2025 Friendship Karate Tournament

October 11–12, 2025
Honoring the Memory of Zahra & Sima Bambouyani

Welcome Letter

Dear Friends,

Please join us for the 2025 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, October 11 – Seminar & Tournament Preparation

Dinner & Social Gathering:

Sunday, October 12 – 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$55
2 Events$65
3 Events$75
4 Events$85

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 17 and 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 October 5, 2025.
  4. Registrations submitted October 6th and after will include a $10 late fee and must be paid in cash.

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.

Step One – Payments:

  • Cash
    • Should be hand delivered no later than October 5th to avoid late fee
  • Check
    • Should be made payable to ITKA and mailed to:
      • ITKA Headquarters
        RE: 2025 Tournament
        5945 W Irving Park Rd
        Chicago IL 60634
  • Credit Card

Step Two – Registration Form: