Congratulations Tuhon Apolo Ladra

To all my fellow Martial Artists,

Tuhon Apolo Ladra is a true pioneer of modern martial arts and one of the world’s foremost ambassadors of Filipino Martial Arts (FMA). With over 40 years of teaching, leadership, and cultural advocacy, his life’s work has left an enduring mark on generations of martial artists worldwide.

Raised in Baltimore after immigrating from Batangas, Philippines, Apolo’s journey began at age ten in Taekwondo under Grandmaster Jae Kim. By his teens, he was already teaching and mentoring others and eventually helped launch and manage 57 schools across the U.S.. His ability to merge business systems with genuine teaching inspired countless students and laid a foundation for his future role as a master educator.

Though highly ranked in both ATA and WTF Taekwondo and a member of the West Coast Demo Team, his most significant legacy lies in his work in Filipino Martial Arts. As a senior disciple of Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje Jr., he became a recognized authority in Pekiti-Tirsia Kali. He went on to found iKALI, the World Kali Association, and the Filipino Kali Academy, building international programs that preserve tradition while innovating for modern practice. His groundbreaking systems—Kali-4-Kids, KaliCombat, and KaliFitness—have introduced thousands of people worldwide to the values of respect, discipline, and cultural identity through Kali.

Apolo’s contributions extend far beyond the mat. He has devoted himself to charity and cultural service, organizing seminars and fundraising projects for children’s education, disaster relief, and the preservation of Filipino heritage. He sees martial arts not just as a system of self-defense, but as a way of life that should uplift families, communities, and nations.

Today, as he receives a Lifetime Recognition Award, Tuhon Apolo Ladra is honored not only for his technical mastery and organizational achievements but also for his humility, service, and vision. His philosophy—“Learn to teach, teach to learn”—has empowered generations of instructors and students, creating a ripple effect that continues to shape martial arts schools and communities worldwide.

This award celebrates a man who has walked the path of warrior, teacher, leader, and humanitarian—and whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations of martial artists across the globe.

Tracy Lee Thomas
8th Degree
Go2 Karate Recognition Board Member
Founder | Go2 Karate

Sensei Tina Takahashi is famous for being a Gold Medalist and incredible martial artist but she has accomplished so much more than that in this field!

As the founder, with her husband Sensei Sean MacFayden, of Tina Takahashi Martial Arts and Fitness she has been training students and champions in Canada for decades. The results of this have been multiple championships and expert instructors not just in Judo but also impressively: Karate, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Wrestling, Brazilian jiu Jitsu, Kendo and Sambo.

As she’s developed her school, it’s built the community around her as well. She’s known on the news, in media and… well.. pretty much everywhere in Ottawa in leadership and character development at a high level. Her work has helped literally thousands inside and outside of her school.

I have personally been able to work with Tina and her school for quite a few years now and I can tell you that she is one of the highest character martial artists I have met in our industry. Both in terms of her impact on training quality of students and how she impacts the community in Canada. Sensei Takahashi is an incredibly deserving recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from Go2 Karate! Congratulations Sensei Tina Takahashi!

Greg Moody
8th Degree
Go2 Karate Recognition Board Member
KarateBuilt Martial Arts