Draft:Ismael Robles

Ismael Robles
Born	Galveston, Texas, United States
Style	Tae Kwon Do, Kickboxing, Karate
Teacher(s)	Jhoon Rhee, James Stevens, Fred Simon, Ernie Smith
Rank	Black Belt
Years active	1970s–2000s
Other information
Website	<Martial Arts America>

Ismael Robles

Ismael Robles is an American martial artist, kickboxing world champion, and community leader best known for his achievements in karate and kickboxing during the 1970s and 1980s. Recognized as one of the greatest fighters of his era, Robles has been honored both for his athletic accomplishments and his contributions to his hometown of Galveston, Texas.

Early Life and Introduction to Martial Arts Robles began boxing at the age of five in Galveston County, Texas, where he frequently won or placed in local tournaments. Although he aspired to play in the NFL, he shifted his focus to combat sports due to his size. As a teenager, he began competing in adult divisions and soon gained attention for his karate skills, particularly after moving into the brown belt division and defeating top competitors from the Dallas area.

His interest in martial arts deepened at age 17 after witnessing a karate demonstration. Encouraged by a friend, he joined his first dojo under the instruction of Grand Master James Stevens. Robles quickly excelled, winning the beginner men's division at his first tournament after only two weeks of training. While attending Lamar University, he continued his training under Grand Master Fred Simon and later Master Ernie Smith. His most influential instructor was Grand Master Jhoon Rhee, who promoted Robles to both 5th and 6th Dan black belt ranks.

Martial Arts Career

Sport Karate

In the 1970s and early 1980s, Robles was regarded as one of the top karate fighters in the United States. He won the United States Karate Championships twice and was named the number one welterweight fighter by the World Journal of Martial Arts during the 1980s. One of his most notable victories came in 1980 when he defeated the nation’s top-ranked fighter at the Fort Worth Pro-Am.

Kickboxing

Robles transitioned into professional kickboxing, compiling an impressive record of 27 wins, 3 losses, with 19 wins by knockout. He competed in the National Karate League with the Dallas/Fort Worth Texans as a 135-pound flyweight, recording three knockouts in four fights.

His major titles include:

• World Kickboxing Association U.S. Title (1981)

• Professional Karate Association U.S. Title (1982)

• KICK World Title (1983)

Throughout his fighting career, he continued to compete in open karate tournaments, winning two additional U.S. titles and two Fort Worth Pro-Am titles. Known for his aggressive style and first-round knockouts, Robles is often cited among the best fighters from the "Blood and Guts" era of American martial arts.

Honors and Recognition

Named "Man of the Year" by the Galveston Chamber of Commerce in 1982 and again in 1992

Served as President of the Amateur Organization of Karate

Received the Eternal Warrior Award at the Battle of Atlanta tournament, an honor named after world heavyweight champion Joe Lewis

Promoted to 10th Dan Black Belt by Grandmasters Roy Kurban, Pat Burleson, and Allen Steen of the American Karate Black Belt Association

Cited by Chuck Norris as "one of the greatest kickboxers of all time"

Community Leadership

In addition to his martial arts career, Robles has been a prominent community figure in Galveston. From 1995 to 2000, he served as Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Galveston. He also held the role of President of the Galveston County Boys and Girls Club, where he once trained as a young boxer.

Martial Arts America

On March 12, 1975, Robles founded Martial Arts America, a martial arts and kickboxing studio based in Galveston. The school has promoted over 400 black belts and trained numerous state, national, and world champions. Known for its focus on character and academic excellence, Martial Arts America students have earned high academic honors, including several valedictorian and salutatorian titles at local high schools.

In February of 1994, Martial Arts America was named the business of the year by the Galveston Chamber of Commerce, and in 2025, the school celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Later Years

Since 2020, Robles has been semi-retired, continuing to teach a small group of students. Although the school’s membership has declined from its peak in the 1980s and 1990s, Martial Arts America remains active. Future plans include expanding into Brazilian jiu-jitsu and developing a mixed martial arts (MMA) program. A permanent exhibit is also being planned at the Galveston County Museum, honoring Robles as the city's only world kickboxing champion.

See also

• Kickboxing
• Tae Kwon Do
• Jhoon Rhee
• Professional Karate Association
• World Kickboxing Association

External links

• [1] (Official website)