Frequently Asked Questions
- Will WKF labels be allowed on equipment/Gis?
- No, the WUKF does not allow WKF logos at their events. We will have a limited supply of stickers to apply to the logo, we encourage you to use non-WKF equipment and gis instead of having to apply stickers to cover up the logo.
- Can I wear a patch on my uniform?
- Competitors will be allowed to have one patch sewn on the left breast of their Gi top. Patches may be their individual dojos, their federation patch, or their national flag.
- Manufacture logos are allowed on the Gi’s, however the WKF logo is not allowed at this event.
- What color equipment is allowed?
- White equipment can be used whether you are Shiro or Aka.
- Red equipment can be used if you are Aka
- Blue Equipment may be used if you are Shiro
- All Headgear/ Helmets are required to be White
- Mouthguards/ Mouthpieces may be any color except black or red
- Is headgear/ helmets required?
- For athletes 12 and under white headgear/ helmets are required
- For Athletes 13 and up, headgear/ helmets are optional
- Can I use foot/ instep protectors?
- Team Rotational Kumite - foot/ instep protectors are required equipment
- Sanbon Kumite - Foot/Instep protectors are optional equipment
- Ippon Kumite - Foot/ Instep protectors are prohibited equipment
- Can I use a chest protector?
- Chest protectors are optional in the Sanbon Kumite divisions.
- Chest protectors are prohibited in the Ippon Kumite divisions.
- Do I need to be a member of the AAU or WUKF to participate at this event?
- No, this event is open to all. You do not need to be a member of the AAU or WUKF to participate at this event.
- What experience levels can compete at this event?
- All levels of experience are welcome.
- Beginners - 9th Kyu to 7th Kyu
- Novice - 6th Kyu to 4th Kyu
- Intermediate - 3rd Kyu to 1st Kyu
- Advanced - All black belts
- All levels of experience are welcome.
- What type of kumite will be at the tournament?
- Both Ippon and Sanbon Kumite will be offered.
- Sanbon Kumite - all divisions will be 2 minutes in duration, with the exception of the 18-20, and the 21-34 advanced divisions, these divisions will be 3 minutes in duration.
- Ippon will only be offered to karateka, 12 and up.
- Yes, you can compete in both Ippon and Sanbon kumite.
- What days will I be competing?
- Kata, Kobudo, Team Kata, and Ippon Kumite will be on Saturday.
- Sanbon Kumite, and Team Rotational Kumite will be on Sunday.
- How old do I need to be to compete at the North American Open?
- We have divisions for competitors ages 5 and above
- What is the cut-off date for determining age?
- Age will be determined as of March 29, 2024
- What rules will the event run under?
- Modified WUKF/AAU rules
- Kata - Appendix A (AAU)
- Kobudo (AAU)
- Shobu Sanbon Kumite (AAU)
- Shobu Ippon Kumite (WUKF pg 45)
- Team Rotational Kumite (WUKF pg 39)
- Modified WUKF/AAU rules
- We are an international delegation and need assistance receiving a VISA, can you help?
- For an official invitation please email the following information for each member traveling to the National Office ([email protected]):
- Full Name
- Date of Birth
- Passport Number
- Country
- Position on delegation (athlete, coach, official, etc.)
- For an official invitation please email the following information for each member traveling to the National Office ([email protected]):
- Do I need to live in North America to compete in this event?
- No, you do not need to live in North America to compete in this event. The majority of competitors will come from Canada, Mexico and the United States, but competitors from around the world are welcome.
- Does this event count as a qualifier for the AAU Karate National Championship?
- Yes, this event is qualifier for the 2024 AAU Karate National Championship. Athletes who place in the top 6 in their divisions are automatically qualified.
- Does this event qualify you for the 2024 WUKF World Championships in Mexico?
- For AAU members, who medal at the North American Open, you will automatically be in the team selection pool of eligible athletes to represent the AAU at the 2024 WUKF World Championships in Mexico.
- Does this event qualify athletes for the AAU Team pool?
- Yes, if you place in the top two positions in the advanced divisions you are eligible to be selected for an AAU team.
- What if I just want to watch the competition?
- For spectators you will be able to preorder a single day ticket for $20, or a two day pass for $35. Tickets purchased the day of the event will be $25/day.
- How can I be a volunteer?
- All volunteers are encouraged to register in advance online and attend a volunteer course held on-site. For specific information on volunteering contact [email protected].
If you have additional questions, please email us and we will address them, and add them to the FAQ to assist others who might have the same questions.