USA Karate and Positive Coaching Alliance Announce National Partnership to Strengthen Culture in Sport

USA Karate is proud to announce a national partnership with Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA), a nationally recognized nonprofit whose mission is to change the culture of youth sports so that every child, regardless of social or economic circumstance, has access to a positive youth sports experience. PCA is an official partner of many U.S. National Governing Bodies of sport and authentically aligns with USA Karate’s ongoing commitment to professionalism, integrity, and positive development both on and off the tatami.

This new collaboration will offer all USA Karate members—including athletes, coaches, referees, and parents—access to exclusive resources, discounted training opportunities, and a proven framework for supporting personal growth, competitive excellence, and values-based leadership.

“This partnership marks an important step forward in creating a culture of excellence and respect in every dojo, at every event, and on every team representing USA Karate,” said Brody Burns, Director of Sport for USA Karate. “PCA has a long-standing track record with Olympic sports and youth organizations nationwide. Their tools and philosophy reinforce the traditional values of Karate—discipline, character, and mutual respect—while offering modern strategies to build athlete well-being and performance.”

Key Benefits for USA Karate Members Include:

• Discounted Access to PCA’s Online Courses
  Courses for coaches, parents, referees, and athletes that promote PCA’s “Positive Coach” and “Positive Sports Parent” models—designed to enhance sport experiences by focusing on both performance and life lessons.
• Full Access to PCA’s Resource Zone
  A digital hub with more than 1,500 tools, articles, printable resources, and video tips tailored for those supporting USA Karate athletes.
• Olympic-Caliber Support for Positive Cultural Development
  PCA has partnered with thousands of sports organizations providing live and virtual workshops, consulting, and research-backed resources that help build sustainable, athlete-centered environments focused on character development, inclusion, and long-term success.
• Customizable Resources to Support the Karate Community
  Coaches, referees, and parents will  have access to PCA’s research-based tools and workshops, with content that can be customized to reflect the unique needs and culture of USA Karate—supporting everything from athlete development to positive communication and sportsmanship.

“We are proud to partner with USA Karate to help elevate the culture of karate across all levels of participation,” said Jason Sacks, CEO of Positive Coaching Alliance. “Our shared commitment to developing not just skilled athletes, but strong leaders and good teammates, makes this collaboration a powerful step forward for the sport. Together, we’re ensuring every participant feels seen, supported, and inspired to grow—on and off the mat.”

This partnership reflects USA Karate’s commitment to excellence at every level of participation, ensuring the next generation of karateka receive not only world-class instruction but also positive guidance rooted in mutual respect and personal growth.

About Positive Coaching Alliance

Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) is a national nonprofit working to transform the culture of youth and high-performance sports to ensure a positive, character-building experience for all athletes. PCA has impacted more than 20 million youth through partnerships with over 3,500 schools and sports organizations.

Learn more at www.positivecoach.org.

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About USA Karate

USA Karate is the National Governing Body for the sport of Karate in the United States as recognized by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and the World Karate Federation. USA Karate is committed to the development of karate athletes, coaches, and officials through programs that promote the highest standards of excellence, discipline, and respect.

For more information, visit www.usankf.org.