Five major U.S.-based promoters and resigning PKA executives created the new body, the International Sport Karate Association (ISKA), with an official announcement on July 16, 1986.

The first U.S. directors were Mike Sawyer, Karyn Turner, Tony Thompson, John Worley and Scott Coker.

[7] ISKA also secured ESPN broadcasts of its major title bouts in 1986, thus helping bring quick credibility and recognition to the new association.

The US Open ISKA World Martial Arts Championships is held annually every year on the Fourth of July weekend.

[20] The US Open highlights continue to air throughout the year on CSI Sports networks, reaching approximately 85 million households.