It would be no exaggeration to say that Pride Mixed Martial Arts owes its very existence to Dr. John Hall. While Dr. Hall was one of my martial arts students, his role in my life and in the foundation of Pride goes far deeper. It all began at All-American Fitness where I first met him. I was distributing flyers for a self-defense workshop I was conducting, and he inquired about the instructor. When I introduced myself, it kicked off a friendship that would change the course of my life.
A Mentor Beyond Martial Arts
Dr. Hall was not your average enthusiast. He was a psychotherapist by profession, a sailor, a cave diver, and an adrenaline junkie at heart. His passion for martial arts was just one of the many facets of his adventurous spirit. What made him truly unique, though, was his unwavering commitment to growth—both personal and communal. He firmly believed in the transformative power of martial arts, not just for physical defense but as a tool for building character and discipline.
Personal Bounds and Professional Guidance
Our training sessions often extended beyond physical techniques into discussions about life, philosophy, and personal development. His guidance was not confined to the mats; it extended into personal realms as well. Dr. Hall was the officiant at my wedding, further cementing his importance in my personal life as well as my professional journey.
Expanding Impact Through Teaching
Dr. Hall gave me an opportunity to teach a women’s personal protection program that we co-developed. Initially a six-week course at his practice, it quickly became a mainstay due to high demand. Every Wednesday, we met with a group of women who had endured terrible situations and were learning to regain their power. This program’s success led to the addition of a children’s class, as participants wanted their kids and grandkids to gain similar empowering skills. For several years, we ran both a women’s class and a kids’ class, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become Pride Mixed Martial Arts.
Legacy of a Life-Changing Mentor
Dr. Hall passed away tragically and unexpectedly in 2014, but his influence on me and on the academy continues to resonate. He taught me that being a great coach and mentor involves not just imparting skills but inspiring belief in others’ potential. Every day, as I teach and train, I carry forward the lessons he instilled in me—about life, about fighting, about growing beyond what we imagine is possible.
Dr. Hall was more than just a mentor; he was a visionary who saw the best in people when they couldn’t see it themselves. At Pride MMA, we strive to uphold his legacy by meeting each student with the same dedication and belief that Dr. Hall showed me. It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly—to continue building on the foundation he helped lay, ensuring that his values of courage, integrity, and relentless improvement continue to guide us.