You Are Invited to the AFKA 50th Anniversary Hall of Fame
In 1975, a small storefront school opened its doors, and a legacy began.
In 2026, we celebrate 50 years of American Freestyle Karate and the people who built it.
We invite all past and present AFKA students, instructors, school owners, family, and friends to join us for a historic day of training, recognition, reunion, and celebration.
50th Anniversary AFKA Hall of Fame
November 14, 2026
Grand Hotel, Lynchburg, Virginia
This is more than an event. It is a homecoming.
A day to honor the pioneers, celebrate our champions, and recognize the instructors and students who carried AFKA forward through dedication, discipline, and Kaizen.
If you have ever trained under the AFKA banner, tested on an AFKA floor, competed with an AFKA team, or helped build this organization in any way, this celebration is for you.
9:00 AM – High Rank Black Belt Testing
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Training with the Masters
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM – VIP Reception
6:00 PM (Evening) – 50th Anniversary Hall of Fame Banquet & Awards Ceremony
🏆 Commemorative Plaque
💍 Custom Ring
⌚ Collector’s Watch
Secure Your Spot — Registration is Required
1. Rising Warrior Award
For a student who has shown exceptional growth, effort, and improvement in a short time.
2. Spirit of the Beginner Award
For outstanding enthusiasm, positivity, and love of training.
3. Most Improved Student Award
For remarkable technical and personal progress.
4. Perseverance Award
For overcoming obstacles and refusing to quit.
5. Future Black Belt Award
For students who clearly demonstrate long-term potential and commitment.
6. Warrior in Training Award
For consistent dedication and strong training habits.
7. Discipline & Dedication Award
For showing focus, responsibility, and commitment.
8. Leadership in Progress Award
For helping others and setting a positive example.
9. Student of Excellence Award
For combining skill, attitude, and effort.
10. Indomitable Spirit Award
For heart, grit, and determination.
11. Path to Black Belt Award
For exceptional commitment and readiness for black belt.
12. Model of the Art Award
For living AFKA values on and off the mat.
13. Junior Leader Award
For mentoring lower ranks and assisting instructors.
14. Black Belt Mindset Award
For maturity, discipline, and leadership qualities.
15. Elite Student Award
For outstanding performance and consistency.
16. Rising Black Belt Leader Award
For new black belts showing leadership potential.
17. Excellence in the Art Award
For technical excellence and continued growth.
18. Black Belt Leadership Award
For teaching, mentoring, and service.
19. Warrior-Scholar Award
For balancing knowledge, skill, and character.
20. Legacy in the Making Award
For black belts building long-term influence.
21. Spirit of Kaizen Award
For continuous improvement and growth mindset.
22. Respect & Integrity Award
For outstanding character and conduct.
23. Never Quit Award
For resilience and perseverance.
24. Heart of a Warrior Award
For courage and determination.
25. AFKA Excellence Award
For representing the best of AFKA values.
26. Youth Student of the Year
27. Teen Student of the Year
28. Adult Student of the Year
29. Family of the Year
30. Student Ambassador Award
AFKA 50th Anniversary Ring or Watch
$125.00 USD
Celebrate your induction into the AFKA 50th Anniversary Hall of Fame with your choice of an exclusive commemorative Ring or Collector’s Watch, created specifically for this historic milestone.
Each piece is designed to honor 50 years of American Freestyle Karate and symbolizes achievement, dedication, and lifelong commitment to the art.
Crafted with a polished stainless steel band and a bold black dial, this elegant timepiece blends classic style with lasting significance. The watch face proudly features the AFKA 50th Anniversary emblem, making it not only a functional accessory, but a powerful symbol of legacy and honor.
Features:
Limited production, available only to AFKA 50th Anniversary participants
The commemorative ring is a bold, permanent symbol of your place in AFKA history. Designed exclusively for the 50th Anniversary Hall of Fame, it represents honor, respect, and a lifetime of achievement in American Freestyle Karate.
Features:
Limited production, available only to AFKA 50th Anniversary participants
This is more than a ring or a watch.
It is a milestone.
A statement.
And a permanent reminder of your place in the legacy of American Freestyle Karate.