What Makes Our AAU Karate Team Exceptional?
Florida Karate Academy's AAU Karate Team is a powerhouse in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) National Karate Program, known for consistent success at state, national, and international levels (including overseas tournaments). Under Sensei Dave Roth (former Region Four Director of AAU-USA National Karate, AAU Team Coach, and International Referee), the team receives expert guidance from a leader with decades of competition experience.
Our athletes compete in traditional karate events featuring kata, kumite (point/sparring), weapons, and team divisions. The team is family-oriented – parents and kids often train/compete side-by-side. We focus on discipline, sportsmanship, mental toughness, and peak performance.
Recent highlights include winning multiple gold, silver, and bronze medals at State, Regional, and National AAU Karate tournaments and WUKF World Championships. With over 300 National Champions and over a dozen Pan-American and World Champions in the last 25 years, we are one of the strongest AAU Karate teams in the USA. We consistently produce strong athletes and have been a Top 20 Team in the USA for 20 years
Intense Training for AAU Success
Team practices (often during intermediate/advanced karate sessions) build elite skills:
Kata & Weapons: Precision forms and kobudo/arnis applications for scoring and technique mastery.
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Kumite (Sparring): Strategy, timing, footwork, and controlled contact for point-based competition.
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Conditioning & Strategy: Drills for speed, power, endurance, mental focus, and tournament prep.
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Competition Path: State qualifiers → AAU Nationals (e.g., Fort Lauderdale June/July events) → International/World Championships (WUKF, overseas).
Young athletes start early (Pre-K/youth foundation leading to team), with progressive advancement. Families thrive – parents model perseverance, kids gain confidence from shared victories.
Benefits :
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Develops elite-level discipline, resilience, and goal-setting.
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Builds teamwork, sportsmanship, and lifelong friendships.
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Offers real opportunities for state, national, and international competition.
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Enhances overall martial arts through competition focus.
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Fosters family bonding through joint training/competition.
Led by Sensei Dave Roth – AAU Veteran & Coach
Sensei Roth's AAU credentials include:
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Former Region Four Director, AAU-USA National Karate Program.
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Team Coach for AAU-USA National Karate Team.
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AAU Certified Referee and International Referee (World Union of Karate-do Federations).
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Personal achievements: Multiple AAU National titles (e.g., Weapons, Kata), WUKF World Championships.
His leadership drives the team's success, producing champions while emphasizing character development and family values (over 5000 students trained total).
Ideal for Highly Motivated Students & Families that strive for excellence
The AAU team suits:
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Dedicated youth/adults seeking high-level competition.
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Families wanting to compete together
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Students from Pre-K/youth programs ready for advancement.
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Those motivated by opportunities to travel and compete on the national and world level.
Unlike non-competitive schools, FKA offers true AAU pathways, family integration, multi-style prep (karate + jujitsu + weapons), and proven results (top area champions, strong nationals presence).