Did you know that our National Karate Schools is host to the largest and most prestigious martial arts tournament in the world?
It is called the Diamond Nationals and we hold it in the birth place of National Karate, – Minneapolis, MN. It has been rated the number one tournament in North America for 32 years and is now voted the number one tournament in the world! Obviously we are very proud.
It is called the Diamond Nationals because the Black Belt winners will win a diamond ring! The Diamonds also awards the highest rating points possible for NASKA competitors, which draws the best fighters and form competitors from all over the world. Watching these world class athletes in action is truly awe inspiring!
Intramural Divisions
But don’t let the world class athletes scare you, because the Diamonds also offers intramural divisions for students who want to compete but don’t want to go against professional martial artists. This is great because you can be guaranteed that you compete against someone with the same number of months of training as you and you can still win a 5 foot trophy!
Road Trip!
Every year NK Chicago (that’s us!) makes the pilgrimage back to Minnesota to be part of the greatest martial arts show in the world. Some people go to just watch, some go to compete, some go to judge, but everyone comes back really pumped up about being part of National Karate after participating in the Diamond Nationals!
Mini-Vacation!
The Diamonds is held on a Friday and Saturday on October 7th & 8th (Columbus Day weekend.) While you are there you can go to the Mall of America which features an indoor theme park and one of the biggest aquariums in the world. Note to shopping moms: MN has no sales tax on clothes! It’s a great mini-vacation!
New Consolation Round!
In all divisions of 6 competitors or more if you do not win your first round match you will be put into a Consolation Bracket and will compete for the Consolation Championship. You get a second chance to win!! In divisions of 5 or less competitors, all will win a trophy regardless of their win-loss record.
New Black Belt Divisions!
The Diamonds will offer a “A” and “AA” Black Belt Divisions. This means that there will be a separate division for “seeded” NASKA competitors and regular students who want to compete.
The “A” Black Belt divisions are for those Black Belt competitors who are not interested in competing for NASKA rating points, but like the great experience and challenge of competing in the world-class Diamond Nationals.
Hotel Information:
The event will be held again at the Double Tree by Hilton in Bloomington, MN. You get a discount if you mention the Diamond Nationals. If the Double Tree is full there is a Sheraton hotel next door that I stay in which is very nice. Click for Hotel Info
NK Students Get Discounts!
Because it’s National Karate’s tournament, our students get a discount. Registration materials are available at your school, so ask your Instructor to help you sign up and get the NK discount. So if you like to compete or if you want to see some amazing martial arts join us for a fun weekend in October! Click for Diamonds Website
