Creating Excellence in the Martial Arts

In 1999, Elder Grand Master Steve Spry and Sifu Lyn Walker formed the Masters Hall of Fame with the help of Sifu N. Neil Hardin, Soke David Dye and Sifu Sandra Amason. Their mission was to recognize martial artists from around the world for their contributions and achievements in the martial arts community. The first Masters Hall of Fame was held at the Sheraton Hotel in the City of Newport Beach, California in 2000. Prior to the first event, seminars and tournaments were held to kick off the first year. The competition was held at the Bren Events Center at the University of Irvine, which included demonstrations in all forms of martial arts. Prizes were awarded to first place winners and the Champions received the Masters Champion Ring.

In the years to follow, the Masters Hall of Fame hosted Seminars and the Annual Masters Hall of Fame Dinner Event. Each year there were different Martial Arts demonstrations, Hawaiian Dancers, Taiko Drummers along with the Awards Presentations. Legends such as Dan Ivan, Bob Wall, Richard Rabago, Fumio Demura, Eric Lee, Benny 'The Jet' Urquidez, Richard Sanchez, Richard Nunez, 'Ôlohe Solomon Kaihewalu, 'Big John' McCarthy, Don 'The Dragon' Wilson, UFC Champion Randy Couture, Legendary Fred Brewster, Bob White and others graced the event with their presence.

In 2006 the Masters took on a new leader as the C.E.O., Hanshi Daniel Hect. With the new leadership came new ideas and a more progressive approach to recognizing excellence in the Martial Arts community. Today, the Masters continues to host the annual awards event in conjunction with seminars and demonstrations to enhance the Martial Arts community.

The Masters Hall of Fame works in conjunction with the Academy of Masters organization to recognize recognize individuals of all ages for their life long study and devotion to the Martial Arts.

In 2011, the Masters is celebrating its 12th year recognizing outstanding Martial Artists from around the world. This year's event will be held in conjunction with the Disney Martial Arts Festival at the Disneyland^® Resort.

The Disney Martial Arts Festival will be held June 24-26, 2011 at the Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California and the Masters Hall of Fame will be held on June 25, 2011.

Please join us as we celebrate the outstanding individuals of our Martial Arts community.