2026 Badger State Games Martial Arts

Get ready to show off your skills at the 2026 Badger State Games Martial Arts! This is an awesome event where martial arts enthusiasts from all over the region come together to compete and have fun. Whether you're more experienced or just starting out, you’ll have exciting events and get great competition experience. This is an official State Games of America Martial Arts National Qualifier. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this action-packed martial arts event!

Additionally, the stars of MORTAL KOMBAT will be at 2026 Badger State Games Martial Arts! Master Daniel Pesina (Johnny Cage, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Reptile) and Master Carlos Pesina (Raiden) from the original cast of Mortal Kombat will be joining us at this year's event. They will be available for meet and greets, autographs, and photo ops. Master Daniel Pesina will be hosting a rope dart throwing seminar (the moves he famously innovated for Scorpion's spear). That's right, you can meet the stars and learn some very cool skills!

Events:

Little Ninjas Forms/Breaking Exhibition (Ages 4-6, children in this age group may also sign up for regular divisions if they wish)

KPNP Olympic Sparring (Black Belts)

Olympic Sparring Controller Scored (Color Belts)

Point Sparring (two 90 second rounds)

World Taekwondo Forms

ITF Forms

Open Forms (no weapons, no music, this division is for Karate, Tang Soo Do, Moo Duk Kwan, ATA, etc)

Board Breaking (station breaking-three boards color belts, five boards black belts)

Master Daniel Pesina "Scorpion's Spear" Rope Dart Throwing Seminar (cash or Venmo at check-in or ringside at Ring 5)

Skore Pad Events (cash or Venmo at check-in or ringside at Ring 5)

Para/Special Needs Forms/Board Breaking

For KPNP Sparring, Black Belts will need KPNP Socks. We will have KPNP socks available for rental for $30 during online registration, but we strongly recommend purchasing your own if you will be competing at future Wisconsin AAU Taekwondo, Badger State Games Martial Arts, or regional/national level events. Here is a link to purchase socks. https://kpnpamerica.com/kpandp-electronic-taekwondo-foot-protector

*Boards must be purchased on site for $5 per board. (Boards are included in registration fee for Little Ninjas only)

All Competition is based on belt level and age. You will be required to provide this information when registering.

Proof of Age Rule:
Competitors may need to provide proof of age. If there is a legitimate reason to question a competitor's age, he/she must present a proof of age document (birth certificate, driver's license, or other acceptable documents) to prove his/her age.

All athletes MUST sign the Badger State Games Athlete Waiver online during registration or on the printable registration forms at check-in. (Waivers are attached to the registration forms)

Divisions:

Age Brackets:

Dragons: 4-6 yrs old

Minor: 7-9 yrs old

Youth: 10-11 yrs old

Cadet: 12-14 yrs old

Juniors: 15-17 yrs old

Seniors: 18-32 yrs old

Executive: 33-42 yrs old

Ultras: 43 yrs old and up

Belt Color Divisions:

Novice- White/Yellow/Orange

Intermediate- Green/Blue/Purple

Advanced- Red/Brown/Deputy Black

Black- 1st Degree and up (or any type of school black belt)

Judging will be using AAU competition standards. For rules please follow this link:
https://image.aausports.org/dnn/tkd/AAUTKD2026HandbookCombined.pdf

Spectator Information:
For those that want to cheer on our athletes and to see them bring home the gold here are a few tips:

Best place to view the event & how much you can see: Allowed to watch the entire event.
Seating Available or bring your own chairs: Bleachers and chairs will be provided.
Admission Fee: $10 per person. Children 5 and under free.
Concessions: Available on site.
Carry-ins allowed (food &/or drink): Snacks and drinks are allowed. NO ALCOHOL WILL BE PERMITTED.
Are Signs or Noise makers allowed: Signs and noise makers are not permitted.

Schedule:

Check-in: 8am-9am

Judges' Meeting: 8:30am

Coaches' Meeting: 8:45am

Start Time: 9am

Order of events:

1. Check-In at 8:00am until 9:00am

2. National Anthem

3. Little Ninjas Exhibition and Para/Special Needs

4. Olympic Sparring

5. Point Sparring

6. Forms

7. Board Breaking

Medals will be presented throughout the day immediately after each division is completed. Skore Pad Events and Master Daniel Pesina "Scorpion's Spear" Rope Dart Seminar times will be announced during the competition and will be held on Ring 5.

Questions:

Sport Specific Questions:

Contact Event Commissioner: Master Lynn Metz at 919-288-6681

Email: [email protected]

Online Registration Questions:

Contact Event Director: Master Dave Metz at the Badger State Games Martial Arts office at 262-281-1700

Email: [email protected]

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Master Lynn Metz and Master Dave Metz