Welcome to the 2024 Top Inductee List, where we honor the most outstanding individuals who have made a significant impact in the world of martial arts. This year’s inductees have demonstrated excellence not only in their skill and discipline but also in their dedication to the advancement of martial arts within their communities, both locally and internationally.
These individuals have been selected for their contributions, their leadership, and their unwavering commitment to the principles of martial arts. From masters to athletes, coaches to mentors, each inductee has left an indelible mark on the martial arts world, inspiring future generations and setting a new standard of excellence.
Each inductee has a unique journey that reflects their passion, perseverance, and mastery. They have not only excelled in various martial arts disciplines but have also served as role models, fostering the growth of martial arts through teaching, mentoring, and spreading its values of respect, honor, and resilience. Their dedication has transcended borders, and their influence is felt across schools, dojos, and organizations worldwide. This year’s inductees symbolize the very essence of martial arts—a harmonious blend of physical skill, mental discipline, and a profound sense of community.
We are proud to recognize their achievements and contributions as they continue to shape the future of martial arts globally.
Robert Pilkington
Grandmaster of the Year
Essential Stick & Cane
Asghar Keshwardoost
Grandmaster of the Year
Shotokan Karate
Knut Gjerde
Best Master of the Year
Tae Kwon DO
Robert Mc Gee
Grandmaster of the Year
Tai Chi
Sebastian Sparti
Best Master of the Year
KungFu
Joe Anthony Ingrati
Martial Arts Legacy GM Award
Tae Kwon Do
Steven Smith
Best Master of the Year
Judo
Roland Jensen
Best Instructor of the Year
Tae Kwon Do
David Ducay
Pioneer Award
KaJuKenBo Escrima
Ulrich Lentz
Grandmaster of the Year
Self Defense
Mark Walker
Golden Life Award
Jui-Jitsu
Neil Palmer
Best Instructor of the Year
Philipino Martial Arts
Luis Navarro
Best Master of the Year
Chinese Martial Art
Silver Seabrook
Outstanding Specialist Award
Kick Boxing
Juanita Kapp
Female Martial Artist of the Year
Shorin Ryu
Leif Hermansson
Pioneer Award
iaido
Soke Hamamoto Hisao
Living Legend Award
Batto Jutsu
Büyük Usta Bilal Çelebi
Living Legend Award
Close Protection
Crisanto S. Cuevas
Best Master of the Year
Philippine Sikaran
Anthony Durjan Sr.
Special Recognition Award
Shotokan Karate
Master Craig Terry
Master of the Year
Goju Ryu Karate
Richard Jones
Martial Artist of the Year
Shotokan Karate
Anton St James
Lifetime Achievement Award
Escrima
Jadiel Quesada Monge
Master of the Year
Kyokushinkaikan Karate
Rogelio Diaz Alvarez
Best Instructor of the Year
Kapap
Thomas LeBrun
Lifetime Achievement Award
Hogoshin-Do
Isak Dzanic
Grandmaster of the Year
Wing Chun Kung-Fu
Oscar Landero Montes de Oca
Pioneer Award
LIMALAMA
Hamadi Silini
Grandmaster of the Year
Shotokan Karate
Kevin Oliver
Social Service Award
Mankind
Claudette Andrews
Special Recognition Award
Maxido
Leslie A. Sobers
Special Recognition Award
Maxido
Verney "MAX" Massiah
Best Self Defense Master
Practical Close Combat System Maxido
Hari Osias Catolos Banaag
Living Legend Award
Sikaran Philippine Traditional Sport
Carlos Rivera
Distiguished Master
Karate
Paul Pinckard
Distinguished Black Belt Award
Hapkido
José “CheloMan” Alonzo
Best Competitor of the Year
Boxing
Willie*Papo*Vargas
Golden Life Award
Boxing
Emanuele Michelangelo Fusco
Best Master of the Year
Jiu-Jiutsu
Punong Guru Wayne Hunt
Outstanding Master Award
Arnis
Stanisław Majchrzak
Grandmaster of the Year
Budo Bushi
GM DR Major Couzan
Platinum Life Award
Founder Capajistsudo
Orlando Cuellar
Legendary Combat Sports Coach
Grandmaster Mwalimu Sabree II
Golden Life Award
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu
KOFFI YAO NARCISSE
Best Coach of the Year
Wushu KungFu
GM CHRIS KESTERSON
Best Action Actor of the Year
Films
MASTER MARTYN MORRISSON
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
MIXED MARTIAL ARTS
Soke Dr. Scott Collins
Golden Life Award
Yaki-Ire Ryu Kempo KungFu
Master Antonio Gramegna
Lifetime Dedication Award
Martial Arts
Tito”Tiburon"Ocasio
Warrior’s Lifetime Achievement Award - Martial Arts
Dalia Duran
Best Public Relations Officer
Martial Arts
Jeanette Casitas Raña
Most Outstanding Performer
Martial Arts
Paul Johnstone
Best Instructor of the Year
Krav Maga
John William
Martial Arts Legend
Humanitarian Award
Carla De Farias Da Silva
Best Female Competitor
Judo & Jiu Jitsu
GM Holger Schmitt
Great Grandmaster Award
Tae Kwon Do
Master Haresh Rawat
Best Coach of the Year
Wushu KungFu
Grandmaster Damian Lutka
Grandmaster of the Year
Aikido
Grandmaster James Clark
Grandmaster of the Year
Martial Arts
Grandmaster Bernd Hohle
Visionary Leadership
GM Andreas Knippenborg
Golden Life Award
Martial Arts
GM Andreas Delies
Great Grandmaster of the year
Karate & Streetfight