Big Apple OpenRegister here (opens Tournament in a Box in a new tab)
Big Apple Open crest in front of the American flag, the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline

Step onto the big stage

Sunday, April 11, 2027Carnesecca Arena, St. John's University, Queens

A USA Karate Level 3 Sanctioned event and official National Qualifier, with triple ranking points on the line.

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USA Karate sanctioned · SafeSport & MAAPP policies apply

Countdown to Sunday, April 11, 2027

Level 3 SanctionedNational QualifierTriple ranking points
Sanctioned byUSA KarateWKF rulesWorld Karate FederationOrganized byUltimate Martial Arts and Fitness

Before you register

Next round

Stay tuned

Divisions, entry fees and deadlines for the next round of the Big Apple Open will be announced here.

Every match matters

Whether you are chasing rankings, titles or personal bests, this is where serious competitors come to make their mark. One of the most prestigious tournaments in the country.

  • 3×

    Triple ranking points

    Some of the highest ranking points available outside USA Karate signature events. One day can shape your season.

  • 50+

    Nationally recognized officiating

    Top-tier referees and judges for a professional, fair competition from the first bow to the final match.

  • NYC

    A major New York stage

    One of the largest arenas in New York City, with strong divisions and elite-level action.

400+Athletes
50+Referees & judges
60+Staff & volunteers
2,000+Spectators
Big Apple Open silver, gold and bronze medals shaped like apples with the New York skyline

Take a piece of New York home

Gold, silver and bronze, cast in the shape of the Big Apple with the skyline and Lady Liberty inside. Earn yours on April 11, 2027.

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Previous round

Podiums, clubs and the crew who ran the mats at the previous Big Apple Open in Carnesecca Arena.

See the previous round
Athletes and clubs gathered on the red carpet in front of the stage
Four medalists on the podium with a tournament official beside them
A young champion on the top step of the podium with a family member

The people behind the championship

National-level officiating, led by the Chairman of the USA National Karate Federation Technical Committee, with the Chairman of the WKF Technical Commission as our Honored Guest.

Sensei Mamdouh Ibrahim

Sensei Mamdouh Ibrahim

Tournament Director

USA National Team Trainer

Cleveland Baxter

Cleveland Baxter

Chief Referee

Chairman, Technical Committee, USA National Karate Federation

Brody Burns

Brody Burns

Director of Sport

USA National Karate Federation

Mohamed Elhoseiny

Mohamed Elhoseiny

Honored Guest

Chairman, WKF Technical Commission · Deputy Chairman, WKF Rules and Ranking Commission

Big Apple Open tournament leadership in front of the championship backdrop
Tournament leadership at the Big Apple Open, Carnesecca Arena.

An invitation to New York

“Our mission is to deliver more than just a tournament. We strive to create a world-class competitive experience where athletes feel valued, coaches feel respected, officials feel appreciated, and families leave with lasting memories.”

Sensei Mamdouh Ibrahim, Tournament Director

“Every athlete deserves the confidence that their performance will be evaluated objectively, that the rules will be applied consistently, and that each contest will be decided on merit.”

Cleveland Baxter, Chief Referee

“I encourage clubs and competitors from across the country to be part of this special championship. Let us fill Carnesecca Arena with energy, camaraderie, and the very best spirit of USA Karate.”

Brody Burns, Director of Sport, USA National Karate Federation

“Compete with integrity, respect your opponents, and remember that the lessons learned through karate extend far beyond medals and results.”

Mohamed Elhoseiny, Honored Guest

Carnesecca Arena

One of the largest arenas in New York City, with the scale and comfort athletes, coaches and spectators expect.

  • St. John's University, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, NY 11439
  • Plenty of convenient onsite parking
  • Spectators welcome. Admission details to come
Get directions to Carnesecca Arena (opens Google Maps in a new tab)
  • The entrance to Carnesecca Arena at St. John's University
  • The arena concourse with St. John's Red Storm displays
  • Carnesecca Arena set up for the Big Apple Open, with red and blue competition mats
  • The Big Apple Open stage and backdrop at the far end of Carnesecca Arena
  • The main floor of Carnesecca Arena, ringed by red seating
  • The arena floor and seating seen from the upper level
  • A packed crowd watching an event at Carnesecca Arena
  • Rows of red seats rising from the arena floor
  • Rows of chairs on the arena floor facing a stage
  • The arena floor seen from courtside seats, with banners overhead

01 / 10Arena entrance

From the first bow to the final match

Sunday, April 11, 2027. Competition runs under WKF and USA Karate rules. Start times to come

  1. Check-in & weigh-inAthlete and coach credentials
  2. Kata eliminationsIndividual and team
  3. Kumite eliminationsBy age, rank and weight
  4. Finals & awardsMedal ceremonies on the main mat
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The team behind the mat

The sponsors and vendors who make the Big Apple Open possible.

Authentic Fight Shop, official Adidas distributorAdidas Combat SportsCombat gear
FitX50FitX50Fitness
ShotoJukuShotoJukuKarate
All Fit Physical TherapyAll Fit Physical TherapyPhysical therapy
Pulatani Brothers ConstructionPulatani Brothers ConstructionConstruction
MazandoMazando SportswearSportswear
Scoop N FruitScoop N FruitReal fruit ice cream

Sponsor

Put your brand on New York's big stage

Athletes
400+
Spectators
2,000+
  • Banner
  • Vendor table
  • Mat-side
Become a sponsor

Volunteer

Join the crew that runs the day

Staff & volunteers
60+
Sun, Apr 11, 2027
1 day
  • Check-in & weigh-in
  • Mat-side tables
  • Setup & breakdown
Volunteer on the day

Good to know

Still have a question? Contact the organizers at Email to come

On Tournament in a Box, the official registration and payment page. Every Register here button opens it in a new tab.

As a USA Karate Level 3 Sanctioned Event, the Big Apple Open follows applicable SafeSport policies, the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP) and positive coaching principles aligned with Positive Coaching Alliance guidance.

Kata and kumite divisions are set by age, rank and weight. Full division list to come

The Big Apple Open is sanctioned by USA Karate at Level 3 and awards triple ranking points, some of the highest available outside USA Karate signature events. As an official National Qualifier, it helps athletes pursue their national-level goals.

Yes. Carnesecca Arena has plenty of convenient onsite parking for athletes, coaches and spectators.

Tournament Director Sensei Mamdouh Ibrahim and Chief Referee Cleveland Baxter, Chairman of the USA National Karate Federation Technical Committee, lead a team of 50+ referees and judges. Mohamed Elhoseiny, Chairman of the WKF Technical Commission, joins as Honored Guest.

Your season runs through New York

Step onto the mat and be part of something big. Sunday, April 11, 2027.

Register here (opens Tournament in a Box in a new tab)
Big Apple OpenSun, Apr 11, 2027 · Queens, NY
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