Our Mission

Our mission statement can be summarized in a single word: unify.

As the official tournament of the U.I.A.K.A., our goal is to bring together the martial arts community through collaboration and competition. We seek to build solid relationships throughout the various schools and styles of combat arts in Utah, Idaho, and beyond by establishing a consistent, inclusive, and formal open tournament that promotes community and respect by celebrating excellence in the martial arts—for all styles and systems!

Our Name

Prior to the third annual Cache Valley competition in 2026, the name "The Tiger & The Dragon" was chosen to represent our mission statement and purpose.

The Tiger

The tiger symbolizes the warrior: the hungry competitor who finds refinement through physical mastery of the martial arts. Whether it be the adrenaline of freestyle sparring, the pressure and technical refinement of traditional forms competition, or the power and tenacity of board breaking, those who embrace the tiger rise to the challenge through training and hard work.

The Dragon

The dragon symbolizes internal mastery: the archetypal “sensei”—the master who imparts wisdom and skill unto the student and teaching the tiger that physical power alone is only half of mastery. 

The Tiger & The Dragon is a martial arts tournament for both the "tiger" and the "dragon," the student and the master, and young and the old. All are encouraged to participate and unite through collaborative competition.