Championship setup
Kentucky International Convention Center (KICC)
37th Annual Hwang's World Taekwondo Championship
Early Bird Ticket Pricing
July 18–October 11, 2026
Every competitor leaves stronger.
The championship is designed to encourage effort, courage, sportsmanship, and personal success.
750+
Competitors
2,000+
Spectators
37 Years
of Tradition
Everyone
Is a Winner!
Event Timeline
Schedule of events.
Exact times are subject to change.
Friday, October 23
Demo team practice
Demo Mat Area
Saturday, October 24
Black belt check-in
Black belt competitors check in before competition begins.
Black belt competition
Scheduled black belt divisions and events.
Color belt check-in
Color belt competitors may check in during this window.
Demo team competition
Registered demo teams perform their prepared routines.
Lunch break
Competition pauses for the scheduled lunch window.
Opening ceremonies
Official championship welcome and ceremony program.
Color belt competition
Scheduled color belt divisions and events.
Individual Competition
Competitor Events
- Breaking
- Forms
- Sparring
- Weapons (Black Belts only)
Spectator Tickets
Buy early and save.
Competitors do not need tickets. Listed prices are subject to Kentucky sales tax.
| Age | Early PricingBefore October 12 | Regular PricingOn or after October 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Ages 0–4 | Free | Free |
| Ages 5–12 | $7 + KY tax | $10 + KY tax |
| Ages 13+ | $10 + KY tax | $15 + KY tax |
Parent Passes
Get access to the competition floor!
| Early PricingBefore October 12 | Regular PricingOn or after October 12 | At the Door PricingOn October 24 |
|---|---|---|
| $120 + KY tax | $130 + KY tax | $150 + KY tax |
Venue and Travel
Kentucky International Convention Center.
The championship will be held in Hall B at the KICC in downtown Louisville.
Sponsors and Vendors
Meet the organizations supporting championship weekend.
Confirmed sponsors, vendors, and community partners will be posted as the event roster is finalized.
Championship Sponsors
Event Vendors
Community Partners
Event FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Competition rules
Details will be posted closer to the event.
What awards are given?
Everyone is a winner! Competitors are recognized with Eagle, Dragon, and Tiger placement honors.
- Poomsae
- 3-foot trophies
- Board breaking
- Gold medals
- Sparring
- Gold medals
- Weapons
- Gold medals
- Black Belt Poomsae Grand Champions
- 6-foot trophies
Board sizing and purchase rules
Boards must be purchased on competition day at the AAMA booth. Outside boards are not permitted.
- Ages 12 and under
- 9 mm thin boards
- Ages 13 and above
- 12 mm thick boards
- Speed / Combination
- 9 mm thin boards
- Stacked Boards / Power Breaking
- 9 mm thin boards; black belts only
Arrival and check-in
Check-in
-
Arrive during your check-in window.
Black beltsColor belts
- Have your QR code ready. Check your email before arriving and open the competitor's QR code before reaching the check-in table.
- Confirm competitor information. Verify the competitor's age, gender, height, and weight at check-in.
Competition prep
- Purchase required boards and gear. Boards and other competition gear will be available at the AAMA booth. Outside boards are not permitted.
- Label and prepare equipment. Put the competitor's name on every item and label boards with their planned breaks.
- Demo teams should check in together. Demo team competitors should check in with their team captain or head instructor.
Keep spectator seating clear. Do not bring bags, boards, weapons, or other equipment into the stands.
What to bring
- Full uniform and belt. Bring your complete competition uniform and the correct belt.
- Full sparring gear, if competing in sparring. Bring all required protective equipment and make sure everything fits before championship day.
- Refillable water bottle. Bring a reusable bottle and stay hydrated throughout the day.
- A “Yes I Can!” attitude. Come ready to give your best, support your teammates, and enjoy championship day.
Outside food and beverages are not permitted. Refillable water bottles are allowed.
Food options
| Eatery | Hours | Options |
|---|---|---|
| Falls City Pizza Co. | 10 AM–2 PM | Cheese, pepperoni, vegetarian, and meat-lovers pizzas. |
| Munchies of Mexico | 10 AM–2 PM | Shredded chicken and pork tacos, plus loaded nachos. |
| Classic Cravings | 11 AM–3 PM | Chicken tenders with chips, loaded mac and cheese, packaged snacks, and sweets. |
| Market Fresh Express | 8 AM–5 PM | Grab-and-go yogurt, pastries, sandwiches, wraps, fruit cups, snacks, coffee, tea, and Pepsi products. |
Food vendors and menu items are available while supplies last.