ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA — Master Barry Shackelford of Arlington, Virginia, has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious 2026 G.O.A.T. Honors (Greatest of All Time) Martial Arts Award, recognizing his lifetime of leadership, teaching excellence, and outstanding contributions to the martial arts profession.
The G.O.A.T. Honors Awards, founded by Grand Master Lawrence Arthur, recognize martial artists from around the world whose dedication, service, and commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact on their students, communities, and the martial arts industry.
Master Barry Shackelford is the Co-Owner, President, and Master Instructor of Jhoon Rhee Arlington, one of the most respected martial arts schools in the United States. Beginning his martial arts journey in 1978, he earned his first black belt in 1982 before continuing his training under the legendary Grand Master Jhoon Rhee lineage. Today he holds the rank of 7th Dan Black Belt and has spent more than four decades teaching and mentoring thousands of students.
In addition to his accomplishments as an instructor, Master Shackelford holds degrees in Psychology and Counseling Psychology and previously worked as a Licensed Professional Counselor before dedicating himself full-time to martial arts education. Throughout his competitive career, he achieved national recognition as one of the country’s top competitors in both Korean Forms and Super-Lightweight Sparring, earning numerous championships and helping develop many nationally recognized martial artists.
Under his leadership, Jhoon Rhee Arlington has become one of the premier martial arts academies in the nation, known for its commitment to excellence in instruction, character development, and community service. His influence has extended well beyond the dojo through leadership, mentorship, and his unwavering dedication to preserving the traditions and values of martial arts.
“Master Barry Shackelford represents the very best of what the G.O.A.T. Honors celebrate,” said Grand Master Lawrence Arthur, Founder of the G.O.A.T. Honors. “His lifelong commitment to teaching, leadership, and developing future generations of martial artists has earned him tremendous respect throughout our profession. We are honored to recognize his remarkable achievements.”
The G.O.A.T. Honors Awards celebrate martial artists whose influence reaches far beyond the training floor through education, mentorship, leadership, and service. Recipients are nominated by their peers and selected for their enduring impact on the martial arts community.
For additional information about the G.O.A.T. Honors Awards, please visit www.goathonors.org.
Media Contact
Grand Master Lawrence Arthur
Founder, G.O.A.T. Honors
Email: info@goathonors.org
Website: www.goathonors.org