Kicks, Premieres and a Legend’s Tribute: US Martial Arts Film Festival Returns to Tempe

Calling all action fans: the 2026 US Martial Arts Film Festival lands in Tempe Friday, October 16 through Sunday, October 18 at Pollack Tempe Cinemas, 1825 E. Elliot Road. Just a short drive up from Maricopa, the three-day festival packs 25 films, three world premieres, live martial arts demonstrations, stunt fight training and an acting workshop into one action-packed weekend, with four Hollywood celebrities joining the fun.

A Festival With Maricopa Roots

The festival made its debut in May 2025, brought to life by organizer Leo Ramos and co-organizer John Donohue, a Thunderbird Farms resident who has studied martial arts for 56 years. From the start, the vision has been a festival for everyone, not just die-hard martial arts fans: modern action films and kung fu classics on the big screen, side by side with the people who make them. The festival is presented by the World Martial Arts Film Federation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with partners including Lionsgate, Well Go USA and Shout Studios.

Honoring a Legend: The Chuck Norris Tribute

The emotional centerpiece of the weekend comes Saturday afternoon. Martial arts icon Chuck Norris passed away this March at age 86, leaving behind a legacy that stretches from his six-time undefeated world karate championship reign to his famous showdown with Bruce Lee in the Colosseum and nine seasons of Walker, Texas Ranger.

On Saturday, October 17, the festival honors him with a Chuck Norris Tribute followed by a Chuck Norris Panel at 4:00 p.m. Martial arts movie star Michael Jai White, known for Black Dynamite and the Undisputed films, joins the tribute in person. Seating is expected to go fast, so reserve early.

Friday Night: Opening Kicks

The festival opens Friday at 5:00 p.m. with registration and a showcase of film contest finalists. At 6:00 p.m., Master Shin's World Class Tae Kwon Do takes the stage for a live demonstration. At 7:00 p.m., Meisner-trained acting coach and actor's director Kevin R. Phipps leads an Acting for Actors workshop. The night closes at 8:15 p.m. with Glass Dragon, starring Miki Mizuno and Mark Dacascos and directed by Nik Shaw.

Saturday: Two Theaters, Wall-to-Wall Action

Saturday is the festival's biggest day, with screenings running in two theaters from morning to night. Highlights in Theater 1 include:

10:00 a.m. – JKA Arizona Karate demonstration led by Sensei Chuck Coburn, director and chief instructor, and Sensei Cheryl Coburn, senior instructor
11:15 a.m. – Action Beyond the Fight masterclass on fight choreography and film finance with producer and director Maria Tran
12:25 p.m. – World premiere of Echo 8 Beyond, followed by a Q&A with Maria Tran
5:00 p.m. – Premiere of For Valor with stuntwomen Heidi Moneymaker and Renae Moneymaker
6:30 p.m. – Tributes to Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa and James Lew
7:15 p.m. – Blade of the Waning Kingdom
8:30 p.m. – Glass Dragon

Meanwhile, Theater 2 runs a full slate of documentaries, action features and two blocks of action shorts. It also features the comedy Turmoil, the action feature Traverse 2 – Next Level, and an 8:45 p.m. presentation of the 2026 nominees.

Why It's Worth the Drive

This is a rare chance to see martial arts films the way they were meant to be seen, on the big screen, and then meet the filmmakers, stunt performers and martial artists behind them. Aspiring actors and filmmakers can learn from working professionals, families can catch live demonstrations up close, and longtime fans can pay their respects to a legend. Schedules are subject to change, so check the festival website before you go.

Get Your Tickets

Tickets are on sale now at usmaff.com. Enter promo code wingchun for 10% off any ticket. Questions can be sent to festival@usmaff.com.

References

US Martial Arts Film Festival – Official Website: usmaff.com
InMaricopa – "Maricopa resident helps bring U.S. Martial Arts Film Festival to life": inmaricopa.com
KPTV / Associated Press – "Chuck Norris, martial arts master and actor, dies at 86": kptv.com
2026 US Martial Arts Film Festival program schedule and event flyers