Chad Ellis, Personal Trainer
Chad began his martial arts journey in 1982 at the age of 10, studying Chinese Kempo Karate. By the age of 13, he had achieved the title of Assistant Instructor, and 2 years later, he was awarded the rank of Blackbelt Shodan (1st degree). With these credentials under his belt, he focused his training on the Korean art of Tang Soo Do until 1990, when at the age of 18,
he enlisted in the military. While serving as a paratrooper in the US Army, Chad exchanged information and trained with various practitioners of GrecoRoman/freestyle wrestling, Aikido, and Jiu-Jitsu, as well as some stand-up fighters. Upon being honorably discharged from the service, Chad reconvened his martial arts training, this time with Kempo Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). He also participated in weekly “full contact sparring. Chad earned his certification for personal training and began prescribing individual exercise and nutrition prescriptions, while organizing comprehensive programs for teens and seniors. USA Hall of Famer Sifu Jamie McGuire, under whom Chad received instructor certification, introduced him to the dynamic art of Kali/Escrima, a form of Filipino stick and knife fighting. Siful McGuire started his Kali training with such noted masters as:
-Grandmaster Angel Cabales (Serrada Escrima)
-Maha Guru Victor De Thouras (Pencak Silat Serak)
-Maha Guru/Sifu Dan Inosanto (Jeet Jun Do, Kali, Silat, Muay Thai)
-Guru Anthony Davis (Escrima)
-Herman Suwanda (Silat)
-Tuhon Bill McGrath (Pekiti-Tirasia Kali)
-Kru Toy Yod Tong (Muay Thai)
While training under Sifu McGuire, Chad began Muay Thai kickboxing. Sifu McGuire hosted Kru Toy Yod Tong and other champions from the famed SitYodTong Muay Thai camp located in Pattaya, Thailand. Chad even had the privilege of traveling to Thailand to see the art in its place of origin. Chad realized that Kali and Muay Thai were the arts on which he wanted to focus. Chad has attended intensive seminars with countless notable martial artists, including Renzo Gracie (BJJ and No Holds Barred “NHB” world champion), Bill “Superfoot” Wallace (World Champion Kickboxer), Maha Guru Victor De Thouars, and Guru Tim Gillett (Arnis, Kali, NHB), as well as champion fighters and trainers of the renowned SitYodTong Muay Thai camp. Nutrition and fitness remains a significant part of Chad’s life as he constantly practices and researches the latest data available. In addition to strength and conditioning training, Chad continues to study and explore the complete arts of Kali and Muay Thai….
