Arnold Sports Festival Martial Arts

The Arnold Sports Festival (ASF) is one of the largest multi-sport expo events in the world, founded by the legendary bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger. It has evolved from a niche bodybuilding competition into a global multi-sport extravaganza that attracts athletes and spectators from all over the world. Here’s an overview of its history:

Origins and Foundation of Arnold Sports Expo

• Founded: The event was first held in 1989 in Columbus, Ohio, USA. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a former Mr. Olympia and Hollywood star, wanted to create an event that would celebrate fitness, bodybuilding, and a variety of other athletic disciplines.
• Initial Concept: Arnold’s vision for the festival was to combine his love for bodybuilding with other sports, creating a platform for athletes of all disciplines to showcase their talents. The festival was intended to be more than just a bodybuilding competition, expanding into a celebration of fitness and health.

 

Early Years (1989–1990s)

• The first Arnold Sports Festival was initially called the Arnold Classic, and it was a bodybuilding competition. However, even in the early years, Schwarzenegger included other sports such as martial arts and powerlifting.
• Over the next decade, the event grew in size and influence, drawing top athletes in various disciplines. The festival helped raise the profile of bodybuilding and fitness in mainstream culture.

Growth and Expansion (2000s–2010s)

• International Expansion: In the early 2000s, the Arnold Sports Festival began expanding internationally. Arnold Schwarzenegger and his team worked to bring the festival to countries such as Australia and Brazil, creating more international competitions under the Arnold brand.
• The Arnold Classic: Over the years, the Arnold Classic became the main attraction of the festival, attracting world-class bodybuilders from around the world. The festival also became home to an array of competitions in sports such as strongman, figure skating, gymnastics, martial arts, and even eSports.
• Introduction of Fitness Expo: The event’s Expo became a central feature, offering health, fitness, and sports equipment, supplements, apparel, and more. It attracted fitness enthusiasts, industry leaders, and fans to meet athletes and learn about the latest products and trends in the fitness world.

Modern Era (2010s–Present)

• By the 2010s, the Arnold Sports Festival had become a global phenomenon, with multiple events taking place worldwide, including in Europe, South America, and Australia.
• Multi-Sport Format: Today, the Arnold Sports Festival hosts a diverse range of competitions, including bodybuilding, powerlifting, fitness competitions, strongman events, and martial arts tournaments, among others. It also includes a Fitness Expo that draws thousands of people.
• The event has been an essential platform for fitness and bodybuilding icons to launch their careers, such as Phil Heath, Jay Cutler, and Kai Greene.
• Arnold’s Legacy: Arnold Schwarzenegger has maintained a strong presence at the festival. His enthusiasm and support for fitness and healthy living have helped the event grow and sustain its success. His participation as the figurehead of the event ensured its ongoing appeal to fitness enthusiasts, bodybuilders, and athletes worldwide.

The Festival Today

• The Arnold Sports Festival is held annually in Columbus, Ohio, usually in March, and attracts over 200,000 attendees. The festival hosts over 80 events across various sports, from traditional competitions to newer additions like eSports. It is one of the largest fitness and multi-sport events globally, and the Arnold Classic remains one of the most prestigious bodybuilding competitions in the world.  The Arnold Sports Festival has become not just an event but a celebration of fitness culture, health, and athleticism, offering a platform for athletes, fans, and brands to come together in a shared passion for fitness. In 2025 Bill Viola Jr. will bring the Kumite Classic brand to the Arnold Sports Festival and host the WAKO National championships.