Bryan College Martial Arts Program Honored at 2025 Isshinryu Hall of Fame

Honoring Excellence in Leadership and Instruction

Bryan College is proud to announce that two members of its Martial Arts Academy were honored with prestigious awards at the 2025 Isshinryu Hall of Fame, held July 18–19 in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. David Holcomb, Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Affairs, received the Don Nagle Sensei of Sensei Award, and Zachary Barnes, Director of the Martial Arts Academy, was named Male Instructor of the Year.

These recognitions reflect not only technical excellence and instructional leadership in Isshinryu Karate but also the deep personal integrity and service-minded leadership that are hallmarks of Bryan College’s mission: Educating students to become servants of Christ to make a difference in today’s world.

David Holcomb – Sensei of Senseis

David Holcomb (’94), founder and director of the Bryan College Martial Arts Academy, was honored with the Don Nagle Sensei of Sensei Award, presented to martial arts instructors of the highest rank and distinction. Recipients must hold at least a Roku-Dan (6th-degree black belt), mentor multiple generations of black belts, and model lifelong learning and exemplary character.

As a Bryan alumnus and Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Affairs, Holcomb has played a pivotal role in strengthening the college’s mission and expanding its reach. Since founding the Martial Arts Academy in 2016, he has cultivated a Christ-centered community of discipline, honor, and service. His influence—marked by innovation, humility, and courage—extends into the broader community, shaping students and leaders.

Zak Barnes – Male Instructor of the Year

Zachary “Zak” Barnes, in his fifth year as Director of the Bryan College Martial Arts Academy, was recognized as the Male Instructor of the Year. A 4th-degree black belt (San Dan) in Isshinryu Karate, Barnes has emerged as a passionate educator and leader. The award highlights his integrity, perseverance, and commitment to developing students of strong moral and spiritual character.

Under Barnes’s guidance, the Academy continues to thrive as a space where martial arts excellence is fused with Christian discipleship. He is known among students and colleagues as a living example of honor, loyalty, and fortitude—core values that echo the mission of Bryan College.

Tournament Success at the Isshinryu Hall of Fame

Members of the Bryan College Martial Arts Team also competed in the tournament over the weekend with outstanding results:

Zak Barnes placed:

• 1st – Men’s 30–44 Black Belt Shodan–Godan Kumite
• 3rd – Men’s 30–44 Black Belt Shodan–Godan Kata

Camille Holly earned:

• 1st – Women’s 18–29 Black Belt Shodan–Godan Weapons
• 1st – Kata and Kumite divisions for Women’s 18–29 Black Belt Sandan–Godan
• 1st – Black Belt Kata and Kumite Grand Champion Run-Offs
• Named Kata Grand Champion and Kumite Grand Champion, outperforming all female black belts across age and rank

Representing Team USA in Oslo

Several members of the Bryan College Martial Arts Team will represent the United States at the 14th Semi-Annual World Games, to be held in Oslo, Norway, in Fall 2025:

• Scott Shamblin (Grand Master, 9th Degree in Isshinryu) – Assistant Coach
• David Holcomb (Master, 6th Degree in Isshinryu) – Team Chaplain & Assistant Coach; competing in Kata and Team Kata
• Camille Holly (4th Degree in Isshinryu) – Athlete; competing in Kata, Weapons, Kumite, and Self-Defense
• Chloe Lyles (2nd Degree in American Karate) – Athlete; competing in Kata, Weapons, and Kumite
• Asia Holcomb (Brown Belt in Isshinryu) – Athlete; competing in Kata, Weapons, Kumite, and Team Kata

This global event brings together top martial artists from around the world and offers an extraordinary opportunity for Bryan students and coaches to represent both their college and their country on the international stage.

The Bryan College Martial Arts Academy stands out as a unique expression of the college’s mission. Through rigorous training, mentorship, and community engagement, the program instills in students a sense of discipline, leadership, and Christ-like service.

To learn more about the Bryan College Martial Arts Program, visit bryan.edu/martialarts.