Six Flags Magic Mountain invites you to bring your best martial arts moves from the local dojo out to the park on Saturday, May 1 for the Karate Kid Challenge.  This one-day karate exhibition contest is happening at 10 Six Flags parks across the nation in anticipation of the June 11 worldwide release of the new movie, “The Karate Kid,” starring Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith.  Teams will compete for the chance to attend the movie’s premier in Los Angeles, meet with the cast and host a private screening for friends.

Teams consisting of a sensei (a teacher with a minimum of 10 years karate training and at least 21 years of age) and one protégé (a student between the ages of 9 and 17) will be showcasing their skills and teamwork in a synchronized karate routine at least 60 seconds but no more than 90 seconds in length.  Choreography must follow one of three pre-selected song clips provided on the official website.  Remaining true to the literal meaning of the term karate (“open hand”), no props or weapons will be allowed.

The competition will take place at Golden Bear Plaza from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The announcement of the Finalist and Runner-up teams will be in Magic Moments Theater at 6 p.m.  Registration is limited to 200 teams and will take place by the ticket booths at the front of the park from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.  Senseis and students will receive complimentary admission passes for the event.  Students are required to have at least one parent on site, due to age restrictions.  Parents will receive a discount admission coupon upon completing registration, redeemable for up to two passes priced at just $24.99.

Participants will be judged on demonstrated movements and technique; the degree of difficulty; entertainment value, showmanship, and creativity; and basics, including balance, synchronization, and focus.  At the end of the competition, judges will select a winning team and a runner-up at each park.  Teams must be present in order to win.  All events will be taped and video clips of the 10 winning teams from each Six Flags park will be showcased on Yahoo! on May 18.

The three teams with the most votes across all Six Flags parks will be invited to the premier of “The Karate Kid” in Los Angeles and meet the stars of the movie, where the team with the most votes overall will be announced, winning  the grand prize, which includes a private screening of the movie for their friends and family, as well as other Karate Kid prizes.

Karate students and senseis can go to www.thekaratekidchallenge.com for more information, the official rules, and to download the registration and entry form.  Forms will also be available at the park on the day of the event.  The official rules include all of the details pertaining to the contest, prizes and requirements for karate routines and restrictions.