Meet the Kumite Classic 2025 Gold Medal Partners

Axe & Sledge, JST WRK, Tokaido USA, Zen Planner, and US Army Fight Team

Welcome to the show!

On behalf of the Arnold Schwarzenegger Martial Arts Festival we would like to extend our sincerest gratitude for your generous support of the Kumite Classic. Your sponsorship and parternship played a crucial role in making this event a tremendous success, bringing together martial artists from all backgrounds to compete, learn, and grow in the spirit of discipline and sportsmanship.

Your contribution not only helped us organize a high-caliber event but also reinforced the values of perseverance, respect, and excellence that martial arts represent. Thanks to your support, we were able to provide competitors with a memorable experience, offer quality facilities, and recognize outstanding performances with well-earned awards.

Beyond the competition itself, your sponsorship helped foster a strong and vibrant martial arts community. It is partners like you who make it possible to inspire the next generation of martial artists and promote the positive impact of the sport.

Axe & Sledge

Axe & Sledge Supplements is a brand founded by IFBB Pro Seth Feroce, dedicated to creating high-quality products for the “Hardest Workers in the Gym.”

Their product line includes a variety of supplements designed to support different aspects of fitness and health:

• Pre-Workout Supplements: Formulas like “HWMF” and “Hydraulic” aim to enhance energy, focus, and performance during workouts.

• Protein Powders: Options such as “Farm Fed” offer 100% whey protein isolate with digestive enzymes to support muscle recovery and growth.

• Intra-Workout Supplements: Products like “The Grind” provide essential amino acids and hydration support to sustain performance during exercise.

• Wellness Supplements: A range of products targeting overall health, including multivitamins and joint support formulas.

Axe & Sledge Supplements are available through their official website

and various retailers such as Amazon

, GNC, and The Vitamin Shoppe.

The brand emphasizes a commitment to quality and effectiveness, catering to individuals dedicated to their fitness journeys.

Tokaido USA

Tokaido is a renowned Japanese company specializing in the manufacture of high-quality karate uniforms (gi), belts, and related martial arts equipment. Established in 1958 by Shizuo Sugiura, Tokaido is recognized as the world’s oldest manufacturer of karate-specific uniforms.

Tokaido offers a diverse range of karate gi tailored to meet the needs of practitioners at various levels:

• Kata Gi: Designed for practitioners focusing on kata (forms), these uniforms are typically made from heavier fabric to produce a crisp snap during movements.

• Kumite Gi: Lighter uniforms intended for sparring, offering greater flexibility and comfort.

• Traditional Gi: Standard uniforms suitable for regular training sessions.

• Beginner Gi: Affordable options for those new to karate.

Each gi is handcrafted, reflecting Tokaido’s commitment to quality and attention to detail. The company also provides customization services, including embroidery of names or dojo affiliations, and offers belts with rank markings.

Tokaido’s products are available through various official distributors worldwide, including Tokaido USA

Zen Planner

Zen Planner is a comprehensive fitness business management software designed to streamline operations for gyms, martial arts schools, yoga studios, and other fitness centers. It offers a suite of features aimed at enhancing efficiency and member engagement:

• Member Management: Maintain detailed member profiles, track attendance, and monitor progress.

• Scheduling: Manage class schedules, appointments, and events with an intuitive calendar system.

• Billing & Payments: Automate billing processes, handle payments, and manage financial reporting.

• Automated Marketing & Sales: Utilize tools for lead generation, follow-ups, and marketing campaigns to attract and retain members.

• Community Engagement: Enhance member interaction through communication tools and a branded mobile app.

Zen Planner also provides dedicated mobile applications for both staff and members:

• Staff App: Allows instructors and staff to view schedules, manage classes, and track member attendance.

• Member App: Enables members to view class schedules, make reservations, track their progress, and stay connected with the community.

The platform emphasizes user-friendly design and robust support to help fitness business owners focus

U.S. Army Fight Team

The Army Fight Team is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering martial artists within the Army. Founded by Wesley Lawrence, a seasoned martial artist with over 40 years of experience, the team aims to provide a platform for aspiring martial artists, focusing on character development and offering opportunities for underrepresented athletes. In 2024, the Army Fight Team plans to debut with a full roster of 21 athletes competing in point sparring and form divisions. Joining the squad in 2025 is WAKO National Team Member and World Champions Gabby Viola and Xander Eddy from Pittsburgh, PA.

The U.S. Army supports karate through various programs and teams that promote martial arts training and competition among its soldiers. One notable initiative is the Army World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), which allows nationally ranked soldier-athletes to train full-time for national and international sports competitions, including karate. To qualify for WCAP in karate, soldiers must be current members of the U.S. Senior National Team and eligible for funding from the National Governing Body, or have competed in karate at the Olympic Games immediately prior to their application.

The U.S. Army also integrates martial arts into its training programs. For instance, the U.S. Army Combatives Program at White Sands Missile Range focuses on self-defense, aiming to enhance soldiers’ hand-to-hand combat skills and overall combat readiness.

Individual soldiers have also achieved recognition in karate. For example, Pfc. Yaleika Mojica Morales of the 390th Transportation Company was selected to represent Puerto Rico in the Junior Panamerican Championship, highlighting the opportunities for soldiers to excel in martial arts both within and outside the military framework.

These programs and individual achievements underscore the Army’s commitment to fostering martial arts excellence among its personnel, promoting discipline, physical fitness, and personal development.

For a visual insight into the U.S. Army’s involvement in karate, you might find this video informative: