Everyday Martial Artist

Jeremy Butler has spent more than two decades studying, teaching, and applying the martial arts, developing an approach that goes far beyond simply learning how to fight. His work focuses on preparing people for the physical and psychological realities of violent encounters, and understanding what it really takes to be prepared when things go wrong.

Growing up on the south side of Chicago, Jeremy began his martial arts journey at the age of 12. What started as an early interest would eventually become a lifelong pursuit that would take him into martial arts instruction, law enforcement, higher education, and defensive tactics training.

At just 24 years old, Jeremy opened his own martial arts school while beginning a career in law enforcement. During his seven years as a police officer, he served in a variety of roles, including working as a control tactics instructor and verbal de-escalation instructor for multiple departments through a regional police mobile training unit.

His commitment to understanding the science behind human movement and performance also led him to pursue higher education, eventually earning a PhD in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Today, Jeremy’s work brings together martial arts, defensive tactics, kinesiology, law enforcement training, and the mental preparation necessary to deal with potentially violent situations. He currently serves as a police academy lead control tactics instructor, Associate Director of Project FLEX, and a Kinesiology instructor at Northern Illinois University.

His martial arts background includes Pagoda Ryu, Filipino Martial Arts, Dog Brothers Martial Arts, 360 Gun Grappling, Jun Fan Gung Fu and Jeet Kune Do Concepts, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where he holds a brown belt.

An author, professor, defensive tactics instructor, and speaker, Jeremy has dedicated much of his career to helping both law enforcement officers and civilians better understand the realities of violence, preparation, and personal protection.

Please enjoy my interview with Dr. Jeremy Butler.

J. BUTLER, PH.D – Trainer, Speaker, Author

Amazon.com: Jeremy Butler: books, biography, latest update

Dr. B’s Defensive Tactics – YouTube

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David Brock has spent more than five decades training, competing, teaching, and helping shape the martial arts community around him.

His martial arts journey began at the age of 17 and would eventually lead to a 9th Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate and approximately 45 years of teaching. Along the way, David had the opportunity to train with and learn from some legendary figures in the martial arts, including Chuck Norris, Mike Stone, and his longtime instructor, Bob White.

David’s competitive career is equally remarkable. He became an eight-time international fighting champion and a five-time Las Vegas Nationals Grand Champion. In 1975 and 1976, he was ranked the number-one lightweight tournament fighter in California. His tournament record includes an incredible 82 lightweight finals, and 82 victories.

His contributions to the martial arts extend well beyond competition. David was inducted into the Kenpo Karate Hall of Fame in 2018, received the Joe Lewis Fighting Award in 2019, and has been recognized among the Masters and Pioneers of the martial arts.

After more than five decades in Kenpo Karate, David Brock continues to represent the dedication, competitive spirit, and commitment to teaching that have defined his martial arts journey.

Please welcome my guest today, Mr. David Brock.

Amazon.com: Broken Rhythm: Championships – Cocaine – Christ: 9780988412668: Brock, David, Hayes, Bill, Thomas, Jennifer: Books

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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

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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

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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!

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