On July 15, 2006, Kansas City will be the site of the 24th Annual Tornado Internationals, hosted by Bob and Jill Leiker and the staff at World Champion Karate. This event will take place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and Convention Center in historic downtown Kansas City . The tournament will be sanctioned with the Pro-Am Sport Karate Circuit, the International Kickboxing Federation (IKF) and The United States Sports Specialty Association (USSSA), the largest amateur sports sanctioning body in the world.

This year we are “Fighting for a Cause.” Portion of the proceeds for this event are going towards The Ali Kemp Educational Foundation (T.A.K.E.). Established in partnership with Johnson County Park and Recreation, T.A.K.E. Defense Training is a program taught by women for women with one goal in mind: saving lives. Dedicated to the memory of Alexandra "Ali" Kemp, the website (www.takedefense.org) serves as the national clearing house for self-defense programs in the United States. The web site identifies and promotes quality self-defense programs, provides users with self-protection tips and works tirelessly to expose violent offenders in an effort to capture and stop such crimes against women. Our program has been featured on America 's Most Wanted, ABC's "20/20" and A Current Affair. And in the past 15 months the staff has instructed 5500 females. There will be a free clinic prior to the Tornados at the event hotel.

Competitors and spectators can expect an efficient, well run competition; something the Tornados has always been known for over the years. All attendees will see great competition featuring extreme forms/weapons, traditional forms/weapons, point sparring, continuous sparring, team forms and open creative forms and weapons all in the daytime eliminations.

The Finals, as always, will offer a first class show for the audience as it will include the Overall Grand Championship runoffs, exciting demonstrations and full contact IKF Kickboxing. The event finals will include a ring for the kickboxing and a stage for all the daytime finalists. The evening finals is expected to be a Kansas City sellout as IKF has a tremendous following in Kansas City.

There will be over $3000 in cash prizes given away and the event will feature 55 black belt divisions. Alex Davydov and Larry Tankson will be on hand providing educational seminars on Friday, July 14th . For additional information please go to www.tornadointernationals.com or call 913-432-2787.