Lewis-Clark Valley Karate Athletes Earn Medals at North American Open

Competitors from Valley Karate School and Inland Empire AAU Karate Regional Team excel at prestigious tournament in Las Vegas.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:39am

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An abstract, energetic painting with bold, neon-colored brushstrokes capturing the dynamic movements and competitive spirit of karate competitors at a tournament.Karate athletes from the Lewis-Clark Valley region display their explosive power and skill at the prestigious North American Open tournament.Las Vegas Today

Athletes from the Lewis-Clark Valley region in the Pacific Northwest continued to impress at the 2026 North American Open karate tournament in Las Vegas, with competitors from Valley Karate School and the Inland Empire AAU Karate Regional Team earning multiple medals across beginner, novice, intermediate, and advanced divisions.

Why it matters

The North American Open is one of the largest and most prestigious international karate competitions, drawing top athletes from across the United States and around the world. Strong showings by local competitors help raise the profile of the Lewis-Clark Valley's growing martial arts community and highlight the region's talent development.

The details

Five athletes from Valley Karate School, led by Sensei Steven Smith, competed at the event, with several earning top-three finishes in their respective divisions. This included Emilyn Sotin placing 2nd in Kobudo/Weapons, Kata, and Sanbon Kumite; Cameron Sotin taking 1st in Kobudo/Weapons and 3rd in Sanbon Kumite; Randii Knight earning 2nd in Kobudo/Weapons and Kumite, and 3rd in Kata; and Flick Vinyard placing 2nd in Goju Ryu Kata, Sanbon Kumite, and Olympic Kumite. Sensei Steven Smith also medaled in multiple Kobudo and Kumite events in the 36+ years advanced division.

  • The 2026 North American Open karate tournament took place in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The players

Valley Karate School

A martial arts school based in the Lewis-Clark Valley region that sent five athletes to compete at the North American Open tournament.

Inland Empire AAU Karate Regional Team

A regional karate team that had athletes compete at the North American Open alongside those from Valley Karate School.

Emilyn Sotin

A 9-year-old competitor from Valley Karate School who earned 2nd place finishes in Kobudo/Weapons, Kata, and Sanbon Kumite.

Cameron Sotin

A 16-17 year old competitor from Valley Karate School who won 1st place in Kobudo/Weapons and took 3rd in Sanbon Kumite.

Randii Knight

A 13-year-old competitor from Valley Karate School who earned 2nd place in Kobudo/Weapons and Kumite, and 3rd in Kata.

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The takeaway

The strong performances by young karate athletes from the Lewis-Clark Valley at the prestigious North American Open tournament showcase the region's growing martial arts talent and community. These results help raise the profile of the local karate programs and their ability to develop top-level competitors.