Amazing martial arts journey – from a White Belt to a Black Belt. Martin Gissa and Robert Yegikyan. Okinawa Karate | Denver Shotokan Karate | Kids Martial Arts

Amazing martial arts journey – from a White Belt to a Black Belt. Martin Gissa and Robert Yegikyan.

“Black belt represents not the end but the beginning of a never-ending journey of karate-do (way of karate)”. These were the words that Sensei Shagin Iskander one of the first Senseis of Alex and Vitaly Padalka wrote on a picture as a reminder for back then young boys Padalka brothers.

Yesterday for the first time ever 2 students of brothers-senseis Padalka tested for their Shodan – First Degree Black Belts in Shotokan Karate.

Robert Yegikyan, 15 yrs old

Martin Gissa, 14 yrs old

Martin Gissa (14 yrs old) and Robert Yegikyan (15 yrs old) successfully passed their test by demonstrating outstanding technics in kihon (basics), kata (forms), kumite (sparring) and tameshiwari (breaking).

The examination board was headed by of the board Sensei John Bolosan (Shichidan/7th Dan) who is one of the top instructors for FSKA (World Funakoshi Shotokan Karate Association). Other board members were Sensei Dave Elmer (Yondan/4th Dan), Sensei Tony Maccioli (Sandan/3rd Dan), Sensei Vitaly Padalka (Sandan/3rd Dan) and Sensei Alex Padalka (Sandan/3rd Dan).

Martin Gissa was one of the first students of Okinawa Dojo by Karate Bros. He actually started his karate journey with Sensei Bolosan. But in a few months when the brothers were opening their Dojo Sensei Bolosan referred Martin’s mom to take Martin over there, saying that it will be a better fit for him since both brothers are from Russia and Martin was from a Russian speaking family. Since then Okinawa Dojo is known as the Russian Dojo or Russian School in Denver. And no Okinawa Dojo did not recruit the entire Russian community of Denver to them but they for sure got some great individuals from there. Our doors are open to any nationality there is. Karate teaches unity and respect to one another. We are proud to say that we have students from all around the world at our dojo. Martin has been a part of the out-of-state Okinawa competition team for many years, already successfully competing at USA Karate events such as US Open and US Nationals and bringing home Gold, Silver and Bronze medals multiple times. It took Martin 8 years to get to his black belt. When we say Martin is a hard-working kid we are not kidding he also does swimming and plays piano and he is a straight A student at the school.

The beginning of the journey

Can you find Martin? still a white belt.

Robert started karate training at the age of 9 which means he has trained for 6.5 years. He loved it and he inspired his older brother and his dad to try it as well. Even thought they did not pursue it as far as Robert did it was one of his first influential moments. promoting karate to the world. Robert has big heart and he fires up people around him. Group trainings run at a different level when Robert is in class and gives it 100%. Every competition for Robert is the most important competition there is.

Robert has medals of all levels as well from Nationals and the US Open. In 2016 he barely missed his chance to represent USA at Junior World Championships. Robert Yegikyan’s family is from Sochi, Russia – the city that hosted Winter Olympics in 2014. Aside from karate Roberts wants to open his own business when he grows up – he loves to work with cars and plans to dedicate himself to the automotive industry.

This is how it all started for Robert

Always ready for a challenge

It takes a lot more than just a physical skill to achieve your black belt. Showing up to classes and giving 100% on your good days is easy, it takes mental toughness to do so on your not so good days. But this is what it takes to succeed! We hope the story of 2 young karatekas from Denver inspires you. Their journey only begins here. They already have their eyes on earning their spot on US National Junior Team this year and on representing the US at the Olympics 2024 in Paris!

Let your dreams be bigger than your fears, your actions louder than your words, and your faith stronger than your feelings.

Osu.

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Looking for Aurora Martial Arts or Karate Classe Denver or maybe karate dojo near me? You in the right place Okinawa Karate Dojo is the Best Karate School Denver can offer. There are many Karate schools in Denver. Kids Karate Denver or Martial Arts Aurora CO or Martial Arts Denver or Taekwondo Denver

Please enjoy this photo-story of the amazing journey of these young martial artists and their path to becoming a Black Belt in Shotokan Karate. 

This story has just begun for this young warriors!

Watch us on YouTube

Go USA Karate in Tokyo 2020 Olympics from Denver, CO

Tough Mudder Colorado 2022 - 14 Okinawa Ninjas

Texas High Caliber Karate Tournament 2021, March 20-21

Alan Ulyanovskiy - private karate class at Okinawa Dojo

2022 US Open Karate Championship - video reel by Alejandro Herrera Films

Follow us on Instagram

- Who are we?
- OKINAWANice work today, Team!#karatebros #dreamteamokinawa #senseilife #okinawadojo #karatekid

- Who are we?
- OKINAWA

Nice work today, Team!

#karatebros #dreamteamokinawa #senseilife #okinawadojo #karatekid
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A few words from our guest athlete Mateo Nacu about his experience at the High Caliber Denver.
Mateo finished 1st in Kata and 1st in Kumite at this karate event in Denver, Colorado.
Congratulations, champ!𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐨 𝐍𝐚𝐜𝐮
World Ranking #4 🌎
PKF 🥇🥇🥇🥇🥈🥈🥈🥉
Youth League 🥇🥉🥉Thank you 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐢 𝐉𝐚𝐲 𝐍𝐚𝐜𝐮 @jaynacu from @ensokarate for bringing your team and supporting our tournament! 🤝
Your guidance shines through in the success of your students. Best of luck!🎥 @jrlarroche#usakarate #dreamteamokinawa #karatebros #highcaliberdenver #karatedenver #ensokarate #athleteinterview

A few words from our guest athlete Mateo Nacu about his experience at the High Caliber Denver.
Mateo finished 1st in Kata and 1st in Kumite at this karate event in Denver, Colorado.
Congratulations, champ!

𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐨 𝐍𝐚𝐜𝐮
World Ranking #4 🌎
PKF 🥇🥇🥇🥇🥈🥈🥈🥉
Youth League 🥇🥉🥉

Thank you 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐢 𝐉𝐚𝐲 𝐍𝐚𝐜𝐮 @jaynacu from @ensokarate for bringing your team and supporting our tournament! 🤝
Your guidance shines through in the success of your students. Best of luck!

🎥 @jrlarroche

#usakarate #dreamteamokinawa #karatebros #highcaliberdenver #karatedenver #ensokarate #athleteinterview
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Sensei Noël Nkuranyabahizi @coachnoel250 traveled all the way from Rwanda to support the High Caliber Denver tournament!We appreciate your help with officiating and the positive energy you brought. Looking forward to welcoming you and your team back in 2026! @thechampionssportsacademy#highcaliberdenver #okinawadojo #usakarate #senseilife #karatebros #karateunites

Sensei Noël Nkuranyabahizi @coachnoel250 traveled all the way from Rwanda to support the High Caliber Denver tournament!

We appreciate your help with officiating and the positive energy you brought. Looking forward to welcoming you and your team back in 2026! @thechampionssportsacademy

#highcaliberdenver #okinawadojo #usakarate #senseilife #karatebros #karateunites
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🆂🅴🅴 🆈🅾🆄 🅽🅴🆇🆃 🆈🅴🅰🆁! 👊
💥 High Caliber Denver sends a huge THANK YOU for making this year’s event the best one yet!🎥 Relive the action with this incredible video by Ricardo Larroche with JRL - a true highlight of the tournament! @jrlarroche🇺🇸 History in the making! This was the first USA Karate-sanctioned event of 2025, and we’re beyond grateful for the National Karate Federation’s support @usakarate . Your backing helped us take this event to the next level. #LevelUp👫🫶💃🏼 Team Okinawa - you are simply the best! This wouldn’t have been possible without you.🕺 Referees & Judges - your exceptional performance kept the competition at the highest standard. Domo Arigato Gozaimashita!👨‍⚕️⛑️👩‍⚕️ To our dedicated medical team - Mile High Internal Medicine, thank you for ensuring every athlete received top-notch care. @ermin.kreso🌺 A touch of beauty! The stunning floral arrangements at the podium and VIP table were hard to miss. Huge shoutout to Amanda & Marchello @amanda_theflorist @marchellosfloral did you know those flowers were real? 🫶We extend our gratitude to all Coaches, Senseis, Athletes, and club owners who supported our tournament this year!This year was nothing short of phenomenal! A special shoutout to our amazing Karate Brothers, Vitaly and Alex Padalka, our diligent team manager Laura Hansen @lauraj_hansen , and our operations manager Arturo Fuentes @the_fuga_studio . To all the volunteers, staff, and supporters—your invaluable efforts made this celebration of karate possible. We’re deeply grateful, and your hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed!🎨Shoutout to our amazing designer, Andrew Moroz @maroscreative His eye-catching designs truly elevated the event.
🥇 A special thank you to Sensei Paco Gomez @pacogomez21 the master of production, who helped bring it all to life!🔒 Commitment to excellence! We upheld the highest standards by ensuring all officials, coaches, 18+ athletes, and even medics completed SafeSport training.🔥 We’ll see you again next year!#dreamteamokinawa #karatebros #highcaliberdenver #usakarate #okinawadojo #senseilife #karatedenver

🆂🅴🅴 🆈🅾🆄 🅽🅴🆇🆃 🆈🅴🅰🆁! 👊
💥 High Caliber Denver sends a huge THANK YOU for making this year’s event the best one yet!

🎥 Relive the action with this incredible video by Ricardo Larroche with JRL - a true highlight of the tournament! @jrlarroche

🇺🇸 History in the making! This was the first USA Karate-sanctioned event of 2025, and we’re beyond grateful for the National Karate Federation’s support @usakarate . Your backing helped us take this event to the next level. #LevelUp

👫🫶💃🏼 Team Okinawa - you are simply the best! This wouldn’t have been possible without you.

🕺 Referees & Judges - your exceptional performance kept the competition at the highest standard. Domo Arigato Gozaimashita!

👨‍⚕️⛑️👩‍⚕️ To our dedicated medical team - Mile High Internal Medicine, thank you for ensuring every athlete received top-notch care. @ermin.kreso

🌺 A touch of beauty! The stunning floral arrangements at the podium and VIP table were hard to miss. Huge shoutout to Amanda & Marchello @amanda_theflorist @marchellosfloral did you know those flowers were real? 🫶

We extend our gratitude to all Coaches, Senseis, Athletes, and club owners who supported our tournament this year!

This year was nothing short of phenomenal! A special shoutout to our amazing Karate Brothers, Vitaly and Alex Padalka, our diligent team manager Laura Hansen @lauraj_hansen , and our operations manager Arturo Fuentes @the_fuga_studio . To all the volunteers, staff, and supporters—your invaluable efforts made this celebration of karate possible. We’re deeply grateful, and your hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed!

🎨Shoutout to our amazing designer, Andrew Moroz @maroscreative His eye-catching designs truly elevated the event.
🥇 A special thank you to Sensei Paco Gomez @pacogomez21 the master of production, who helped bring it all to life!

🔒 Commitment to excellence! We upheld the highest standards by ensuring all officials, coaches, 18+ athletes, and even medics completed SafeSport training.

🔥 We’ll see you again next year!

#dreamteamokinawa #karatebros #highcaliberdenver #usakarate #okinawadojo #senseilife #karatedenver
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Happy birthday Sensei Alex, happy birthday Brother!
You are a great man, a talented teacher, an amazing father and husband, a remarkable son, an exceptional friend, and the best brother I could possibly imagine!
I love you and wish you to be happy 🫶
Enjoy every day of life, achieve new heights, and continue making a difference!
Proud to be your brother ❤️
Have a magical birthday!!!#HappyBirthday #SenseiLife #KarateBros

Happy birthday Sensei Alex, happy birthday Brother!
You are a great man, a talented teacher, an amazing father and husband, a remarkable son, an exceptional friend, and the best brother I could possibly imagine!
I love you and wish you to be happy 🫶
Enjoy every day of life, achieve new heights, and continue making a difference!
Proud to be your brother ❤️
Have a magical birthday!!!

#HappyBirthday #SenseiLife #KarateBros
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𝙃𝙞𝙜𝙝 𝘾𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝘿𝙚𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙧 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣We had a pleasure of having USA Karate athlete of the year and a Double Pan American champion - Isabela Sanchez @isa.karate at the High Caliber Denver karate championships.This young lady is a great example of true karateka and an awesome person overall.
Congratulations on your strong performance, Isa! 🔥
Btw, next year we will have weight divisions 😉Of course, congratulations to a proud father Sensei Luis Sanchez @luisblackbelt and @floridakarateclubs#karatebros #dreamteamokinawa #highcaliberdenver #senseilife #usakarate #denverhighcaliber #karatedenver #interview🎥 @jrlarroche

𝙃𝙞𝙜𝙝 𝘾𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝘿𝙚𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙧 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣

We had a pleasure of having USA Karate athlete of the year and a Double Pan American champion - Isabela Sanchez @isa.karate at the High Caliber Denver karate championships.

This young lady is a great example of true karateka and an awesome person overall.
Congratulations on your strong performance, Isa! 🔥
Btw, next year we will have weight divisions 😉

Of course, congratulations to a proud father Sensei Luis Sanchez @luisblackbelt and @floridakarateclubs

#karatebros #dreamteamokinawa #highcaliberdenver #senseilife #usakarate #denverhighcaliber #karatedenver #interview

🎥 @jrlarroche
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𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝟐 🇺🇸
𝐔𝐒𝐀 𝐊𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐀𝐌𝐏 &
𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐂𝐀𝐌𝐏 👊A huge thank you to the incredible instructors—Luis Sanchez @luisblackbelt , Kamran Madani @coach._kam , and Eduard Sagilyan @eduard_sagilyan_  for sharing their expertise and passion!Both studios were buzzing with energy, determination, and a deep love for karate. So many talented athletes came together, eager to learn, grow, and take their skills to the next level. You all are truly inspiring!There are no shortcuts to success—only discipline, commitment, and dedication will take you to the top!Okinawa Dojo was proud to welcome High Caliber Denver participants, Region 2 karateka, and guests from across the country.HOSTS:
Vitaly Padalka @vitalyokinawa
Alex Padalka @alexokinawaLet’s keep pushing forward! 💪🥋🔥#karate #USAkarate #noshortcuts #discipline #commitment #dedication
#HighCaliberDenver #dreamteamokinawa #karatebros #senseilife #karatedenver

𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝟐 🇺🇸
𝐔𝐒𝐀 𝐊𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐀𝐌𝐏 &
𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐂𝐀𝐌𝐏 👊

A huge thank you to the incredible instructors—Luis Sanchez @luisblackbelt , Kamran Madani @coach._kam , and Eduard Sagilyan @eduard_sagilyan_ for sharing their expertise and passion!

Both studios were buzzing with energy, determination, and a deep love for karate. So many talented athletes came together, eager to learn, grow, and take their skills to the next level. You all are truly inspiring!

There are no shortcuts to success—only discipline, commitment, and dedication will take you to the top!

Okinawa Dojo was proud to welcome High Caliber Denver participants, Region 2 karateka, and guests from across the country.

HOSTS:
Vitaly Padalka @vitalyokinawa
Alex Padalka @alexokinawa

Let’s keep pushing forward! 💪🥋🔥

#karate #USAkarate #noshortcuts #discipline #commitment #dedication
#HighCaliberDenver #dreamteamokinawa #karatebros #senseilife #karatedenver
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🕴️👏
Huge thank you to the team of professional Referees and Judges, whose dedication and passion for the sport elevated this year’s event!
The High Caliber Denver 2025 was a success thanks to all of you.𝟒𝟑 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥:
6 WKF, 8 PKF, 2 International, 27 USA karate licensed officials𝐖𝐊𝐅 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬:
Chief Referee Fariba Madani
Cyrus Madani
Jay Farrell
Jorge Caro
Dejan Miloshevski
Vincent Garcia𝐏𝐊𝐅 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬:
Jony Martinez
Julius Parniczky
Mark Lingl
Francisco Gomez
Henry Barnabei
Brandie Robinson
Jordan Fox
Sergey Kushnir𝐑𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬:
Noël Nkuranyabahizi𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬:
Rony Rodriguez𝐔𝐒𝐀 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬:
John Bolosan
Candice Tsutsui
Marius Gilca
David Munden
Kamran Madani
Alberto Pereda
Robert Yegikyan
Daniel Meshkov
Anton Livits
Martin Gissa
Kerstin Harring
Daniel Skhisov
Kieu Vu
Yusupov Ali
Andrew Chu
Michelle Miska
Sam Robinson
Helen Cartwright
Tyson House
Eric Ohm
Gino Moraga
Kevin Thomas
Ade Lau
Philippe Lepercq
Ashton Levine
Gonzalo Cubillos
Sokhibdzhon Salimdzhanov@usakarate
#usakarate #officials #referees #judges
#highcaliberdenver #Karatebros

🕴️👏
Huge thank you to the team of professional Referees and Judges, whose dedication and passion for the sport elevated this year’s event!
The High Caliber Denver 2025 was a success thanks to all of you.

𝟒𝟑 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥:
6 WKF, 8 PKF, 2 International, 27 USA karate licensed officials

𝐖𝐊𝐅 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬:
Chief Referee Fariba Madani
Cyrus Madani
Jay Farrell
Jorge Caro
Dejan Miloshevski
Vincent Garcia

𝐏𝐊𝐅 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬:
Jony Martinez
Julius Parniczky
Mark Lingl
Francisco Gomez
Henry Barnabei
Brandie Robinson
Jordan Fox
Sergey Kushnir

𝐑𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬:
Noël Nkuranyabahizi

𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬:
Rony Rodriguez

𝐔𝐒𝐀 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬:
John Bolosan
Candice Tsutsui
Marius Gilca
David Munden
Kamran Madani
Alberto Pereda
Robert Yegikyan
Daniel Meshkov
Anton Livits
Martin Gissa
Kerstin Harring
Daniel Skhisov
Kieu Vu
Yusupov Ali
Andrew Chu
Michelle Miska
Sam Robinson
Helen Cartwright
Tyson House
Eric Ohm
Gino Moraga
Kevin Thomas
Ade Lau
Philippe Lepercq
Ashton Levine
Gonzalo Cubillos
Sokhibdzhon Salimdzhanov

@usakarate
#usakarate #officials #referees #judges
#highcaliberdenver #Karatebros
...

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