Ten Time National Champion and International Karate Coach Inspiring a New Generation of Fighters

In the world of martial arts—where sweat, grit, and discipline speak louder than victory shouts—Vicky Kumar Yadav, one of the best karate coaches in India, has carved his legacy not only in medals but also in resilience. A ten-time national karate champion, international medalist, and professional karate instructor in India, his journey demonstrates what it means to fight life’s battles—inside and outside the ring.

Representing India across the globe, he has earned international recognition and a world ranking. But beyond personal triumphs, his greatest contribution lies in mentoring the next generation and building karate institutions and training centers in India that strengthen the country’s martial arts movement.

Credentials & Leadership Roles

• National Karate Team Coach

• Asian Coach License Holder – Asian Karate Federation

• Founder – Martial Arts Association of India (MAAI) Karate & CrossFit

• Director – The Open Sports Talks Channel

• Founder – India Open International Karate Championship

• 4-Time World Championship Participant

• Finalist – Asian Games (2010)

• Representative – South Asian Games & South Asian Karate Championships

• Representative – Commonwealth Karate Championships

• Competitor – 34th National Games, Asian Seiko Kai Karate Championship, National Senior Karate Championships

• 10-Time National Champion

• International Medalist—including International Indian Youth Games (2012)

“True champions are not defined only by medals, but by the spirit to rise, rebuild, and inspire.”

Forged in the Dojo

For Vicky, karate was never about chasing trophies—it was a way of life. Drawn to its discipline and philosophy as a boy, he immersed himself in the traditional schools of Shito-Ryu, Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, and Wado-Ryu, where he learned that strength lies not just in strikes, but in patience, respect, and resilience.

“Karate taught me that strength isn’t in the punch—it’s in the patience to keep training when no one is watching.”

Through relentless dedication, he went on to achieve some of the highest global credentials in martial arts:

• 5th Dan Black Belt – World Karate Federation (IOC-recognized)
• 5th Dan Black Belt – Karate Association of India (Govt. of India & IOA-recognized)
• 5th Dan Black Belt – Karate India Organisation (KIO, WKF-affiliated)
• 5th Dan Black Belt – Seiko Kai Karate-Do International India
• 5th Dan Black Belt – All Japan Seiko Kai Karate-Do International (JKF & WKF member)
• 4th Dan Black Belt – Canada Shito Ryu Seiko Kai Karate-Do International 

1st Dan Black Belt – Itosu-Kai Japan

His dedication led him to earn some of the world’s most respected martial arts credentials, including multiple 5th Dan Black Belts recognized by the World Karate Federation, the Karate India Organisation, and international federations across Japan, Canada, and beyond.

By his twenties, he had already transcended being just a competitor. He became a pillar of Indian karate—fighter, mentor, and institution builder. Today, as an accredited national coach with the Karate India Organisation, he continues shaping India’s martial arts future.

Comebacks That Define Vicky Kumar Yadav

Vicky’s career is not just a record of victories—it is a saga of resilience. Every setback became the foundation of a stronger comeback.

• 2007—First Injury & Breakthrough
  A serious leg injury nearly ended his career before it began. Yet within an hour of recovery, he stunned everyone with a gold medal at the Nationals, securing his place on India’s World Championship team.

  “I don’t fight to win. I fight because rising after pain is the only way I know how to live.”

• 2009—The Leg Injury Return
  Just six months after surgery, he made a roaring comeback at the National Championship, clinching gold and proving his spirit unbreakable.

• 2011 – Battling the Giants at the Commonwealths
  Facing a top-ranked British fighter in sudden-death overtime, he didn’t make the final but earned a standing ovation for his fearless counterattacks.

  “That moment wasn’t about medals. It was about proving that grit beats reputation.”

• 2012–2013—From Silver to Golden Redemption
  After a silver at the Malaysia International Youth Games, he returned at the Asia Cup Karate Championship (2013) to claim two golds with a flawless ura-mawashi geri.

  “Every medal I’ve won is a reminder that hard work, not shortcuts, builds champions.”

Achievements of Vicky Kumar Yadav in Karate

International Highlights

• Represented India at the World Karate Championship, Istanbul (2007)

• 2 Silver Medals – Asian Seiko Kai Karate Championship, New Delhi (2008)

• Represented India – South Asian Games, Dhaka (2010)

• Selected – 16th Asian Games, Guangzhou, China (2010)

• Represented India – Commonwealth Karate Championships, Australia (2011)

• Represented India – Asian Senior & Junior Championships, China (2011)

• Silver Medal – 3rd International Indian Youth Games, Malaysia (2012)

• 2 Gold Medals – Asia Cup Karate Championship (2013)

National Highlights

• 10-Time National Champion

• Gold & Best Fighter Award – All India Seiko Kai Karate Championship

• Multiple Delhi State Golds (2004–2011)

• Multiple National Gold Medals (2004–2014)

• Career-defining gold comeback – 9th Delhi State Karate Championship (2009)

• Champion of Champions – Talkatora Indoor Stadium, Delhi

Vicky Kumar Yadav as National Coach and Mentor

Vicky’s vision extends beyond his own medals—he is determined to build a culture of martial arts in India. His coaching style blends discipline, psychology, and strategy, producing champions who fight with both skill and spirit.

National Coaching Roles

• Coach—Delhi State Team, Dehradun (2023)—Led men’s kumite to gold

• National Team Coach & Manager – Asian Karate Championship, Malaysia (2023)

• National Coach – South Asian Karate Championship, Nepal (2023)

• National Coach – South Asian Karate Championship, Bhutan (2024)

• National Team Coach – Asian Karate Championship, Philippines (2024)

In Kathmandu 2023, India faced Nepal in a nail-biting final. Before the match, Vicky told his team:
“Fight not for medals, fight for each other.”
India won by a single point, and for the first time, the stoic coach broke down in tears.

Vicky Kumar Yadav Training India’s Future Champions

Beyond sport, Vicky has trained India’s defense and police forces:

• Central Coach – Assam Rifles Karate Team (2010–2011)

• Self-Defense Coach – Delhi Police (2012–2013)

• Senior Instructor – CISF Karate Team (2022)

• Senior Coach – Paramilitary Forces (Contract Basis)

“When you train the forces, you’re not just preparing them to fight—you’re teaching them to protect with precision and pride.”

Fitness Evangelist – Beyond the Ring

For Vicky, fitness is not seasonal—it is a way of life. He founded Runbaaz Athletes, a community promoting running, cycling, and wellness as everyday practices, not temporary goals.

Running & Cycling Highlights

• 100 Days Running Challenge finisher

• Dil Ki Daud, Hindustan Marathon, Delhi IDBI Marathon (2023)

• Run for Women Power – G20 Awareness Run (2023)

• Airtel Run & Apollo Run, Delhi (2024)

• 50 km Cycling Rides – Tiger Run Ride & Save Water Ride (2023)

“Fitness is not a phase—it’s a lifestyle. That’s what I live and teach.”

Builder of Institutions

Through federations and championships, Vicky has worked tirelessly to professionalize karate in India.

• Organizing Chairman – Delhi Open National Karate Championship (2018)

• Organizing Director – India Open International Karate Championship (2023)

• Organizing Committee Member – South Asian Senior Karate Championship (2011)

• Organizing Committee Member – KAI Senior National Karate-Do Championship (2012)

• Organizing Committee Member – Independence Cup All India Karate-Do Championship (2012)

• Technical Secretary – Seiko Kai Karate-Do International India

Vicky Kumar Yadav has karate and Self-Defence training centres at different places in Delhi and across India, where he, along with his students and associated coaches, trains children in karate. Many of these students compete at national and international levels, winning medals for India and bringing glory to both themselves and their country.

In the Media Spotlight

His journey has been featured on:
History Channel (Human Weapon), Discovery Channel (Extreme Martial Arts), NDTV Good Times, Doordarshan, Shakti TV, Hong Kong Satellite TV

Print & Digital: Hindustan Times, The Hindu, Times of India, India Today, Amar Ujala, Dainik Jagran, Punjab Kesari, Dainik Bhaskar, CMA Times

“From dojos to television screens, I share my journey not for fame, but to inspire the next generation.”

What His Students Say

• Radhika Saini (Delhi Team Bronze Medalist, 2023):
  “I was ready to quit after losses. But Sir believed in me when I didn’t. That belief changed everything.”
• Aakash Sharma (South Asian Gold Medalist, 2023):
  “When Coach called us family, I felt stronger than ever. That moment still drives me.”
• Abha Singh  (CISF Karate Unit):
  “I came in as a cadet. I left feeling like a soldier—with honor and purpose. His training stays with you forever Vicky sir made me world champion in world Police Games 
• Neha Gupta (Runbaaz Athlete):
  “I couldn’t run a kilometer. Now I’ve done 10Ks and 50K cycling rides. Coach Vicky didn’t just change my body—he changed my mindset.”
• Shameeksha Sharu (Student):
  “I was bullied until I joined his class. Now I teach self-defense to girls. He gave me confidence no one else could.”

Gehna Bansal (Student): “I was a 1st Student of Vicky Sir and he made me National & International karate champion

Legacy in Motion

Even after decades of victories, Vicky sees himself as a student first. With upcoming assignments as National Head Coach in Bhutan (2024) and at the Asian Championship in the Philippines (2024), his mission only grows stronger.

“Martial arts isn’t just about fighting—it’s about finding yourself through discipline, respect, and relentless effort.”
“I don’t just coach fighters—I coach fighters for life.”

From local dojos to global stages, from classrooms to championship arenas, Vicky Kumar Yadav continues to build not just champions but a culture of courage, fitness, and empowerment for India’s future.

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