Mike Parker: 21st Annual Karate Madness Open coming March 28
Competitors of all ages are eagerly gearing up to showcase the skills and techniques they have diligently worked to develop throughout the year at the Twenty-First Annual Karate Madness Open Championship.
This event is more than just a competition. Karate Madness offers a powerful opportunity for participants to build confidence and demonstrate the discipline, focus, and respect they practice every day in their martial arts training.
Karate Madness Open Championship will once again be held in Kinston on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Kinston High School Gym from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. This electrifying tournament is open to all martial arts styles and to participants ages 5 through adults. Karate Madness draws participants from North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, and as far away as New Jersey.
The event was created in 2003 by Grand Master Joseph Jones, who founded the Little Union Academy of Martial Arts. Jones holds an eighth-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and teaches Moo Duk Kwan and Tae Kwon Do styles in his dojo.
Jones has extensive martial arts experience, beginning in 1963 under the world-renowned Grand Master Richard Chun in New York City. Jones has won numerous awards, including induction into the American Martial Arts Alliance Hall of Fame and the Joe Corley’s American Karate Battle of Atlanta Officials Hall of Fame, Inc.
Locally, he received the 2012 Minority Business of the Year award in Kinston/Lenoir County and the Community Service Award in 2013 from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. In recognition of his decades of dedication to shaping character and discipline in the youth of Kinston and the surrounding areas, Grand Master Jones was honored with the Key to the City of Kinston in 2025 by Mayor Don Hardy.
Jones returned to Kinston to make a difference in his community, with a special focus on guiding children.
“In the old days, martial arts was perceived as very combative and aggressive, but these days, it’s really used to help with life skills,” Jones explained. “Kids these days are committing suicide, and they don’t have awareness of themselves or others. The study of martial arts brings a sense of home and peace. We make our mark not as much by kicking and punching, but by developing discipline and self-respect.”
Karate Madness is more than kicks and trophies. The exhibition is about young warriors rising to the challenge, seasoned martial artists proving their mastery, and the community coming together to celebrate excellence. This family-friendly event will also offer face painting and other activities for children.
Spectator entry fee is $15. Kids four and under are free.
Karate Madness is proudly sponsored by Little Union Academy of Martial Arts under the leadership of Grand Master Joseph Jones — a pillar of strength and mentorship in our community. Little Union Academy is located at 133 N Queen Street in downtown Kinston. The Academy is now enrolling students starting at age 5.
For further information about enrollment and Karate Madness, contact the office at 252-523-5862 or by cell at 252-468-7851. You can also send an email to littleunionkarate@gmail.com. Visit the website at littleunionkarate.com or follow Little Union Academy on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LittleUnionKarate/.
Be sure to put March 28 on your calendar. Come ready to be amazed by the skill and discipline these martial artists of all ages display.
Mike Parker is a columnist for the Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.
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