Florida Karate Academy wins 34 medals at national championships
Florida Karate Academy athletes won 34 medals and placed 13th overall at the AAU-USA National Karate Championships in Fort Lauderdale, where 15 competitors represented the Vero Beach school from July 1-4, 2026. Five athletes later earned selection to the AAU-USA Karate Team for the WUKF World Karate Championships in Romania.
Why it matters: - Florida Karate Academy’s result shows the Vero Beach school can compete nationally against a large field of more than 100 teams. - The 34-medal haul also reinforces the academy’s pipeline from beginner classes to national and international competition. - Five athletes earned a follow-on opportunity at the WUKF World Karate Championships in Romania.
What happened: - Florida Karate Academy sent 15 athletes to the AAU-USA National Karate Championships in Fort Lauderdale from July 1-4, 2026. - The team won 34 medals and finished 13th in the overall medal count. - More than 100 teams from across the United States competed.
The details: - Nahlia Hebig won gold in Long Kobudo, Kata, Sanbon Kumite and Team Kumite. - Nahlia Hebig also won silver in WKF Kumite and bronze in Ippon Kumite. - Dave Roth won gold in Long Kobudo, silver in Short Kobudo and bronze in Kata. - Gold medals also went to Paul Hebig, Nathan Ministre, John Paul Ministre, Donald Martin, Roman Borengasser and Liam Herman. - Danny Reynolds, Jaiya Hebig, Norma Krajack, Gage Kepley, Lucas Rodriguez, Eli Marcelin and David Ministre also earned medals. - Placements came across Kobudo, Kata, Sanbon Kumite, Ippon Kumite, WKF Kumite and Team Kumite divisions. - The athletes were coached by David Roth, Paul Hebig and Nalini Singh-Hebig.
Between the lines: - The medal spread across forms, weapons and sparring suggests the academy’s training system is producing depth, not just a few standout competitors. - The results also reflect the value of national competition experience for a team built around both recreational and competitive students. - The academy links that competitive track to its beginner-friendly Pre-K, youth and family classes in Vero Beach. - Florida Karate Academy says its AAU Karate Team has supported national and international participation for more than two decades. - The academy’s FKA Champions program highlights international tournament accomplishments in kata, kumite, weapons and team divisions.
What's next: - Paul Hebig, Nahlia Hebig, Jaiya Hebig, Nathan Ministre and John Paul Ministre were selected to attend the WUKF World Karate Championships in Romania as members of the AAU-USA Karate Team. - The WUKF event was held July 22-26, 2026. - The academy said the Romania results will be covered in a separate press release. - Florida Karate Academy continues to offer a free trial lesson and family discounts for families considering martial arts training in Vero Beach.
The bottom line: - Florida Karate Academy turned a national tournament into a strong medal run and a pathway to the world stage.
Disclaimer: This article was produced by AGP Wire with the assistance of artificial intelligence based on original source content and has been refined to improve clarity, structure, and readability. This content is provided on an “as is” basis. While care has been taken in its preparation, it may contain inaccuracies or omissions, and readers should consult the original source and independently verify key information where appropriate. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, investment, or other professional advice.
Sign up for:
The Florida Herald
The daily local news briefing you can trust. Every day. Subscribe now.
Check Your Email!
We sent a one-time activation link to: .
Confirm it's you by clicking the email link.
If the email is not in your inbox, check spam or try again.
Welcome back!
is already signed up. Check your inbox for updates.