John Hackleman

About

Famed mixed martial arts coach and owner of The Pit gym most known for his time training UFC legend Chuck Liddell. He's a great-grandmaster in Kajukenbo, a Hawaiian mixed martial art.

Before Fame

Often finding himself as a victim of bullying growing up, he started studying martial arts when he was nine. He proceeded to pursue a professional boxing career and earned the nickname "The Train."

Trivia

At the suggestion of one his trainers, he went on to study nursing and worked in the medical field after his fighting days were over. He also served in the US Army. The Pit, his now-famous gym, opened in 1985.

Family Life

He was born in New York but raised in Hawaii, a fact that led to much of his bullying. He has a son, John Hackleman, Jr., who also became a professional fighter.

Associated With

Court McGee, winner of The Ultimate Fighter: Team Liddell vs. Team Ortiz, has a blackbelt in Kempo karate under Hackleman.