Driven, disciplined, and passionate about karate, Ryan Sigsbee ’27 won gold while representing the United States in Panama at the World Union of Karate-Do Federations (WUKF) Latin American Open Tournament during fall break.
Starting at just five years old, Ryan Sigsbee ’27 devoted himself to karate. Encouraged by his mother, he began competing a year later and spent countless afternoons and evenings training throughout his childhood and into high school—mastering Shorin-ryu karate and earning his black belt at 15. Even as a student at Hampden-Sydney, Ryan continues to pursue his passion on national and international stages, most recently representing the United States—along with 12 other American athletes—in Panama from October 9 to October 12, where he showcased his dedication and competitive spirit.
“When I was in elementary school, I was the karate guy,” Ryan says. “It became such a big part of my identity. Competing and doing well on the international stage really boosted my confidence when I was younger. Honestly, it gave me a sense of self-assurance. At the end of the day, I know I’m good at this, and that’s something I can always hold on to.”
In addition to competing in numerous state and national tournaments, Ryan has competed abroad a handful of times. His first world championship came in 2018 in Scotland at the 7th WUKF World Karate Championship, where he earned both silver and bronze. In 2022, he traveled to Italy, earning silver, and to Romania, where he claimed gold. He has also competed in Japan, further establishing his presence on the global stage.
After qualifying by winning a state tournament in the spring of 2025 and a national tournament in the summer, Ryan was selected as a sponsored Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) athlete to compete in Panama. In the weeks leading up to the WUKF Latin American Open Tournament, he trained with the Hampden-Sydney Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu Clubs, honing his skills through sparring and strengthening his body with weightlifting and running. By carefully monitoring his diet and nutrition, he ensured he was in peak form.
“Honestly, I was a bit nervous about this tournament since I wasn’t training for hours each day like I did in high school due to other responsibilities,” Ryan says. “Still, I made sure I was fully prepared to give it my all. I stayed focused on doing my best, and it reminded me that I’m still capable of what I’ve always done. It was a reassuring reminder that passion and hard work can lead to great results.”
Ryan expressed his gratitude to the AAU for the opportunity to compete amid a busy Hampden-Sydney schedule, emphasizing how meaningful it was to represent the United States on another international stage.
Upon arriving in Panama, Ryan joined nearly 900 competitors from 25 countries, with participants ranging in age from 10 to 60. The scale of the event set the tone immediately, and he was scheduled to compete in the 18 to 34 age group, minus-84-kilogram (185lbs) division.
“We started the tournament with the opening ceremonies, where all the countries came together, music was played, and the teams were introduced,” Ryan says. “We took photos with different teams, and the camaraderie between countries was really great to see. I even connected with one of my competitors, and we got to know each other over a meal. When it was time to compete, though, it was all business—headphones on, warming up, and completely focused.”
The single-elimination tournament put immediate pressure on every matchup, and Ryan’s dedication and hard work showed as he competed four times—against Mexico, Brazil, Peru, and finally Panama—ultimately winning the gold. He wasn’t alone in his success, as the 11 other United States qualifiers also placed in the tournament, highlighting the strength and depth of the American team.
“Global competitions are incredible,” Ryan says. “Representing the United States—and Hampden-Sydney—was an unforgettable experience. Being part of the Hampden-Sydney community has shown me that I can stay fully involved on campus while still keeping myself healthy and in shape to compete at a high level. As president of Phi Gamma Delta, it also meant a lot to see my fraternity brothers hyping me up and cheering me on.”
Those moments on the international stage were built on heartfelt dedication and the people who shaped him along the way. At the center of that support is his sensei, John Axsom ’05, who first met him at age five and continued to train and teach him all the way through high school. Now, as both Ryan and Axsom share the bond of being Hampden-Sydney men, Ryan says that connection makes their relationship even more meaningful.
“He’s like a second dad to me,” Ryan says. “When I was younger, he’d pick me up after class, we’d head to the dojo, and I’d either train or teach. He was even here for the 250th Founders Day Convocation celebrating Hampden-Sydney’s anniversary, and we went out to dinner together—keeping that bond strong.”
That mentorship and support have stayed with him, shaping not only his approach to karate but also his goals moving forward. With Panama behind him, Ryan hopes to keep testing himself on national and international stages, carrying with him the mentorship, confidence, and brotherhood that shaped his journey. For him, karate remains not just a sport, but a lifelong foundation.