A Celebration of Excellence
The AFKA Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to martial arts instruction, leadership, mentorship, competition, and personal development.
This historic 50th Anniversary event will unite generations of martial artists for a powerful weekend of recognition, training, fellowship, and inspiration.
Hall of Fame Honoree – Attending
$295
Celebrate your induction at the AFKA 50th Anniversary Hall of Fame event on November 21, 2026, at the Grand Hotel in Lynchburg, Virginia. This registration confirms your participation as an official honoree and includes recognition during the awards ceremony and access to the day's featured events.
Includes:
• Hall of Fame Banquet Dinner
• Official Awards Recognition
• Choice of Plaque, Ring, or Collector's Watch
• Exclusive Hall of Fame Swag
• Access to Master's Seminars
• Event Activities and Celebration Programs
Important Dates:
• Nomination Deadline: August 15, 2026
• Registration Deadline: September 15, 2026
Registration is required to confirm attendance and secure your award and recognition.
Guest Registration
$95
This registration is ideal for family members, friends, students, and supporters who wish to attend the celebration and banquet alongside Hall of Fame honorees. Guests can take part in the evening's festivities and recognition ceremony. Hall of Fame awards, recognition items, and event swag are not included with guest registration.
Includes:
- Banquet Dinner
- Reserved Seating
- Hall of Fame Awards Celebration
- Recognition Ceremony Access
- Evening Event Participation
Hall of Fame Honoree – Absentee (Zoom)
$249
Unable to attend in person? This registration option allows Hall of Fame honorees to be formally recognized through the virtual ceremony experience. Includes recognition via Zoom, your choice of a commemorative award item, and official event swag delivered directly to you.
Includes:
- Virtual Recognition via Zoom
- Choice of Plaque, Ring, or Watch
- Official Event Swag
Shipping Included
AFKA 50th Anniversary Black Belt Watch
$125
Celebrate a lifetime of dedication, discipline, and achievement with the official AFKA 50th Anniversary Black Belt Watch.
This distinguished commemorative timepiece features a bold black dial accented by a brilliant gold-tone case, bracelet, hands, and hour markers. The face proudly displays the AFKA kicking figure, black belt emblem, signature red stripes, and the American Freestyle Kaizen Association name and day-and-date display.
Features:
Stainless steel band and bezel for a classic, durable, professional finish
Bold black dial displaying the AFKA 50th Anniversary emblem
Precision movement for reliable, everyday wear
Mineral crystal face with date window
Presented in a premium commemorative gift box
Limited production, available only to AFKA 50th Anniversary participants
AFKA 50th Anniversary Commemorative Ring
$125
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:
Custom designed AFKA 50th Anniversary ring
Bold, high quality finish with detailed emblem work
Durable construction for lasting wear
Presented in a premium presentation box
Limited production, available only to AFKA 50th Anniversary participants
AFKA 50th Anniversary
Student Excellence & Rising Legends Awards
Honoring excellence, character, perseverance, leadership, and growth at every stage of the martial arts journey.
🌱 Beginner Level
White to Early Color Belts- Rising Warrior Award
- Spirit of the Beginner Award
- Most Improved Student Award
- Perseverance Award
- Future Black Belt Award
🔥 Intermediate Level
Mid Color Belts- Warrior in Training Award
- Discipline & Dedication Award
- Leadership in Progress Award
- Student of Excellence Award
- Indomitable Spirit Award
⚡ Advanced Level
Advanced Color & Brown Belts- Path to Black Belt Award
- Model of the Art Award
- Junior Leader Award
- Black Belt Mindset Award
- Elite Student Award
🏆 Black Belt Level
Black Belt Recipients- Rising Black Belt Leader Award
- Excellence in the Art Award
- Black Belt Leadership Award
- Warrior-Scholar Award
- Legacy in the Making Award
🕊️ Character Awards
All Ranks Eligible- Spirit of Kaizen Award
- Respect & Integrity Award
- Never Quit Award
- Heart of a Warrior Award
- AFKA Excellence Award
👨👩👧👦 Special Recognition
Outstanding Achievement- Youth Student of the Year
- Teen Student of the Year
- Adult Student of the Year
- Family of the Year
- Student Ambassador Award
9:00 AM
12:00 PM
4:00 PM
6:00 PM
Registration Options
The AFKA Hall of Fame offers flexible registration options for honorees, guests, and participants to take part in the 50th Anniversary celebration. Each option ensures meaningful recognition and access to the event experience, whether attending in person or receiving official acknowledgment remotely.
Full Registration
Includes:
- Hall of Fame Banquet
- Training Sessions
- VIP Reception
- Recognition Package
- Event Swag
Full access to all Hall of Fame events, including banquet, training, VIP reception, and recognition materials.
Guest Registration
Attend the banquet and celebration alongside the honoree, sharing in the formal recognition event and evening program honoring martial arts achievement and dedication.
Absentee Recognition
Unable to attend in person? Receive official recognition and commemorative materials through our absentee option, ensuring your achievement is still formally honored as part of the AFKA Hall of Fame celebration.
Nominate a Martial Arts Leader
Help us recognize those who have dedicated their lives to the martial arts through leadership, instruction, mentorship, and service.
Nominees should demonstrate:
- Long term dedication to martial arts
- Leadership and integrity
- Positive impact on students and community
- Commitment to growth and improvement
- Respect within the martial arts community
Hall of Fame Nomination Submission
Submit a nomination to recognize an outstanding martial arts leader for induction into the AFKA Hall of Fame.
Event Registration for Honorees
$295
Register as an honoree to attend the 50th Anniversary Hall of Fame event, including banquet, training, and VIP activities.
Guest Registration for Banquet
$95
Reserve a seat for a guest to join the Hall of Fame honoree at the celebratory awards banquet and formal reception.
Absentee Recognition Enrollment
$249
Receive official Hall of Fame recognition and commemorative materials if you are unable to attend the event in person.
Virtual Attendance Registration
$249
Join the Hall of Fame celebration online with access to live event streams and interactive virtual sessions.
Commemorative Package Registration
$55
Register to receive a special commemorative package including event memorabilia and recognition items.
About The Venue
The Grand Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Lynchburg, Virginia, offering comfortable accommodations and easy access to the AFKA 50th Anniversary Hall of Fame and Reunion activities.
AFKA guests may reserve rooms at the special rate of only $119 per night.
The Grand Hotel
601 Main Street
Lynchburg, VA 24504
Reservations: 434-528-2500
When calling, dial 0 for the front desk and request the AFKA special room rate.