Save the Dates: Oct. 17, 18, 19, 2025
NC and SC AAU Karate are pleased to announce a weekend karate camp tailored for elite and developing female karate athletes, ages 12 to 50 (please inquire about other ages). The Camp will provide high-level technical instruction, personal development, mentorship and fellowship to strengthen competitive success and youth development. Featuring female instructors and champions, the camp on Oct. 17,18, 19 in 2025 will focus on kumite, injury prevention, and mindset training to foster high performance culture among young and elite-level women. The hosts will be NCAAU Karate Chair and AAU Karate National Coaching Staff Cyndy Yu-Robinson, and SCAAU Karate Chair Tommy Hood, also former NKF national kumite coach. Invited instructors are Kaitlin Leslie (Nishime Karate, Cincinati, and Adamson Karate Studios) and Gidea Pretorius (Hiro Karate, Las Vegas).
What is the Pink Belt Competition?
It is an AAU invitational tournament, open to all ages, federations, clubs, and sexes. bit.ly/pinkbelt25 has all of the divisions and cost of competition. This local fundraiser started in 2023 to raise $5000 for the American Cancer Society of Central and Eastern North Carolina, has turned into a national event. Come for the competition, fun, and fellowship. We will have T-shirts for sale and decoration, special discounts to our local events, and a video station where families can share memories of their loved ones affected by cancer.
Confirmed guest instructors:
Kaitlin Leslie (AAU athlete and coach, 2010-2025, Nishime Martial Arts and Adamson Karate Studios, Ohio/Indiana) (pic and bio coming)
Gidea Pretorius (AAU athlete, Hiro Karate, Las Vegas) (pic and bio coming)
Goals and Objectives of an all-Female Camp
- Advance the technical and tactical abilities of female karateka.
- Address unique psychological needs of female competitors and instructors.
- Build community and visibility for women in competitive karate.
- Foster long-term athlete development and retention in the sport.
Day 1: Strategy & Timing
- Evening (6-8:30 pm, at Triangle’s Best Karate Dojo):
- Motivational Keynotes by Kaitlin Leslie and Gidea Pretorius
- Kumite topic (strategy, ring work, promote your point)
- Timing drills
- Nutrition & Recovery for Female Athletes
- Evening (8:30-9:30)
- Community Dinner + Roundtable: “Mental Toughness Stories”
Day 2: Application & Coaching
- Morning (8:30-10:00, at competition venue):
- Group Warm-up and mobility
- Power & Plyometric Conditioning
- Peer-to-peer teaching: Elite athletes coach younger students
- Pink Belt Tournament (10:00-4:00)
- Pink Belt Competition for males and females. There will be a full array of male and female specific divisions, beginner/novice ranks and intermeditate/advance ranks) in Kobudo, Kata, and Kumite
- One third of each registration fee will go 100% to American Cancer Society
- We will use AAU Karate rules for flag kata -two rounds-may repeat kata; sanbon kumite; rotational kumite; scored kobudo.
- We welcome officials and coaches from all dojos, federations, and ranks.
- Evening (5:30-8:00)
- Local Tour Option 1: NC State Fair
- Local Tour Option 2: Crabtree Valley Mall Scavenger Hunt
Day 3: Review and Growth Plan
- Morning (9:00-12:00, at Triangle’s Best Karate Dojo)
- Video review: Kumite feedback session with Sensei Tommy Hood
- Journaling, Mentorship, and other resources with Sensei Cyndy Yu-Robinson
- Certificates for participants, group photo