Sifu Dmitry Attends Martial Arts Museum Hall of Fame Award Ceremony in Glendale

Glendale. Sifu Dmitry had the honor of attending a special martial arts community event — the prestigious Hall of Fame Award Ceremony hosted by the Martial Arts History Museum.

The evening became not only a celebration of excellence in martial arts, but also a meaningful reunion with longtime friends, colleagues, and respected members of the martial arts community. Events like this remind practitioners that martial arts extend far beyond training halls — they represent lifelong friendships, shared values, and dedication to preserving tradition.

Each year, the Museum proudly hosts its Hall of Fame Awards at its new facility, recognizing individuals whose lifelong contributions have significantly influenced martial arts culture, education, and leadership. This year’s ceremony honored four distinguished inductees, all recipients of the Museum’s highest distinction — the Funakoshi Award, named after legendary karate founder Gichin Funakoshi.

2026 Hall of Fame Inductees

The evening celebrated the achievements of:
• Lady Lallaine Reed
• Mario Prado
• David L. Reed
• David Ortiz

Each inductee has demonstrated exceptional dedication to martial arts development, education, and community service, earning one of the most respected recognitions within the martial arts world.

The ceremony was led by Museum President Michael Matsuda, whose passion and professionalism brought warmth and inspiration to the evening. His leadership continues to unite martial artists from diverse disciplines while preserving the rich history and philosophy of the arts.

For Sifu Dmitry, the event was especially meaningful — an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, celebrate shared accomplishments, and witness the continued growth of the martial arts community in Southern California.

Moments like these reinforce an important truth: martial arts are not only about technique and skill, but about respect, heritage, and the people who dedicate their lives to passing knowledge to future generations.