When Taekwondo Strikes

With over four decades of dedication to the martial arts, Tuhon Apolo Ladra stands as a beacon of excellence and innovation in the field. His illustrious journey began with Korean Karate in his homeland of the Philippines, where he quickly rose to prominence as the top-ranked Eastern Regional Champion in the 1980s.

Master Apolo's pursuit of mastery led him to the international stage, where he dominated in sport karate circuits, securing over 100 first-place trophies and grand championship titles. His remarkable achievements culminated in being named Instructor of the Year and Master of Tae Kwon Do by the prestigious Jae Kim Institute of Tae Kwon Do for four consecutive years.

Undeterred by success, Master Apolo's thirst for knowledge and growth led him to expand his expertise under the tutelage of Grandmaster Ernie Reyes and Grandmaster William Clark, earning additional Tae Kwon Do Mastership and excelling in combat weapons training.

However, it was Master Apolo's profound connection to his Filipino heritage that truly ignited his passion. Under the mentorship of Grand Tuhon Leo T. Gaje Jr., he achieved the rank of Master in Pekti Tirsia Kali and became a trailblazer in promoting the Filipino Martial Art of Kali on a global scale.

Master Apolo's visionary leadership led to the founding of iKALI and the World Kali Association (WKA), organizations dedicated to standardizing curriculum and spreading the indigenous art of the Philippines worldwide. Through the WKA, he has empowered countless students, instructors, and school owners, providing real-time resources and personalized instruction through distance learning courses.

As the founder of the Filipino Kali Academy network and its Interactive Virtual University counterpart, Master Apolo has established official training locations worldwide, with certified instructors teaching the iKALI Curriculum. His "Learn to Teach, Teach to Learn" philosophy has fostered countless young leaders, creating a global community united by a passion for martial arts.

Master Apolo's impact extends far beyond the dojo, with his influence recognized through numerous accolades, including inductions into the Black Belt Magazine's Hall of Fame and the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame. His undefeated record in full-contact stick bouts and pioneering efforts in bringing Filipino Martial Arts to the forefront of the industry further solidify his legacy as a true master of his craft.

As he continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of martial artists, Master Apolo Ladra remains a shining example of dedication, perseverance, and the transformative power of martial arts.