JUNE 26 & 27 // 2026
Get ready for the electrifying IMAS Worlds event, where martial arts enthusiasts and champions gather from around the globe! This premiere event showcases a wide range of competitions, including Traditional Forms, Flag Sparring, Point Sparring, Padded Stick Sparring, and Free-Style Weapons Forms. You can also look forward to special events such as High Rank Testing and the Board Break Challenge. And that's not all—kicking off the festivities on Day 1 is the Tournament of Champions, an exclusive battle where only the elite Black Belt competitors who've secured a spot on the Top Ten List are invited to compete. This is your chance to witness history in the making, cheer on top-tier talent, and immerse yourself in the world of martial arts like never before!
EVENT SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2026
JUDGES ZOOM I 4:30-6:30 pm CST
for all IMAS Judges & School Owners
Join us two weeks before Worlds & the Tournament of Champions 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, JUNE 25, 2026
EVENT SET-UP I 6:00-8:00 pm CST
for School Owners & High Ranking Black Belts
School owners and high-ranking black belts are invited to attend the event setup at Worlds. 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 CHECK-IN I 7:00 pm CST
for IMAS School Owners
For all school owners to receive their credentials, event packets, and important information for the weekend's events. It ensures you are fully prepared and provides an opportunity to address any last-minute questions or updates. Attendance is essential to ensure a seamless experience for you and your team.
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2026
JUDGES CHECK-IN I Opening at 9:00 am CST
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 9:00 am CST
Your time to shine
Competitor Check-In opens and 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 10:00 am CST
for ALL Judges, School Owners, and Tournament Officials
The Judges Live Meeting is vital 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.
JUDGES MEET UP I 10:30 am CST
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.
TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS COMPETITIONS I Beginning at 11:00 am CST
TOC Traditional Forms, Point Sparring, Weapons Forms & Padded Stick Sparring
Black Belt competitors who earn a Top Ten ranking in Traditional Forms are invited to compete in the Tournament of Champions at IMAS Worlds—a prestigious showcase of precision, power, and discipline. This elite competition honors the mastery of traditional technique and form, celebrating the timeless foundation of martial arts excellence.
WORLDS EVENT COMPETITIONS I Beginning at 2:00 pm CST
Traditional Forms, Flag Sparring & Point Sparring for High Ranking Competitors
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 Spring Nationals event page of the IMAS website approximately 3-5 days prior to the event.
BOARD BREAK CHALLENGE I Beginning at 2:00 pm CST
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.
SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2026
JUDGES LIVE I 8:00-8:30 am CST
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 CST
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.
BOARD BREAK CHALLENGE I Opening at 9:00 am CST
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.
WORLDS MAIN EVENT COMPETITIONS I Beginning at 9:00 am CST
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 Spring Nationals event page of the IMAS website approximately 3-5 days prior to the event.
WORLDS COMPETITIONS I Beginning at 9:00 am CST
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.
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!