Martial Arts

Polk County serves as the home of many statewide martial arts competitions. As host to the Florida Tae Kwon Do State Championships, FHSAA Wrestling Championships, and the Gasparilla Fencing Tournament, Polk County boasts numerous martial arts event throughout each year. Other events Polk County has held include the Sunshine Open, NCWA National Championships, AAU Karate Regional & National Championships, and Chung Do Kwan National Championships. The Sunshine State Games has hosted competitions in boxing, fencing, judo, karate, tae kwon do, and wrestling in Polk County since 2007.

The Lakeland Center has served as host to many of these events. A combination of Jenkins Arena, Sikes Hall, and the Exhibit Hall has proved The Lakeland Center to be a standout facility to host any martial arts competition. Other facilities that have enjoyed successful martial arts events include Polk Community College, and Florida Southern College. Both facilities offer a large gym floor to accommodate competition mats, as well as plenty of seating capacity to house spectators.

If you would like more information about this competitive sport and venues available, please contact Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing at 863-534-2500.