Trinity Martial Arts Academy

Trinity Martial Arts Academy

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A martial arts school in Tri-Cities, WA, TMAA has been a part of the community for nearly 20 years a Self-improvement is what we continuously strive towards.

At the heart of our philosophy lies in the true mission of the Trinity Martial Arts Academy. We are a Karate Dojo; however, many untruths about Martial Arts begin to take shape in the minds of our community through movies, TV shows and media. We choose to use this wonderful Art of Shudokan Karate-Do to help our community become a more respectful, caring, and proud society. We train to strengthen o

07/17/2026

TMAA National Team Makes History at the 2026 AAU National Karate Championships

Fort Lauderdale, Florida — The Trinity Martial Arts Academy (TMAA) National Team has once again proven that hard work, discipline, and unwavering commitment produce championship results on the national stage.

After months of preparation, sacrifice, and countless hours on the dojo floor, Team TMAA traveled across the country to compete at the 2026 AAU National Karate Championships, held June 30–July 4 at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The event brought together thousands of the nation's finest martial artists, representing hundreds of clubs from across the United States in one of the most prestigious karate competitions in America.

When the competition concluded, the results spoke for themselves.

Our National Team returned home with an incredible 27 National Championship medals, including an astounding 9 AAU National Champions.

These accomplishments are far greater than medals alone. They represent early mornings, late nights, physical exhaustion, mental toughness, and the willingness to pursue excellence when no one is watching. Every kata practiced, every sparring round completed, every weapons form repeated hundreds of times contributed to these unforgettable moments on the national stage.

What makes these achievements even more meaningful is the character demonstrated by every member of Team TMAA throughout the week. Our athletes represented our academy, our communities, and the Pacific Northwest with integrity, humility, respect, and outstanding sportsmanship. Whether standing atop the podium or encouraging teammates from the sidelines, every competitor displayed the true spirit of martial arts.

"This team refused to settle for average," said Head Coach Shihan Mike Franco. "Champions are not created during competition—they are revealed. What our athletes accomplished in Fort Lauderdale was the result of months and years of disciplined training, faith, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to becoming their very best. I could not be more proud of every competitor who wore the TMAA patch."

One of the most inspiring aspects of this year's National Team was its diversity. Students of all ages—from young developing athletes to experienced black belts—stood shoulder to shoulder competing against the very best in the country. Many athletes achieved personal best performances, several earned All-American recognition, and nine reached the pinnacle of their divisions by becoming AAU National Champions.

Behind every athlete stood an incredible support system. Parents invested countless hours traveling to practices, fundraising, volunteering, and encouraging their children through every challenge. Coaches dedicated themselves to developing not only elite competitors but confident young leaders. The success experienced in Florida belongs to the entire TMAA family.

As the celebration continues, the work has already begun toward the next challenge. Championships are never the finish line—they are milestones along the journey. The lessons learned, friendships built, and memories created during this remarkable week will continue shaping these athletes for years to come.

To everyone who donated, sponsored, volunteered, prayed, and cheered for our team throughout the season, thank you. Your encouragement made this journey possible, and your investment helped our athletes chase dreams on the national stage.

The future of Trinity Martial Arts Academy has never been brighter.

Congratulations to every member of the 2026 TMAA National Team for representing our academy with excellence and bringing home 27 national medals and 9 National Championships.

The banners, medals, and trophies will eventually find their place on our walls—but the discipline, confidence, and character earned through this journey will last a lifetime.

One Team. One Family. One Legacy.

Trinity Martial Arts Academy
Building Champions in Karate... Building Leaders for Life.

05/14/2026

As part of Franco Cup weekend, we are honored to host a very special kata seminar in memory of Shihan David O’Connor.

Shihan O’Connor, who passed away on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026, was the longtime owner of the Wenatchee School of Karate alongside his wife, Shihan Kari Erickson. His influence, instruction, and friendship impacted generations of martial artists throughout the Northwest.

🥋 Niseishi Kata Seminar

Hosted as a fundraiser for Shihan Kari Erickson

📅 Friday, May 15th, 2026
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Libby Middle School
3259 Belmont Blvd.
West Richland, WA 99353

💲 $30 Donation (or any amount you wish to give)

This seminar will feature the WSK version of Niseishi (Nijuushiho) taught by Drew Pomeroy through the lineage of Shihan David O’Connor and Hanshi Morris Mack.

This is more than just a seminar — it is an opportunity for our karate community to come together in support, remembrance, and tradition during Franco Cup weekend.

All donations will go directly to support Shihan Kari Erickson during this difficult season of loss.

Whether you are competing at Franco Cup or simply want to train, learn, and support a great cause, we encourage everyone to attend.

Please help us spread the word due to the short notice.

REGISTRATION FOR THIS SEMINAR WILL BE AT THE TOURNAMENT VENUE FRIDAY NIGHT!!

Thank you so much

In His Service

Mike Franco Shihan

04/06/2026

SAVE THE DATE

15TH ANNUAL
FRANCO CUP

MAY 16, 2026

Registration on Kihapp opens April 10, 2026
More info to come!!

3 hours left 03/20/2026

Hello everyone, this is Shihan Franco with a final reminder.

There are just 3 hours left to register for the Memorial Cup Tournament. Registration closes tonight at midnight, and once the system shuts down, we will not be able to add any additional competitors.

If you, your teammates, or your students are planning to compete, now is the time to get registered so you don’t miss out on this incredible event.

We are excited to welcome athletes, coaches, and families from across the Pacific Northwest for a powerful day of competition, respect, and community.

One final reminder for our staff and team leaders: the Judges and Coaches Meeting will take place at 9:00 AM sharp on tournament day. Please plan to arrive early so we can review rules, ring assignments, and procedures to ensure the tournament runs smoothly for everyone.

Finish those registrations, travel safely, and we will see you soon at the Memorial Cup Tournament.

Domo Arigato.

3 hours left Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

03/17/2026

ONE WEEK AWAY — MEMORIAL CUP TOURNAMENT

The countdown is on! In just ONE WEEK, karate athletes, schools, and families from across the Pacific Northwest will gather in Yakima for the Memorial Cup Tournament — a day dedicated to competition, respect, and honoring the instructors who helped build our martial arts community.

Saturday, March 21, 2026
Sozo Yakima Sports Complex
2200 S 36th Ave., Yakima, WA

This event continues to grow each year and represents more than just a tournament. The Memorial Cup is a chance for athletes of all ages and skill levels to test themselves, represent their dojo, and compete with honor and sportsmanship.

Kata & Kumite Divisions for All Ages & Skill Levels
Experienced Officials and Organized Competition
A Family-Friendly Environment with High-Level Karate

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Click this link for an Important reminder video: https://youtu.be/3N2AF-KxoG0

Registration Deadline — Thursday, March 19 at Midnight
Online registration will officially close at 12:00 AM Thursday night. After that time, the system will lock and no additional competitors can be added. If you are planning to compete, please make sure you and your teammates are registered before the deadline.

Judges & Coaches Meeting — 9:00 AM Sharp
All judges and coaches are asked to attend a mandatory meeting at 9:00 AM on tournament day. During this meeting we will review rules, division procedures, ring assignments, and expectations to ensure the event runs smoothly and consistently for all competitors.

Please LIKE, SHARE, and TAG your dojo and teammates as we head into the final week. Let’s make the 2026 Memorial Cup a powerful day of competition, connection, and respect.

We look forward to seeing everyone in Yakima next weekend.

In His Service
Mike Franco Shihan

03/10/2026

2 WEEKS OUT — MEMORIAL CUP TOURNAMENT
The countdown is ON. In just two weeks, karate athletes, schools, and families from across the Pacific Northwest will gather in Yakima for one of the most meaningful and exciting tournaments of the year.

Saturday, March 21, 2026
Sozo Yakima Sports Complex
2200 S 36th Ave., Yakima, WA

This event is more than just competition. The Memorial Cup is a day dedicated to respect, remembrance, excellence, and community, honoring instructors who helped shape our martial arts family while giving today’s athletes the opportunity to grow, compete, and represent their dojo with pride.

• Divisions for all ages and skill levels
• Kata, Kobudo & Kumite competition
• Experienced officials and organized divisions
• A family-friendly atmosphere with high-level competition

If you plan to compete, NOW is the time to register and finalize your plans.

Register online through KIHAPP:
2026 Memorial Cup Tournament | Karate | Kihapp

• Schools — bring your teams.
• Athletes — sharpen your training.
• Families — come support your competitors.

Please LIKE, SHARE, and TAG your dojo and teammates so we can continue building momentum and make the 2026 Memorial Cup an incredible day of competition and respect.

We look forward to welcoming everyone to Yakima in just two weeks.

Domo Arigato
Memorial Cup Staff

01/15/2026

2026 MEMORIAL CUP TOURNAMENT – OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

The Memorial Cup Tournament is BACK, and we are proud to invite karate schools, athletes, families, and supporters from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond to join us for one of the most meaningful and competitive events of the year.

Saturday, March 21, 2026
Sozo Yakima Sports Complex
2200 S 36th Ave., Yakima, WA

REGISTRATION WILL BE OPEN FEBRUARY 1, 2026!
Register online through KIHAPP:2026 Memorial Cup Tournament | Karate | Kihapp

Hotels partnering with us this year.
Best Western Plus
Ahtanum Inn
2408 RUDKIN ROAD
Yakima, WA 98903
$130.00 Per night, double occupancy
https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.48148.html?groupId=N90NW3J9

We will be working with more hotels and will share them when they come available

2026 Memorial Cup Rules and Regulations Rules page — TMAA of Yakima

The Memorial Cup is more than a tournament — it is a day of respect, remembrance, excellence, and community. This event honors those who paved the way before us while giving today’s athletes a platform to grow, challenge themselves, and compete with integrity.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
• Traditional Martial Arts Competition
• Kata, Kumite & Divisions for All Ages & Skill Levels
• Well-organized experienced officials & Staff
• Family-friendly environment
• A tournament rooted in honor, discipline, and sportsmanship

Whether you are:
• A first-time competitor
• A seasoned black belt
• A coach bringing a full team
• Or a family supporting your athlete

THIS IS A TOURNAMENT YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS.
Schools — bring your teams.
Athletes — sharpen your training.
Families — come experience an incredible day of karate.

Please LIKE, SHARE, and TAG your dojo, teammates, and friends so we can make the 2026 Memorial Cup one of our biggest and best events yet.

We look forward to welcoming you to Yakima for a powerful day of competition, connection, and respect.

In His Service
Memorial Cup Staff

12/22/2025

Dear TMAA Families,

This is a friendly reminder of our holiday class schedule for Christmas and New Year’s week.

🎄 Christmas Schedule

Monday, December 22, 2025
• 6:00–7:00 PM — Open Classes (all ages, all ranks)

Tuesday, December 23, 2025
• 6:00–7:00 PM — Open Classes (all ages, all ranks)

Wednesday & Thursday, December 24–25, 2025
• No Regular Classes

🎆 New Year’s Schedule

Monday, December 29, 2025
• 6:00–7:00 PM — Open Classes (all ages, all ranks)

Tuesday, December 30, 2025
• 6:00–7:00 PM — Open Classes (all ages, all ranks)

Wednesday & Thursday, December 31, 2025 & January 1, 2026
• No Regular Classes

Thank you for your continued support of Trinity Martial Arts Academy. We wish you and your families a safe, joyful holiday season.

If you have any questions, please contact us at 509-308-6046 or email [email protected].

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Location

Telephone

Address


1405 Goethals Drive
Richland, WA
99354

Opening Hours

Monday 4pm - 8pm
Tuesday 4pm - 7pm
Wednesday 4pm - 8pm
Thursday 4pm - 7pm