Martial Arts America

Founded in 1975, Martial Arts America has continued to be the longest

operated martial arts studio in Galveston.  It has been recognized

as one of the top martial arts studios in the nation both in instruction

and competitive endeavors. 

Owner/Senior Master Instructor

Master Ishmael Robles
Tae Kwon Do & Kickboxing
A life long Galvestonian, Ishmael Robles is a 7th Degree Master Instructor in Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do. One of the best sport karate competitors from Texas, Master Robles is a two-time United States Lightweight Champion. He was rated the #1 Lightweight in the world by the World Journal of Martial Arts and captained the Texas Karate team, which won 3 consecutive U.S. Team titles. As a professional kick boxer he won 2 (PKA/WKA) United States Welterweight Championships and in 1983 captured the KICK World Welterweight Title on ABC Wide World of Entertainment. He retired in 1985 with a professional record of 27—3 with 19 KO’s. His students include Golden Greek award winner Master Al Garza, 7-time World Kick Boxing Champion Cliff "Magic" Thomas, World Kick Boxing and IBF World Boxing champion Troy Dorsey, 21 time NBL World Champion Regina Thompson and Judge Roy Moore — former Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court.  He served on the board and as president of the Amateur Organization of Karate and was a national promoter for the National Black Belt League.  Master Robles' instructor is 10th Degree Grand Master Jhoon Rhee, considered the Father of American Tae Kwon Do.  

Community Involvement
Master Robles was recognized in 1981 and 1991 as the “Man of The Year” by the Galveston Chamber of Commerce and is a former president of  the Galveston Boys and Girls Club and Community Action Council. For 4 years he served as the director of recreation and parks for the city of Galveston. He supervised the building of Adeou Park, Schrieber Park and the Lassie League softball complex. He served on the board of Island Youth, which was recognized statewide by Governor George W. Bush.  Master Robles has also served on the boards of the American Heart Association, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, KIWANIS Club, State Bar of Texas Grievance Committee, Galveston Chamber of Commerce, and the Galveston Historical Association.   

Instructors:

Mike Cooper- Black Belt Instructor

Terrance Haynes - Black Belt Instructor

 

 

 

 

Affiliated studios and programs

www.algarza.com

www.armentorskarate.com

www.beasleykarate.com