Today we’d like to introduce you to Rick Caudle.
Hi Rick, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started boxing when I was seven years old. I wrestled in high school, and started training in the martial arts in 1973. Later in the 1970’s, I met a man named James DeMile, who had trained with Bruce Lee from 1959 to 1964. This lead me in a new direction. Although I loved Karate, I realized that when I got into an altercation, I reverted back to my boxing and wrestling. I trained with several Jeet Kune Do (Bruce Lee’s system) instructors around the country, and eventually got certified by Paul Vunak and Thomas Cruse. Today, I am a Senior Instructor in JKD and Filipino martial arts.
Another style I love is Muay Thai Kickboxing. I was fortunate enough to live with, train with, and get certified by a native Thai Boxer.
Remaining an eternal student, I continue to learn new, innovative styles, such as the Keysi Fighting System from Spain, which I just got permission to teach. Jeet Kune Do, Filipino Martial Arts, and Keysi Fighting Method are not for the Ring or the Cage. They are self defense systems for the street. My goal is to be a devastating fighter, regardless of style or system.
I believe that training is a way of self- expression. I feel most “alive” when I’m training. For me, it is a celebration of life, The goal of martial arts is to unite mind and body. The by-product of that union is Self Defense. Currently, I teach 13 classes a week, both group and private lessons. I will be 74 years old in July! The love continues.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The warrior’s path can be a bumpy one. In order to pursue training with the top instructors in the country, you must be prepared to travel, stay in hotels for days at a time, and spend a good amount of money. Excellent, cutting edge training is hard to find and not cheap. But in the long run, it is very satisfying and worth it. Investing that much effort and money, and spending time away from home, can have an impact on your family as well, depending on your situation. The key, as with everything, is balance and harmony. As well as the operating costs challenges nowadays, for many instructors, finding the time and energy to continue training under big name teachers can be difficult. But to stay relevant and current, it is a must.
I’m originally from the West Coast, where there are martial arts from Asian countries being taught in many places. I trained in Chinese Kung Fu with instructors straight from Hong Kong. There were Judo and Kendo instructors from Japan, and Filipino Guros from the Phiippines teaching one of my very favorite arts, Kali. Kali is a weapons based blade art that teaches jungle-tested empty hand techniques, as well as a very efficient knife, stick, and sword defense. We train to defend ourselves against a weapon when we don’t have one. Most people don’t know the Filipino Martial arts even exist, and those who do think it’s just a blade art. I would put the empty hand Filipino martial arts, such as Panantukan, against any other system in the world. The relatively new art from Spain that I teach, Keysi fighting method, is a modern take on this approach.
Unfortunately, Nashville is a desert for exotic martial arts. I plan to be the oasis.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
After studying martial arts for 12 years, I opened my first school. in 1986. Since then teaching has become my passion. Besides training Kickboxers and MMA fighters for professional and amateur competition, I have trained Sheriff Departments, Metro Police, Customs Agents, Airline Pilots, Green Berets, Naval Cadets, and I have one student on the FBI’s Anti-Terrorists Task Force. During my tenure, I have trained many handicapped folks too, and currently train two older students with Multiple Sclerosis, who have limited physical abilities. I have taught the blind and had a whole class of Deaf women.
I also offer instruction for corporations who want me to train their personnel, where I actually come to their facility and give their staff an Intensive Personal Training Course. These days it is paramount. I always include Women’s Self Defense, and try to make all classes affordable for everyone. I wouldn’t be able to do it without my trusted and longtime friend and assistant who’s family is from the Philippines, John Lumakin.
In addition, I have been published in many martial arts magazines such as Inside Kung Fu, Muay Thaimes Magazine, and Ultimate Grappling Magazine. I wrote 5 articles with Chuck Liddell, including the cover story for the January 2008 issue when Chuck tried to regain the title. I continued to write for them after they changed the name to Ultimate MMA Magazine. I also have articles online including onthemat.com and Fullcontactfighter.com.
I am also a singer, and was a finalist on the TV show Star Search in 1985. I still sing and record around Nashville, and have albums for sale online. Music is my other passion.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
If you want to train for personal, modern, self defense, for yourself and your family, join us at PFS Kali. We address realistic self defense against single or multiple opponents, and weapons, in any environment. You can learn at any age, regardless of experience and physical level. We are not your typical martial art school. We train academically in small groups for maximum comprehension and steady progress. I offer Private Lessons, and Group Classes for anyone over 12 years.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pfskali.com
- Facebook: Creative Fighting Concepts
- Youtube: PFS Kali
- Yelp: PFS Kali
