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.
Bryan College announces two members of its Martial Arts Academy were honored with awards at the 2025 Isshinryu Hall of Fame held July 18–19 in Gatlinburg.
"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," officials said.
David Holcomb won Sensei of Senseis.
Officials said, "Mr.
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, Mr. 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 won Male Instructor of the Year:
Officials said, "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, Mr. 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 Mr. 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."
Members of the Bryan College Martial Arts Team also competed in the tournament over the weekend with the following results:
Zak Barnes placed:
• 1st – Men’s 30–44 Black Belt Shodan–Godan Kumite; and
• 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; and
• Named Kata Grand Champion and Kumite Grand Champion, outperforming all female black belts across
age and rank.
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; and
• 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," officials said. "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.