
Awards Banquet
Once annually, the American Institute of Kenpo hosts a social evening to acknowledge and honor our students who have demonstrated exceptional effort and martial prowess throughout the preceding year. We recognize four students in each of the following performance categories:
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Kenpo Youth Student of the Year
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Kenpo Juniors Student of the Year
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Junior Black Belt Student of the Year
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Leader of the Year
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Kenpo Seniors Student of the Year
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Senior Black Belt of the Year
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Instructor of the Year
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Family of the Year
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Sparring Student of the Year
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Advanced Sparring Student of the Year
When selecting nominees for these performance awards, our instructional staff evaluates our students on the following criteria:
1) Attendance: While talent is important, consistent attendance is essential for students to receive the necessary training.
2) Skill Level: Nominees must demonstrate proficiency in the art form, showcasing their ability in presentation, application, and knowledge.
3) Martial Development and Improvement: Nominees must have made significant personal progress in their martial abilities over the year.
4) General Interaction: Nominees must be able to interact effectively with other students. The American Institute of Kenpo highly values and appreciates recognizing individuals who contribute to making training enjoyable and beneficial for their fellow martial artists.
In addition to the performance awards, The American Institute of Kenpo occasionally presents Specialty Awards. These awards are unique and often have a humorous intent.
The American Institute of Kenpo would be honored to have all nominees present to receive awards and recognition for their contributions to this annual event. Even if you have not been nominated, we would welcome you to join us and celebrate another year of camaraderie and training.

2025 Event Information
The complete Award Banquet information is released annually in August.
Please ensure that you Refresh/Reload the website regularly to access the most up-to-date information.
Date:
December 20th, 2025
Time:
5:30pm to 8:00pm
Location:
Nana's Kitchen
8225 N Courtney Page Way
Tucson, AZ 85743
(520) 376-3809
https://www.mexicanfoodtucson.com
Tickets:
Adult $40 each
Child $25 each (12 & younger)
41
of
100
Openings Available
Last Updated On
September 1st, 2025
10:00 AM
Banquet Meal:
All meals will include:
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Choice of Water, Soda, Tea - Alcoholic beverages (full bar) available on your own tab.
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Chips and Salsa
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Mexican Rice
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Beans
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Choice of Entrée
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Dessert
For the entrée chose 1:
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Tacos: Crispy corn shell with lettuce and tomato.
Adult Plate has 3 tacos
Child Plate has 1 taco
Options:
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Shredded Beef
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Shredded Chicken
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Flautas: Crispy corn shell with guacamole and sour cream.
Adult Plate has 4 flautas
Child Plate has 2 flautas
Options:
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Shredded Beef
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Shredded Chicken
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Enchiladas: Soft corn tortillas filled with cheese.
Adult Plate has 2 enchiladas
Child Plate has 1 enchilada
Options:
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Red Sauce
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Green Sauce
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White Sauce
Kenpo Youth Student of the Year Nominees:
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Julian Cortez
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Romi Davare
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Ryker Davare
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Xavier Lovett
Kenpo Junior Student of the Year Nominees:
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David Vu
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Jackson Solle
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Logan Miranda
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Mikayla Wagoner
Kenpo Junior Black Belt of the Year Nominees:
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Adrienne Miranda
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Delany Huynh
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Jacob Wagoner
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Xander Chermside
Leader of the Year Nominees:
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Delany Huynh
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G Ryles
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Madison Ball
Kenpo Senior Student of the Year Nominees:
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G Ryles
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Kirstie Caffarel
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Lyndey Vu
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Nick Caffarel
Kenpo Senior Black Belt of the Year Nominees:
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Clifford Johnson
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Julie Terpstra
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Leah Terpstra
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Natalie Miranda
Instructor of the Year Nominees:
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Devonn Ryles
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Leah Terpstra
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Mario Trujillo
Family of the Year Nominees:
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Caffarel Family
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McCabe Family
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Miranda Family
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Wagoner Family
Sparring Student of the Year Nominees:
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Jackson Solle
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Jacob Wagoner
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Makayla Bermudez
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Teagan McCabe
Advanced Sparring Student of the Year Nominees:
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Bronwin Chavez
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G Ryles
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Kirstie Caffarel
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Nick Caffarel