Watch the full team interview as featured on local news ahead of the 2026 WUKF World Championships
Six karate athletes from Axsom Martial Arts in Newport News, Virginia have earned their spots at the 14th WUKF Karate World Championships in 2026 — and they’re bringing Hampton Roads with them onto the international stage. The squad represents a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and disciplines, but they all share the same training floor, the same dojo family, and the same drive that has made Axsom Martial Arts one of the most decorated programs in the region.
As featured in the local news interview above, these six competitors have put in the work — and now it’s time to show the world what Newport News karate looks like.
Meet the 2026 Team:
Michael Eggleston Jr. – A leader and senior presence in the dojo, Michael is a competitor known for bringing energy and mentorship to every training session.
Shianne Medlin – Already a Team USA representative at international tournaments in Serbia, Okinawa, and Sweden, Shianne has competed internationally and is no stranger to the world stage.
Christiano Perez – Inspired to get back into karate after watching Cobra Kai, Christiano has since risen to represent Team USA in international competitions in Serbia, Okinawa, and Sweden.
Chris Gordon – Chris got into karate watching his older brother train — and quickly made the sport his own, competing internationally on stages around the world.
Amiyr Gordon – Chris’s older brother and a consistent AAU National Team qualifier, Amiyr has been competing at the elite level for years and brings championship experience to this squad.
Lucas Ramey – At 13 years old, Lucas is one of the most inspiring stories in the dojo. He lives with autism, competes in unified team kata, and has become a heart-and-soul presence at Axsom — honoring his late mother with every match.
About the Tournament:
The 14th WUKF Karate World Championship is organized by the World Union of Karate-Do Federations, one of the largest democratic international karate bodies in the world. The tournament features kata, kumite, and kobudo competition across multiple age and weight divisions, drawing elite athletes from dozens of countries.
A Dojo That Keeps Producing:
Axsom Martial Arts, led by Sensei John “Moose” Axsom, has built a reputation over the years as one of the premier karate programs in the Hampton Roads area — not just for producing competitors, but for building people. Students come in at all ages and for all kinds of reasons, and they stay because of what the dojo gives them beyond the mat.
Lucas Ramey: A Story Worth Knowing
Of the six athletes heading to worlds, perhaps none carries a more meaningful story than 13-year-old Lucas Ramey. Lucas lives with autism and found both an outlet and a second family at the Axsom dojo. He competes in unified team kata alongside Michael Eggleston Jr., and by all accounts, he brings an energy to the gym that lifts everyone around him.
Lucas will be competing at the 2026 WUKF World Championships while honoring the memory of his late mother — a detail that has resonated deeply with the Newport News community and was featured in a recent WTKR local news story just this past week.
Why This Matters For Newport News:
Having six locally-trained athletes represent their country at a world karate championship is something the entire Hampton Roads community can rally behind. These athletes didn’t come from somewhere else — they grew up here, trained here, and are now carrying the Newport News name across the globe.
For parents in the area thinking about martial arts for their kids, the Axsom story is a living example of what’s possible when a young person finds the right environment. Whether the goal is confidence, discipline, fitness, or competition — the door is open at Axsom Martial Arts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the WUKF Karate World Championship?
The WUKF (World Union of Karate-Do Federations) World Championship is one of the largest international amateur karate tournaments in the world. The 2026 edition is the 14th in the series, featuring kata and kumite competition across multiple age and weight divisions.
- Where is Axsom Martial Arts located?
Axsom Martial Arts is based in Newport News, Virginia, and serves students throughout the Hampton Roads area. 9959 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA 23601
- What ages can train at Axsom Martial Arts?
Axsom offers programs for all ages, from children as young as 3 years old to adults. Many of the school’s current world-level competitors began training there as young as 5 or 6 years old.
- Does Axsom Martial Arts offer programs for kids with special needs?
Yes. The dojo has a strong track record of inclusive training. Competitor Lucas Ramey, who lives with autism, is a prime example of how Axsom supports athletes of all backgrounds and abilities.
- How do I get started at Axsom Martial Arts in Newport News?
Reach out through the Axsom Martial Arts website to learn about trial classes and current programs. The dojo welcomes new students at all experience levels.