To the Texas Sport Karate Community, the Competitors, and the Parents:

Forty-two years ago, as an eight-year-old kid I fought in my first tournament and fell in love with this sport. 

I gave my life to the martial arts, climbing all the way to the top of the sport. At my athletic peak, I achieved #1 fighter in the AOK and was the #2 ranked NASKA fighter in all of North America. But looking back, the true value of winning tournaments wasn’t the trophies—it was the foundational discipline, work ethic, and resilience the martial arts instilled in me. Achieving my black belt paved the way for me to become a conference champion football player, 5-time Ironman, and 3-time state champion cyclist. 

Those traits allowed me to pursue my education and build a successful business career. Everything I have achieved in life is a direct result of two things: my martial arts training and my education.

Kick 4 College was born simply to juxtapose both of those life-changing gifts.

Learning from the Journey

This league is the continuation of a vision that began over two decades ago. I originally launched this platform in 2005 with just 23 competitors. I knew our athletes deserved a larger stage, and the community responded with incredible enthusiasm. By 2008, we exploded to 857 competitors, taking over the American Airlines Center for a historic showcase.

But running an operation of that scale takes an immense personal and financial toll. Following that massive 2008 event, I had to take a step back for financial recovery and life alignment. Now, after a long hiatus, I am in a blessed position to bring this vision back. 

A New Standard of Support

When I look at modern collegiate athletics today, student-athletes in all sports are rightfully commanding significant money through modern avenues. They are being celebrated and financially empowered to build their futures.

Yet, our elite martial artists—who sacrifice their childhoods and achieve world-class greatness—often walk away from a lifetime of dedication with very little to show for it beyond a shelf of plastic trophies.

I want more for our athletes. Kick 4 College is a true 100% nonprofit, pass-through promotion. Through my company, I am proud to act as the title sponsor to single-handedly finance a minimum guaranteed $32,000.00 college scholarship lifeline for our inaugural event in Austin, Texas on January 16, 2027.

Furthermore, we do not pocket a single dime of athlete registration capital. Every dollar paid by a competitor goes straight into the fighter prize pool. If 200 fighters show up, we will hand out $62,000.00 in real cash prizes on the exact same day as the tournament.

An Invitation to the Future

I know that introducing a completely non-profit model can cause hesitation or unease among traditional operators who have run things the same way for fifty years. I understand their perspective, and I hold no ill will toward the gatekeepers of our sport. I truly want everyone in our community to thrive.

This league is about lifting the next generation up. This league belongs to you. It belongs to the parents who sacrifice their weekends, and the fighters who pour their blood, sweat and tears into the ring. You have earned the right to be supported like the premier athletes you are. It’s time to let the money speak for itself. 

On January 16, when our champions stand on center stage and hold up life-changing scholarship checks, it won’t be a victory for me—it will be a victory for the future of martial arts.

You will leave this tournament a better martial artist than when you walked in. I recommend you train to be ready to go for twelve 3 minute rounds. Talent and athleticism will get you through the early matches but endurance and mental toughness will put you in the money. The judges reward aggression, speed, a volume of techniques and domination. They punish lack of activity, unnecessary roughness, and passivity. The 15 kick rule mandates you throw a kick on average every 8 seconds. Don’t let a lack of cardiovascular fitness be the reason you don’t win your division.

I invite you to join us, step into your value, and let’s elevate this sport together.

See you on the mats,

Sean Eubanks
Founder & Promoter, Kick 4 College
www.kick4college.org