IIMAA Karate Hall of Fame unites and gives recognition to influential martial artists throughout the world who develop high ethical and technical abilities within the broader martial arts and associated industries.
PURPOSE
– To recognize and reward the outstanding service of martial artists of all styles in the pursuit of excellence in the martial arts
– To encourage, promote, and develop martial arts throughout the world
– To coordinate and generally direct the activities of the Association
– To liaise and advise Government bodies on issues relating to the development of martial arts in world.
OBJECTIVES
Encourage and foster:
– High ethical standards in business, professions and sport
– The application of budo by each member to his personal, business and community life
– The advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace through a world fellowship of business, professional and sporting persons, united in the pursuit of excellence in the way martial arts
.– Regular and effective exchanges between Association, and other affiliated organizations throughout the world
We recognize those Students, Instructors, Masters and Grandmasters who have gone before us, and whose lives have enriched and paved the way for others to excel while maintaining the highest integrity and honor for the martial arts and its future. Many contribute and strive on always forward without any recognition or asking for any means of gratuity for their sacrifices. Our purpose is to give that recognition and honor to those who have traveled the path and never take time out to honor themselves. Our honoree candidates are selected by ballots sent in by families, friends, instructors, and students who feel the these dedicated individuals be given recognition for their dedication and contributions for the growth of the Martial Arts. And for the discipline that has enriched the lives of others.
Favoritism, Politics, Origin, Race, Creed and Color do not enter into the selection of an honoree. Candidates are closely screened and carefully selected by their individual accomplishment and achievements in their field of expertise. Martial Artist come from different walks of life and practice varied styles and systems. However, one thing remains the same; we all seem to share the love for the Martial Arts way.
IIMAA Karate Hall of Fame recognizes the worlds best martial artists in a variety of styles.
2010 Karate Hall of Fame
Lifetime Dedication to the Martial Arts
Sifu Richard Bustillo
Grandmaster Bill “Superfoot” Wallace
Michael DePasquale Jr.
Golden Life Award
Sifu Rex W. McCoy
Soke Jaime Ortiz
Master Instructor of the Year
Master George C. Heath
Master Frank Raimondi
Master David Merrell
Master Albert Greber
Master Mitchell Saba
Master William Norton
Dr. Danny Reid
Founder of the Year
Grandmaster Son Myung Soo
Shidoshi Geoffrey R. Spohn
Instructor of the Year
Instructor Leslie R. Richardson
Sensei Chris Feldt
Anshu Christa Jacobson
Master Paul Moon
Instructor Wylie Mitchell
Martial Artist of the Year
Master Eric Alders
School of the Year
Master Eric Alders
Master Paul Moon
Masters Jim and Paula Van Wicklin
Organization of the Year
Master Kris Kademian
Grandmaster Gunther Benjamins
Soke Jagdish Singh Khatri
Non-Profit Organization of the Year
Side Kick Foundation
Soke of the Year
Soke Dave Johnson
International Instructor of the Year
Kyoshi Kevin Blundell
Grandmaster of the Year
Grandmaster Matthew Plewes
Grandmaster Michael W. Neal
Most Outstanding Contributions of the Year
Kyoshi Kevin Blundell
Reality Based Martial Artist of the Year
Instructor Malvin Traylor
Soke Greg Goepfert
Martial Arts Performer of the Year
Master Yavor Nestorov
Innovator of the Year
Master Werner Leuschner
Outstanding Achievements in the Martial Arts
Sifu Matthew Freetage
Most Distinguished Grandmaster of the Year
Grandmaster Tony Southard
Female Competitor of the Year
Instructor Becca Ross
Guro of the Year
Guro John Kovacs
Outstanding Martial Artist of the Year
Sensei Kenton Vanzandt
Most Distinguished Master of the Year
Master Steven Smith
International Instructor of the Year
Master Franklin J. Gomez
Sifu of the Year
Sifu Alvin D. Mack Jr.
Breaking Competitor of the Year
Master Drew Serrano
2011
International Instructor of the Year
Master Bruce Haynes
Master of the Year
Master James Hogwood
Master Instructor of the Year
Master Paul Vierheller
Master Juan Martin Alvarez
Master Bill Shaw
Dr. Darrell Smith
Master Chris Edwards
Instructor of the Year
Master Niklas Albrecht
Soke Yavor Nestorov
Master Fred Mergen
Grandmaster of the Year
Grandmaster Petrotta
Grandmaster Jody Perry
Soke of the Year
Soke Jamie Ortiz
Soke Greg Goepfert
Qigong Instructor of the Year
Dr. Keith B Cini
Escrima Teacher of the Year
Grandmaster Dan Medina
Weapons and Forms Instructor of the Year
Master Becca Ross
JKD instructor of the Year
Master Lazaro Bueno
Most Distinguished Master of the Year
Master Michael Thigpen
Outstanding Contributions in the
Martial Arts
Dr. Thomas Williams
Instructor Ann Etzler
Shihan Kovacs
Master Roy Eby
School of the Year
Grandmaster Quoc Tran
Goshin Karate and Judo Academy
Organization of the Year
Grandmaster Dave Johnson Executive Protection
David Schluep
Silver Life Award
Master Albert Greber
Master Philip Caldwell
Gold Life Award
Master Robert Aubrey
Grandmaster Jeffrey Everetts
Master Michael Mitchell
Living Legend
Grandmaster WG Snyder
Man of the Year
Shidoshi Geoffrey Spohn
Women of the Year
Master Isa Tenchio
Humanitarian of the Year
Master Art Pryor