Written By: Lauren Kearney
After twenty years of competition Kalman Csoka says farewell.
Alpharetta, November 15, 2011: In early October, Kalman Csoka took the stage at the 34th Diamond Nationals for what would be his last performance at a North American Sport Karate Association, NASKA, World competition event. Earlier in 2011 Csoka announced his retirement would take place at the Diamond Nationals in October. Csoka’s legacy will be remembered not just for what he did on stage or in the ring, but the person he was outside of the ring as well. His story is one few know but that has seen so much adversity over the course of his career. Over twenty years he’s seen two career threatening injuries and despite it all persevered to become not only the competitor but the person he is today!
Kalman Csoka spent the better part of the 1990‘s competing and came from the bottom to be among the top contenders as a junior in early 2000’s. After overcoming a back injury he was able to compete for several years and made a name for himself as an individual forms competitor and as part of a synchronized team. In 2005 his second potentially career ending injury would force him to start his path to the top again. After years of working and developing his skills and despite his incredible comeback after a back injury and a knee injury, Csoka was able to elevate himself to become one of the most dominant adult sword practitioners on the NASKA circuit. His biggest claim to fame would come in 2007 at the Diamond Nationals when he released his revolutionary double sword routine. In November of 2008, Kalman was asked to be a part of Team Paul Mitchell Karate; a childhood dream come true for Csoka.
Kalman has since gone on to win every major World Tour event and be the only competitor to win four consecutive ISKA World Weapons Titles and the first competitor to win four Diamond Nationals Overall Adult Weapons Diamond Rings. Kalman is pursuing a degree in medicine and after twenty years of competing is focusing on his students, his business Elite Martial Arts in Alpharetta, Georgia and his studies. He is not only a success story and certainly a competitor of competitors but his demeanor both in and out of the ring is one that will truly be missed. “As good as his performances have been and they have been some of the best the sport has ever seen, they take a distant second to his character, his humility and team attitude” said, Chris Rappold, Executive Director of Team Paul Mitchell Karate. Kalman graciously left the NASKA World event stage with more than just incredible performances to remember him by. And while his journey has come to a conclusion, he can now welcome his another family member, his niece Audrie Donihoo, to join his stepson Austin, to the Team Paul Mitchell family. Kalman and his story are truly remarkable and we wish him the best in his next phase of life. Thank you for your dedication to our team and the sport and while you will be missed your impact and passion for this sport will never be forgotten.