Paladin Partners with Shihan Dennis Morales to Launch Inclusive Kyokushin Karate Experience

Michigan City, IN —Paladin, Inc. is proud to announce a unique new partnership with Shihan
Dennis Morales, Godan of the Southwest Academy of Kyokushinkai Karate, to bring structured
martial arts training directly into its programs serving individuals with developmental
disabilities.

This initiative introduces a rare opportunity: participants will be trained in traditional
Kyokushin karate through a curriculum thoughtfully adapted by Shihan Morales himself, who
is personally dedicating his time to instructing the class. Assisting with the program is Sensei
Ted Kolcz, a Shodan-ranked assistant instructor, who will also be supporting instruction at
Paladin as the initiative begins.

The program is designed to open doors to an experience many participants may never have
had access to before, structured martial arts training rooted in discipline, respect, physical
movement, and personal growth. Participants will train in a setting that treats them as martial
artists first, focusing on what they can do, building confidence through repetition, structure,
and achievement. At the conclusion of the program, participants will receive certificates of completion recognizing their effort, commitment, and progress.

Shihan Dennis Morales brings over 25 years of combined experience in studying and teaching
Kyokushin karate, a full-contact traditional Japanese style founded by Sosai Mas Oyama. The
Southwest Academy of Kyokushinkai Karate in La Porte carries forward a 59-year lineage of
training rooted in discipline, fitness, self-defense, and character development.
Speaking about the program, Shihan Morales shared:
“Here at the dojo, we train as a family. We work with lifting each other up. The path we take
when we train in martial arts is not an easy one, however, it is a rewarding one. I look forward
to helping others grow in their martial arts journey. Osu!”
Paladin leadership emphasized the significance of bringing an experience like this into a
disability services environment.

“This is not a modified activity. It’s a real martial arts experience made accessible in a way that
honors the people we serve,” said Steve Hobby, Paladin President/CEO. “It exposes individuals
to something they may not even know exists for them. And now it does.”
The program reflects a shared vision between Paladin and Shihan Morales: that individuals
with developmental disabilities should have access to the same structured, meaningful, and
identity-building experiences as anyone else in the community—including disciplines like
martial arts that emphasize respect, perseverance, and personal mastery.
Participants will train alongside one another in a supportive environment that prioritizes
growth, dignity, and challenge in equal measure.

The Southwest Academy of Kyokushinkai Karate is currently located in La Porte, Indiana,
and has expanded into a larger facility at 111 J. Street to accommodate growing interest. The
dojo offers instruction for children, youth, and adults and remains committed to preserving
the traditional teachings of Kyokushin karate while expanding access to the broader
community.