Meet Our Instructors

Senpai Saif Almodares (Nidan)

Senpai Saif is a lifelong martial artist with over two decades of experience in traditional and full-contact disciplines. He began his martial arts journey at a young age under the guidance of his father, Salah Almodares, one of the pioneering judo instructors in Iraq. This early foundation instilled in him strong technical discipline and respect for martial arts tradition.

He later resumed formal judo training in Baghdad under Dhia Raheem, one of his father’s senior students. During his teenage years in the early 1990s, Saif expanded his combat experience by training in kickboxing with the Tigers Team, led by Ali Abdulkareem.

In 1998, he transitioned to Kyokushin Karate, training at The Strength Dojo in Baghdad under Shihan Hamid Alrubaie. His dedication and performance led to the achievement of Sho-dan (1st Dan) in 2001.

Continuing his development, Saif joined Shinkyokushin Karate in 2004 at the Oyama Dojo in Baghdad, under Shihan Ayad Alkhafaji. In recognition of his long-term commitment, technical proficiency, and contribution to the art, he was awarded Ni-dan (2nd Dan).