We are thrilled to provide a significant update on our young athletes’ chances to compete internationally.
A new U12 (ages 10–11) division has been announced by the Pan American Karate Federation (PKF).
It will be implemented at the 2025 Pan American Youth, Cadet, and U12 Championships in Asunción, Paraguay, from August 28–30. USA Karate consulted our Athletes Commission and Technical and Medical Committees in advance of this move.
We have given great thought to our decision to compete in this new category while putting our athletes’ long-term growth and well-being first.
Burnout and early specialization continue to be our top concerns; we want to see our athletes attain their maximum potential at the senior level by adhering to the USOPC’s high-performance models.
Furthermore, we shall keep encouraging safe and healthy competition behaviors and strongly discourage weight-cutting at this developmental stage. Beginning August 28, 2025, USA Karate will offer Pre-Team divisions for athletes aged 10 or 11 at Nationals, apart from the current advanced divisions, in accordance with our development philosophy.
The 2025 Junior PKF Championships in Asunción will be open to those who make it through this selection process. Additionally, all U12 athletes who compete in Asunción must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times to guarantee the safety of our youngest competitors.
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