Everyday Martial Artist

Gator Conley is a lifelong Kenpo Karate practitioner whose martial arts journey has spanned more than four decades, built on loyalty to his instructors, a passion for teaching, and a deep commitment to preserving the traditions and lineage of American Kenpo. His journey began in 1984 at the age of sixteen, and what started as an unexpected introduction to martial arts soon became a lifelong pursuit. He remained under the instruction of Bill Rhinehart for more than 30 years, until Rhinehart’s passing, and today continues his training under Senior Grandmaster Tony Martinez Sr. Throughout his journey, Gator has continued to grow as both a martial artist and instructor while remaining dedicated to the principles and traditions of Kenpo Karate. Over the years, Gator has earned the rank of 8th Degree Black Belt and competed successfully in tournament competition, including earning a Grand Champion title in kata. He also represented his school at the 50th Anniversary of the International Karate Championships in Long Beach, where he had the opportunity to connect with Kenpo practitioners from around the world. His training has included time with many respected names in Kenpo, including Ed Parker, Jeff Speakman, Larry Tatum, Dave Hebler, Gilbert Velez, and many others. Today, Gator is the owner and head instructor of Draper Kenpo, where he has spent more than a decade teaching and mentoring students. Through his instruction, he continues to help students develop confidence, discipline, and practical self-defense skills while carrying forward the legacy of the instructors who helped shape his own martial arts journey. Please welcome my guest today, Gator Conley. Draper Kenpo Karate and Self Defense (2) Facebook Instagram Click here for your EverydayMA Discount – https://blizniaksbokken.com/?coupon-code=EverydayMA&sc-page=shop

John Hackleman has spent more than five decades immersed in martial arts, beginning as a young kid learning to defend himself on the streets of Hawaii and eventually becoming one of the most respected coaches in mixed martial arts. A lifelong martial artist, John began training in Judo, Shotokan Karate, and Kajukenbo before building a career as a boxer, kickboxer, and professional fighter. He earned Golden Gloves titles, competed as a member of the U.S. Army boxing team, and fought professionally under legendary promoter Don King. But perhaps John’s greatest contribution to the martial arts has been the fighters he has helped develop. As the founder of The Pit and creator of Hawaiian Kempo, he has spent decades coaching and developing champions while emphasizing the safety, health, and long-term well-being of his athletes. His students have included some of the biggest names in combat sports, including Chuck Liddell, Glover Teixeira, Tim Kennedy, Court McGee, and many others. Please enjoy my interview with John Hackleman. The Pit – Martial Arts, Fitness, Hawaiian Kempo THE PIT Online Dojo Intro Instagram (1) The Pit (@Pit_Master) / X https://blizniaksbokken.com/?coupon-code=EverydayMA&sc-page=shop

Chris Henderson is a lifelong martial artist whose journey has taken him through both the hard and soft sides of the martial arts, combining physical discipline with a deep commitment to balance, health, and personal well-being. His martial arts journey began in 1984 with Song Moo Kwan Taekwondo. After stepping away from the martial arts for nearly two decades, Chris eventually returned with a renewed passion for training, earning black belts in both Songahm Taekwondo and Tang Soo Do. Along the way, he discovered Ki Gong and found another powerful dimension of martial arts training, dedicating himself to helping others find greater health, sustainability, and inner harmony. Today, Chris is a Level IV instructor with World Ki Gong and a 1st Dan Black Belt in the World Tang Soo Do Association. He believes martial arts, much like nature itself, can be both powerful and peaceful. His philosophy is built around continuous growth, giving back to others, and finding beauty and balance amid the inevitable chaos of life. Join us for another conversation with a martial artist whose journey demonstrates that the martial arts are about far more than physical techniques, they can be a lifelong path toward balance, growth, and helping others. Please enjoy my interview with Chris Henderson! Dragon Turtle Arts – Coming Soon Daily Qigong Videos – (17) 7StarsMA – YouTube

F. Braun McAsh has spent nearly five decades exploring the intersection of martial arts, historical weapons, acting, and stage combat. An actor and fight director since 1977, Braun has choreographed combat for more than 100 productions across theatre, film, and television. His work includes multiple seasons of Highlander as well as the feature film Highlander: Endgame, along with fight direction for dozens of Shakespearean productions. His lifelong fascination with weapons and combat has taken him around the world to study both Eastern and Western martial traditions. Along the way, he has trained under respected instructors, researched original historical weapons in museum collections, and studied surviving combat manuals that offer a glimpse into centuries of martial knowledge. For more than 40 years, Braun has shared that knowledge as an instructor and mentor, teaching stage combat, historical fighting arts, self-defense, and knife skills at drama schools and training programs around the world. He is also the author of Fight Choreography: A Practical Guide and has produced extensive educational material focused on the history and use of European weapons. From bringing sword fights to life on stage and screen to preserving and studying the historical martial traditions that inspired them, F. Braun McAsh has dedicated his life to understanding the art, history, and storytelling behind combat. Please enjoy my interview with F. Braun McAsh! Fight Choreography: A Practical Guide for Stage, Film and Television: McAsh, F. Braun: 9781847972231: Amazon.com: Books F. Braun McAsh – IMDb

Ice “The Iceman” Young is a lifelong martial artist, fighter, instructor, and creator of a reality-based combat system shaped by decades of training, competition, and real-world experience. His martial arts journey began as a child under the guidance of his father, who helped lay the foundation for a life built around discipline, perseverance, and personal growth. Over the years, Ice has trained across a wide range of disciplines, including karate, kenpo, kung fu, jujitsu, kickboxing, boxing, grappling, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His dedication to training eventually led to an impressive amateur and professional fighting career. But Ice’s story extends far beyond martial arts competition. Throughout his life, he has faced significant challenges, including the loss of both parents, serious accidents, and physical setbacks that could have brought his martial arts journey to an end. Instead, those experiences became part of a story defined by resilience and an unwillingness to give up. A promise made to his father during his final days would eventually inspire Ice to return to competition and continue pursuing the path that had shaped so much of his life. Today, that commitment continues to influence his approach to martial arts, teaching, and life. Alongside his martial arts career, Ice is also involved in faith-based mentorship and community outreach, emphasizing the importance of service, loyalty, humility, and perseverance. Please welcome my guest, Ice “The Iceman” Young. https://www.facebook.com/share/19XUP8QjRx