KEITH HACKNEY
Keith Hackney began his training, in 1974, at the age of 14 in wrestling and boxing. In 1976, he began his training in Tae Kwon Do. He eventually achieved the rank of 2nd Black. In 1988 he continued his training in the Korean arts in Tang So Do, also achieving a 2nd black by 1992.
That same year, Mr. Hackney found his way to Savianos White Tiger Kenpo System. When Keith was asked why he came to this school, he stated, "It was the only school I could find that had good fighters that could help me to continue my training." Keith had a very good idea of what kind of martial artist he wished to become, he just had to find the right system(s).
In 1994 Keith entered the UFC 3. His fight with Yarbarough (a 68, over 650 lbs., sumo fighter) gave him the nick name "Giant Killer". He was also in UFC 4 in 1994 and the Ultimate Ultimate in 1995.
Keith Hackney has also been training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and submission fighting from 1994 to 2001. In 1999 Keith opened Hackneys Combat Academy in Roselle Illinois. His system is a mixture of boxing, kenpo, Brazilian jiu jitsu, wrestling, and what ever else that works thrown into the mix.
In April 2001, he was awarded the rank of 3rd Degree Black Belt in Savianos Kenpo System.
Keith has also appeared in three movies; Super Fights, Cut Off, and Urban Legend.
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MICHAEL CASTELLANO
GRACIE INSTRUCTED
Owner of a Carlson Gracie Academy
Full Contact Cage Competitor
Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Weapons Specialist (Handguns & Knives)
4th Degree Black Belt Hapkido Instructor
20 years plus Martial Arts Instructor
Co-Producer and Instructor of the riveting video “Hook & Slash”
Co-Founder of the Police training system by Protection Consultants
Promoter of the acclaimed MMA Event Chicago Challenge
Trainer of Fed, State, and Local Authorities
Certification in Security Training & Consultancy from UK Military based Positive Response
Mr. Castellano has trained with many Martial Arts Legends such as Royce Gracie, Rickson Gracie, Carlson Gracie, Allen Goes, Viktor Belfort, Master Remy Presas, Keith Hackney, Master Gedo Chang and many others.
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GLEN HALL
When did you start training and why do you fight? I have been training for 18 years. I enjoy the competition, adrenaline, and extreme nature of fighting. There is nothing more demanding both mentally and physically than facing off one-on-one with no one to blame but yourself, it is the ultimate test of your ability, plus there is no better stress relief that be able to punch, choke and bend joints in the wrong direction several times a week, and there is no better motivation than trying not to get punched, choked or having my joints bent in the wrong direction.all without going to jail for it.
The plus side is the ability to defend myself, and more importantly, my family and friends if the situation arose. There is a confidence and modesty that you develop as a trained fighter. The knowledge that you can handle a confrontation quickly and effectively, and the modesty that comes with it as you know intimately the dangerous nature of a fight, and the ability you have to do serious damage.
My main motivation now is as an instructor and fight trainer. Working with the fighters to help improve their skills, pushing their training for a fight, and working as a corner man at their fights. For me, there is nothing more exciting (and exhausting) than being in the corner for a fight, coaching and motivating a fighter, and knowing that I had been apart of their training and instruction that lead them to having their hand raised at the end of the fight.
What styles have you trained in? Boxing, Kickboxing, Brazilian Jujitsu, Submission fighting, Judo, Karate.
Who is your favorite fighter(s)? Wanderlei Silva, Rich Franklin, Carlos Newton
What is the best thing about training with Keith? Keith has a realistic approach to the fight game, not just in theory, but tested and proved in the ring. He has an unmatched intensity, and has the ability to push you to the limits and turn you into the best possible fighter you can be. Just when you think you are done training for the day, exhausted and beat up; he pulls the Jedi mind trick, and the next thing you know you are training for another hour.
What are your goals as a fighter? 1. Be the best possible instructor constantly looking for new and innovative techniques and training methods. 2. Train hard 3. Remain injury fee. 3. Be consistent 4. Stay motivated
What do you do outside of training? My career is an executive for a transportation company. Other than that, it is spending time with my wife, friends and family, the usual. When time passes and I have time to think, such as driving in the car to/from work, I am usually thinking and visualizing about my training. |
Dimitrijus Bartkevicius
The Art of War (Sun Tzu)
“He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared.”
Dimitrijus Bartkevicius was born in Kaunas Lithuania.
Dimitrijus began his training, in 1981, at the age of 9 at a local Karate Shotokan school. In 1988, he started training in Full Contact Karate Shidokan and Thai Boxing.
Through training and competition Dimitrijus earned his Black Belt. Soon thereafter his coach Romualdas Navickas offered him his own Classes. At this time Dimitrijus was also attending the Kaunas Physical Education Academy, where he received his bachelor degree as a Certified Boxing Instructor.
Two years later Dimitrijus earned his master’s degree in Sports and Tourism management. During his six years in the Academy he has trained with many Lithuanian Olympic Boxing team members.
Dimitrijus is a winner of many Europe/Eastern Europe Full Contact Karate and Muay Thai tournaments.
He has also served as a Coach/Corner man for Lithuanian Shidokan Competition team. As well as UFC, IFL, and other shows.
In 2001 Dimitrijus and his family moved to United States. Shortly after he started training and teaching at Hackneys Combat Academy in Roselle IL.
Dimitrijus also earned his second Black Belt from Hackney’s Combat Academy one of five ever given out over Mr. Hackney’s 10 year school period.
Dimitrijus training system is a combination of both standup and ground fighting. His philosophy is to train his students to become a complete fighter. Like the above quote from Sun Tzu you must be prepared! One must know all of what one might expect to encounter in battle.
He accomplishes this through a wide range of trainings skills such as Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Western Boxing & Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with a strong focus on cardio. “My fighters don’t get tired” is Dimitrijus claim.
Dimitrijus has trained not only European Champions but also UFC, IFL, and a host of other title Champions. Whether your interest is in competition or just having a great knowledge of self defense not to mention a great workout then Dimitrijus program is for you! |
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