Date and Time
Saturday, 4th October 2025
9:00AM – 4:00PM
Location
Community College Baltimore County (CCBC), Essex
7201 Rossville Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21237
We are proud to host the 2025 Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do US Open Benefit Tournament – a celebration of martial arts excellence open to all styles, ages, and experience levels. This event is more than a martial arts competition – it’s a way to give to charity.
All proceeds from this event will support the following charities:
- American Cancer Society (in memory of Shihan Barry Williams)
- Fund for Educational Excellence (in memory of Sensei Kathryn Gibbons)
- Mental Health Association of Maryland (in memory of Senpai Rory Byrnes and Senpai Jamie Kermas)
Join us in making a meaningful impact through the spirit of Budo!
Tournament Overview
Age Divisions:
- Under 6 years
- 7-9 years
- 10-12 years
- 13-15 years
- 16-17 years
- 18+ years
- 40+ years
- 50+ years
- 60+ years
Skill Levels
- Beginner – 5th Kyu and below (or equivalent)
- Intermediate – 4th and 3rd Kyu (or equivalent)
- Advanced – 2nd and 1st Kyu (or equivalent)
- Black – 1st Dan and above (or equivalent)
Note: Divisions may be split or combined depending on the number of participants.
Competition Events
- Traditional and Open Kata
- Traditional and Open Weapons
- Demonstrations
- Breaking (Adult Black Belts Only)
- Shadow Sparring (Beginners Only)
- Fun Sword (15 years and Under)
- Non-Contact Points Sparring
- Non-Contact Freestyle Sparring
- Contact Points Sparring
- Full-Contact Sparring
Trophies, Medals, and Awards
- All participants receive a certificate
- 1st Place Trophies
- 2nd and 3rd Place Medals
- SOGO Grand Champion Trophies (Junior and Adult Black Belts Only)
Rules and Requirements (Links)
Special Notes
Inclusivity Statement
In addition to divisions by rank and age, this tournament offers three gender divisions: Female, Male, and Inclusive (i.e. open gender). Participants may register in the gender division that best aligns with their identity and comfort.
The Inclusive category was created to provide a welcoming space for non-binary, gender non-conforming, and/or trans individuals who do not feel represented by the binary options. However, any participant — including those who identify as male or female — may choose to enter the Inclusive division for any reason.
Registration for the “Inclusive” Division
Due to current system limitations, all users must first select either “Male” or “Female” when creating a profile. However, once you reach the event registration page, you will be able to choose between:
- the gender associated with your profile, or
- the Inclusive division.
If selecting a binary gender during account creation doesn’t feel accessible or affirming, we are happy to offer a manual registration option. Please contact us directly at frontdesk@jinseiryu.com.au for assistance.
Registration Process
- Visit the registration platform
- Select your division(s) and complete your entry
- Make your secure payment online
- Receive confirmation and event details via email
Questions?
We’re here to help! Visit our Contact Page to get in touch with the event team.
