Vision Restored, Legacy Preserved: How 8th Dan Karate Coach Yashpal Singh Kalsi Overcame a Rare Eye Condition to Keep Guiding Thousands

New Delhi: Veteran martial arts coach Mr. Yashpal Singh Kalsi recently underwent a highly specialized macular buckle surgery in Brescia, Italy, performed by the globally renowned retinal surgeon Dr. Barbara Parolini.

Dr. Parolini is a pioneer in retinal surgery and among the leading experts worldwide in macular buckle procedures — a treatment reserved for rare and complex retinal conditions where conventional solutions fail. This advanced surgery is not yet available in India, making Yashpal’s case both rare and groundbreaking.

For Mr Kalsi, this was more than a medical procedure; it was a battle to preserve his vision, his quality of life, and his ability to continue mentoring thousands of martial arts students across India and the world.

Born in Delhi in 1978, Yashpal began karate at the age of eight. Over four decades, he has become known as a pioneer of the self-defence industry in India, earning senior Dan rankings including an 8th Dan from Sanshinkan International and high Dan grades from the World Karate Federation.

He has trained students from India, Greece, USA, Chile, Malaysia, South Africa, Nepal, and the UK. As a founding member of the All India Mixed Martial Arts Federation, he has played a central role in shaping India’s martial arts landscape. Beyond coaching, he has empowered more than 100,000 women across India with self-defence training, and co-authored the country’s first book on self-defence, Self Defense and You, with his wife Anamika Singh Kalsi.

Yashpal also serves as the Chief Official of Matrix Fight Night (MFN), India’s premier MMA promotion. He has been instrumental in the success of 20 MFN events, cementing his influence on the growth of professional MMA in the country.

“Every fight in life is about resilience. This surgery saved my eyesight, but more importantly, it saved my ability to keep guiding the next generation of martial artists. That is my real victory,” said the popular Sensei Yashpal after his recovery.

This personal triumph carries wider meaning. With his vision restored, Yashpal’s legacy as a teacher, author, official, and mentor continues to grow, reminding us that sometimes the greatest battles — and victories — happen beyond the mat.

Contact

Yashpal Singh Kalsi

Mobile: +91 93128 77677 | Email: yashipali@gmail.com