The
Internationals

The End of an ERA.  The LBIKC will always carry a connection to Mr. Parker for those of us who were a part of that era. The Ed Parkers years 1964 to 1990, the Parker family years from 1991 to 1999. Time paused for a moment, Then it became the “The Long Beach International Karate Championships” in 2004. Over those years from 2004 to 2024, Steve Cooper has been at the helm of the event as Executive Producer and Director. The event with his hard work and dedication has become one of the most famous and prestigious Sport Martial Arts events in the USA if not the world. It started out as a reflection of what Mr. Parker had started and his family kept going until 1999. But it took on a unique life of its own as I put my vision of what a world caliber all martial arts event could become. It grew from an event that utilized 45,000 square feet of space to an event encompassing 250,000 square feet of space with 7 different independently operating competitions and full expo of venders. Working with almost every Martial arts organization and sponsorships by such groups as Tiger Claw martial arts supply, Disney Sports, Century, Eventxpres, Sony pictures, Black Belt Magazine Kung Fu Tai Chi Magazine. The NBL, Naska, SKL, SMAA, WKL, CKO, TPA and the list continues with the groups that have supported the event over the past 20 years. Even adding a film festival for 3 years. Which brought out celebrities and actors from all over. With two milestone anniversary celebrations 2014 the 50th Golden celebration. Attended by 3500 attendees and the 60th Diamond Anniversary celebration 2024 in Pasadena attended by 1200 attendees.

It has been a 20-year journey over bumps and bruises that we say Goodbye to the LBIKC.  For those that have attended over the past 20. It has been my privilege and vision to provide you with a quality event that you could be proud to be a part of. It is because of YOU that I have continued to keep the flame alive. A flame that burned brightly due to the efforts of so many others than just me. People who helped behind the scenes as well as the front lines on the battlefield, to make the event happen each year after year. The judges, the score keepers, registration and awards staff, runners, helpers and the venders and sponsors, my family even an ex-wife or two.

I say Thank You to the people who have given of themselves to keep the flame alive all those years. The list is more that I can possibly post.

It goes without saying that the triplets are unique in their own way Janis Patron, Janis Daniels, Janis Walker without you three there would be no Me!

Enjoy the side show from the past 20 years of the “Long Beach International Karate Championships”

2025  A new journey begins  “THE INTERNATIONALS” to be continued…