IMAS FALL NATIONALS
SEPTEMBER 4 & 5 // 2026
Ready for your next challenge? Join us in Orlando, Florida for the Fall 2026 IMAS Nationals. Much more than a weekend of competition -- Nationals weekend includes specialty Seminars taught by Master Instructors, High Rank Testings and Instructor Certifications, as well as competitions for all ages and ranks.
EVENT SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026
JUDGES ZOOM I 2:00-4:00 pm CST / 3:00-5:00 pm EST
for all IMAS Judges & School Owners
Join us two weeks before Nationals for the Judges Zoom—a vital session to prepare, educate, and energize our judges ahead of the big event! This interactive meeting will cover key rules, judging criteria, and event updates while providing an opportunity for questions and discussion.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026
EVENT SET-UP I 6:00-8:00 pm (event local time EST)
for School Owners & High Ranking Black Belts
School owners and high-ranking black belts are invited to attend the event setup at Nationals. This session is an opportunity to assist with final preparations, collaborate with event officials, and ensure a smooth and successful tournament experience. Your leadership and expertise are invaluable in creating an organized and professional environment for all participants and attendees.
SCHOOL OWNER & JUDGES CHECK-IN I 7:00 pm EST
for IMAS School Owners
School Owner & Judges Check-In opens is an essential step to ensure all judges are fully prepared for the event. At check-in, judges will receive their credentials, review event assignments, and address any last-minute updates or instructions. Join us on Thursday to kick-off a great tournament weekend.
IMPACT: IMAS LEADERSHIP BRIEFING I 7:30 pm EST
for IMAS School Owners
This exclusive event is designed for martial arts professionals to stay connected, stay informed, and stay ahead. IMPACT is your inside look at the direction of IMAS—featuring leadership updates, upcoming event previews, system enhancements, and strategies to help you grow your school and strengthen your team.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2026
HIGH RANK TESTINGS & DEMOS I 9:00 am EST
for Third Black Belts Degree and Above
IMAS National events offer high-rank testings for martial artists working toward the ranks of Third Degree Black Belt and above. These evaluations provide an opportunity for candidates to showcase their advanced skills, knowledge, and commitment to their martial arts journey. Designed to honor dedication and growth, our high-rank testings are a significant milestone for those advancing to higher levels of expertise.
SORCE TRAINING SYSTEMS SEMINAR I 10:30am-12:30pm EST
with Guro Pete Sorce
Unlock the secrets of Filipino Martial Arts with the Sorce Training Systems seminar, a 3-hour immersive experience at IMAS Nationals. Designed to complement and elevate any martial artist's current training, this seminar introduces versatile techniques in weapon handling, striking, footwork, and flow drills. Learn how to integrate the precision and adaptability of Filipino Martial Arts into your practice, expanding your skill set and boosting your confidence in self-defense and performance. Don’t miss this opportunity to revolutionize your training with Guro Pete Sorce!
NATIONAL SEMINAR #1 Tournament Sparring I 12:30pm
with Master Kyle Freeman
Take your point sparring to the next level with Master Kyle Freeman. Learn the strategies, timing, footwork, and scoring tactics used by top competitors to gain the edge in the ring. Whether you're looking for your first medal or your next championship title, you'll leave with practical skills and pro-level insights you can use immediately in competition.
NATIONAL SEMINAR #2 I Board Breaking I 1:30pm
with Mr. Jeremy Johnson & Mrs. Trisha Johnson
Break with confidence at this hands-on seminar led by board breaking experts Tricia and Jeremy Johnson. Discover the secrets behind powerful, consistent breaks, improve your technique, and build the confidence needed to perform under pressure. Whether you're preparing for competition or simply want to sharpen your breaking skills, this seminar will help you break stronger, smarter, and more consistently.
JUDGES CHECK-IN I Opening at 2:30 pm EST
Gear up for a great tournament weekend
Judges Check-In opens is an essential step to ensure all judges are fully prepared for the event. At check-in, judges will receive their credentials, review event assignments, and address any last-minute updates or instructions. Timely attendance is key to ensuring a seamless and well-organized tournament weekend.
COMPETITOR CHECK-IN I Opening at 2:30 pm EST
Your time to shine
Competitor Check-In is the first step to getting ready for an exciting weekend of competitions! During check-in, competitors will receive their credentials, confirm their event divisions, and get answers to any last-minute questions.
JUDGES LIVE I 3:00 pm EST
Calling ALL Judges and Tournament Officials
The Judges Live Meeting at Nationals is a vital gathering for all Judges, School Owners, and Event Officials. This in-person session provides an opportunity to review rules, discuss judging criteria, and align on event standards to ensure a fair and successful competition. Participants will gain clarity on procedures, share insights, and collaborate to maintain the integrity and excellence of IMAS events. Whether you’re a seasoned official or new to the role, this meeting is essential for contributing to a well-organized and rewarding tournament experience.
JUDGES MEET UP I 3:30 pm EST
Calling ALL Judges and Tournament Officials
The Judges Meet Up is a time for all judges and event officials to report to their assigned rings for Friday. This is a time to connect with your judging team, review ring assignments, and prepare together for a smooth start to competition. The Meet Up ensures that every ring is fully staffed, aligned, and ready to provide a fair and professional experience for all competitors.
OPENING CEREMONIES & MASTERS PRESENTATION I 4:00 pm EST
Welcome to the IMAS Fall Nationals
Join us as we officially kick off the IMAS Spring Nationals by recognizing school owners and Master level students who have completed High Rank Testing with their certificate presentations. This ceremony sets the tone for the weekend and leads directly into the start of competitions.
BOARD BREAK CHALLENGE I Opening at 4:00 pm EST
Open to Martial Artists of all age & experience level
The Board Break Challenge is an exciting test of skill, power, and precision where competitors face the challenge of breaking up to 5 boards. Open to martial artists of all levels, this event pushes participants to demonstrate their focus and technique under pressure. The Board Break Challenge is a an excellent opportunity to push your limits and celebrate your martial arts journey.
MAIN EVENT COMPETITIONS I Times TBA
Traditional Forms, Flag Sparring & Point Sparring
Our National events feature thrilling main event contests, including Traditional Forms, Flag Sparring, and Point Sparring. These core events highlight the precision, skill, and discipline of martial artists as they perform and compete in time-honored disciplines. Whether demonstrating mastery of traditional techniques or engaging in fast-paced sparring matches, participants have the opportunity to showcase their dedication and excellence on the grand stage.
OTHER COMPETITIONS I Times TBA
Free-Style Weapons Forms, Padded Stick Sparring & Tag Team Sparring
In addition to the Main Event competitions, our National events feature competitions in Free-Style Weapons Forms, Padded Stick Sparring, and Tag Team Sparring. These unique events offer participants a chance to showcase their creativity, skill, and teamwork in a fun and dynamic setting. Open to martial artists of all levels, these competitions add an extra layer of excitement and camaraderie to the tournament experience and are a highlight for competitors and spectators.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2026
INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION I 7:00-8:00 am EST
for Participants in the IMAS Instructor Certification Program
Held via Zoom classes throughout the semester, the IMAS Instructor Certification Course culminates in a final exam held at IMAS Nationals. During this course, you’ll not only develop the essential skills needed to become an exceptional instructor but also learn strategies to optimize your students’ growth and development. By the end of the program, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to lead any group of students through their martial arts journey, empowering them and positively impacting their lives in a meaningful way.
JUDGES LIVE I 8:00 am EST
for ALL Judges, School Owners, and Tournament Officials
The Judges Live Meeting at Nationals is a vital gathering for all Judges, School Owners, and Event Officials. This in-person session provides an opportunity to review rules, discuss judging criteria, and align on event standards to ensure a fair and successful competition. Participants will gain clarity on procedures, share insights, and collaborate to maintain the integrity and excellence of IMAS events. Whether you’re a seasoned official or new to the role, this meeting is essential for contributing to a well-organized and rewarding tournament experience.
JUDGES MEET UP I 8:30 am EST
for ALL Judges, School Owners, and Tournament Officials
Following the Judges Live, all officials will report directly to their assigned rings for the day. This is a time to connect with your judging team, review ring assignments, and prepare together for a smooth start to competition. The Meet Up ensures that every ring is fully staffed, aligned, and ready to provide a fair and professional experience for all competitors.
MAIN EVENT COMPETITIONS I Beginning at 9:00 am EST
Traditional Forms, Flag Sparring & Point Sparring
Including competitions in Traditional Forms, Flag Sparring, and Point Sparring, the Main Event is open to competitors of all ages and skill levels and are at the core of our competitions. Individual ring assignments will be available once all competitors have been registered and divisions finalized. These assignments can be found on the Fall Nationals event page of the IMAS website approximately 3-5 days prior to the event.
OTHER COMPETITIONS I Beginning at 9:00 am EST
Free-Style Weapons Forms, Padded Stick Sparring & Tag Team Sparring
In addition to the Main Event competitions, our National events feature competitions in Free-Style Weapons Forms, Padded Stick Sparring, and Tag Team Sparring. These unique events offer participants a chance to showcase their creativity, skill, and teamwork in a fun and dynamic setting. Open to martial artists of all levels, these competitions add an extra layer of excitement and camaraderie to the tournament experience and are a highlight for competitors and spectators.
BOARD BREAK CHALLENGE I Opening at 9:00 am EST
Open to Martial Artists of all age & experience level
The Board Break Challenge is an exciting test of skill, power, and precision where competitors face the challenge of breaking up to 5 boards. Open to martial artists of all levels, this event pushes participants to demonstrate their focus and technique under pressure. The Board Break Challenge opens at the start of competition and closes 30 minutes after the last ring of competitors begins.
EVENT BREAK-DOWN I Time TBA
for all Judges, School Owners & Tournament Officials
After a fantastic weekend of events, we ask that all school owners, judges, and tournament officials assist in packing up equipment and ensuring the venue is left in great condition. Thank you for being a part of another amazing IMAS National event!
IMAS AWARDS BANQUET I Doors Open at 6:30pm EST
for all IMAS Members & School Owners
Join us for the IMAS Awards Banquet, a night of celebration, inspiration, and unforgettable memories. We’re honoring the competitors from the 2025/26 season PLUS 5 Special Judges Awards, 5 School Owner Excellence Awards, and 5 Standout Competitor Awards