The AKA Warrior Cup is the Longest Running Open Martial Arts Tournament in the United States. Longest Running Open Martial Arts Tournament in America.
03/09/2026
After 38 amazing years as the NASKA president, Larry Carnahan has taken a step back and appointed Hunter B. Lyon as the new President of NASKA. We are excited about the future of Sport Karate and confident in the leadership that will carry us forward.
Thank you, Mr. Larry Carnahan — and congratulations, Mr. Hunter Lyon!
NASKA AKA Warrior Cup
CHECK OUT THE 2026 WEEKEND RECAP!
The AKA Warrior Cup is the Longest Running Open Martial Arts Tournament in the United States and Proud Host of the NASKA Awards Banquet. This is our Weekend Recap of the 60th Annual AKA Warrior Cup | January 22-24, 2026!
Sensei Sharkey always believed the focus should be on the students, the competitors, and the future of the sport. One of his final wishes was that his passing would not overshadow the 2026 AKA Warrior Cup, the 60th year of the event he took ownership of and built into one of the most prestigious open sport martial arts tournaments in the world.
Sensei Sharkey passed away the day following the tournament, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy—and a community of friends, family, and students who loved him deeply.
This tribute video is by one of those friends, Richard Plowden, who knew Sensei Sharkey since 1979. It is a heartfelt reflection on their friendship and on the man whose life and leadership shaped generations of martial artists.
We invite you to watch, remember, and honor Sensei Sharkey through the words of someone who truly knew him.
Sensei Sharkey always believed the focus should be on the students, the competitors, and the future of the sport. One of his final wishes was that his passing would not overshadow the 2026 AKA Warrior Cup, the 60th year of the event he took ownership of and built into one of the most prestigious open sport martial arts tournaments in the world.
Sensei Sharkey passed away the day following the tournament, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy—and a community of friends, family, and students who loved him deeply.
This tribute video is by one of those friends, Richard Plowden, who knew Sensei Sharkey since 1979. It is a heartfelt reflection on their friendship and on the man whose life and leadership shaped generations of martial artists.
We invite you to watch, remember, and honor Sensei Sharkey through the words of someone who truly knew him.
2025 Junior Weapons Warrior Cup Final! Join us for the AKA Warrior Cup 2026 - The Longest Running Open Martial Arts Tournament in the United States & Proud Host of the NASKA Awards Banquet! In the Heart of Downtown Chicago | January 22-24, 2026!
www.AKAWARRIORCUP.com
Discounted Hotel Rooms for the AKA Warrior Cup 2026 & the 2025 NASKA Awards Banquet are almost sold out!
If You Have Not Booked Your Room Yet, Book Today & SAVE!
www.AKAWARRIORCUP.com
Discounted Hotel Rooms are almost SOLD OUT for AKA Warrior Cup 2026 & the 2025 NASKA Awards Banquet!
If you have not booked your hotel room, Book Today & SAVE!
12/01/2025
Cyber Monday | AKA Warrior Cup 2026 -
CYBER MONDAY! | REGISTER TODAY & SAVE! Join us for the AKA Warrior Cup -- The Longest Running Open Martial Arts Tournament in the United States and Host of the NASKA Awards Banquet! January 22-24, 2026 | Chicago, IL.
11/25/2025
Deadline for Hotel & Early Bird Pricing -
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! | BOOK YOUR HOTEL ROOM EARLY! Join us for the AKA Warrior Cup -- The Longest Running Open Martial Arts Tournament in the United States and Host of the NASKA Awards Banquet! January 22-24, 2026 | Chicago, IL.
10/22/2025
AKA Warrior Cup 2026 | Registration & Hotel Now Open! -
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! | BOOK YOUR HOTEL ROOM EARLY! Join us for the AKA Warrior Cup -- The Longest Running Open Martial Arts Tournament in the United States and Host of the NASKA Awards Banquet! January 22-24, 2026 | Chicago, IL.
CHECK OUT THE WEEKEND RECAP!
The AKA Warrior Cup is the Longest Running Open Martial Arts Tournament in America. This is our Weekend Recap of the 59th Annual AKA Warrior Cup | January 17-18, 2025!