How to Write for Official Karate™ Magazine: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Official Karate™ Magazine is the official publication of Martial Arts Grandmasters International®.
We publish quarterly (digital issues), and once a year we print a physical “Annual Edition.”
Our content covers every martial arts system—its techniques, traditions, history, philosophy, and interviews with influential martial artists.

If you want to write for us, here’s exactly how to do it.

Step 1 — Send a Query First (Before Writing the Full Article)

Before you send us any manuscript, you must email us a query.
A query saves everyone time.

Your query should include:

  • A short description of the article you want to write

  • A sample opening paragraph (“lead-in”)

  • Nothing else — don’t send photos or the full article yet

If the idea interests us, we’ll ask you to send the full article “on speculation,” meaning we’ll review it but cannot guarantee publication.

Step 2 — Know What Types of Articles We Want

We focus on content for advanced martial artists, not beginners.

We DO want:

  • Educational articles on advanced techniques

  • Deep insights into philosophy, culture, or martial arts history

  • Stories, lessons, or hidden knowledge from specific systems

  • Interviews with major figures in the martial arts world

We DO NOT want:

  • Basic tutorials (e.g., “How to do a front kick”)

  • First-person stories or personal journeys

  • Profiles of people who are not significant, globally recognized martial artists

Step 3 — Write High-Quality, Engaging Content

Every article must:

  • Start with a strong, interesting lead paragraph

  • Stay focused on one clear theme

  • Use accurate, trustworthy sources (not simple online searches)

  • Include only statements that can be verified

  • Be free of spelling errors, grammar mistakes, and incorrect names

  • Use correct spelling for foreign words

Poor writing or verification issues may cause immediate rejection.

Step 4 — Follow the Word Count

We accept the following lengths:

  • Guest columns: 300–500 words

  • Standard articles: 400–1,000 words

  • Annual printed edition articles: Up to 2,000 words

Longer pieces are only considered for the printed Annual Edition.

Step 5 — Submit Proper Photos (If Requested)

Only send photos after your article is approved by our editors.

Photo requirements

  • For printed Annual Edition:

    • Must be high-quality, 300 dpi

    • Standard size: 4 x 6 inches

    • Full-page images (8.5 x 11) must also be high-resolution

  • For digital editions:

    • Lower resolution may be accepted, but editors decide

  • File types accepted: JPG or TIFF only

How to take acceptable photos

  • Use a clear, contrasting background

  • Avoid cluttered or confusing scenery

  • Don’t cut off hands, feet, or weapons

  • Ensure good lighting

  • Make sure the camera focuses on the subject

  • To avoid blur:

    • Use flash carefully (watch for harsh shadows)

    • Consider using off-camera flash

    • Adjust your camera ISO if needed

If your photos don’t meet our standards, we may reject both the photos and the article.

If you follow these steps—send a query first, choose an advanced and engaging topic, write clearly, and provide high-quality photos—your chances of being published in Official Karate™ Magazine increase significantly.