee applies after May 20th

Contact for Questions:
📞 773-308-3528
📧 officeitka@gmail.com
🌐 www.itkakarate.com

Tournament Day Reminders

  • Wear a clean karate gi.
  • Kumite competitors must bring approved sparring gear.
  • All rules, divisions, and schedules are subject to change.
  • Be on time to avoid disqualification.

All registrations & payments must be received no later than May 20th to avoid a $20 late fee:

  • Cash
    • All cash payments must be hand-delivered to:
      ITKA Headquarters
      5645 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60634
  • Check
    • Should be made payable to ITKA Karate Global and mailed to:
      • ITKA Headquarters
        RE: 2026 Tournament
        5945 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago IL 60634
      • Only cash payments will be accepted after May 20th. Checks will not be accepted after May 20th.
  • Credit Card

Step Two – Registration Form: