Gallatin Team Featured in Black Belt Magazine for Mastery Test Success

July 1, 2025

One year ago this week, members of our Gallatin team traveled to California to participate in the Ernie Reyes’ West Coast World of Martial Arts Mastery Test—a prestigious and grueling evaluation held only once every few years. The experience, which took place over six days and five nights in the field, was recently featured in Black Belt Magazine, the leading voice in martial arts journalism.


Read the full article here: https://www.blackbeltmag.com/ernie-reyes-west-coast-world-of-martial-arts-mastery-and-black-belt


This unforgettable event was a true test of skill, spirit, and perseverance—and our team represented Gallatin with distinction.


Promotions and Achievements


Several of our instructors and students tested for advanced black belt ranks:


  • KJN David Hughes completed his 10th Degree Black Belt Mastery Test. While he successfully completed the testing process, he will officially be promoted once he reaches the association’s minimum age requirement of 65.
  • KJN Sandy Hughes was promoted to 8th Degree Black Belt and was honored with the “Best Spirit” Award among her cohort of 8th degree candidates.
  • BKJN Melissa McNabb, BKJN Matthew Crandell, and BKJN Michael McNabb all earned promotions to 4th Degree Black Belt. BKJN Melissa was also awarded “Overall Best Tester” for the 4th degree division.
  • CGNs Gabriel Bradley, Reaghan Bradley, and Braydon Bradley—a dynamic trio of young leaders—tested for their 1st Degree Black Belts, successfully demonstrating their skill, discipline, and determination.



A True Test of Mastery


The West Coast Mastery Test is more than a belt exam—it’s a journey. Conducted outdoors in challenging conditions, the test emphasizes not just physical ability, but mental resilience, emotional control, leadership, and community.


To be featured in Black Belt Magazine is an honor in itself, as this publication has chronicled the stories of martial arts legends for over 60 years. We’re proud to have our students, instructors, and families highlighted alongside the finest martial artists in the nation.


Thank You and Congratulations


We congratulate everyone who tested and thank those who supported our team through their journey. You carried the legacy of Ernie Reyes’ martial arts with strength, humility, and excellence—and you inspired the next generation along the way.


Ready to Begin Your Black Belt Journey?


Want to learn more about our Black Belt program or what it takes to be part of the next generation of leaders?


Contact us today and take the first step toward your own mastery.

Inside the Instructor Boot Camp: 8+ Hours a Day with GGM Ernie Reyes and Elite Guest Instructors

July 1, 2025
While our students continue with their regular class schedule, something powerful is happening behind the scenes at Ernie Reyes’ World Martial Arts in Gallatin, TN. For three full days, our senior instructors are pushing through an intense training schedule — logging over eight hours of advanced martial arts training per day — all under the guidance of Great Grand Master Ernie Reyes himself via Zoom. In years past, we’ve flown to California for this level of training. But this time, GGM Reyes has invited us to train remotely — and we’re making every minute count. A Day in the Life of Instructor Boot Camp This isn’t your typical continuing education. Our instructors are on the mats hours before and after our regular classes: Training begins five hours before the first class starts Continues for 2.5 hours after the last student heads home Includes in-depth sessions with world-class instructors This year’s lineup has been nothing short of incredible. Meet the Guest Instructors Grand Master Ron Lew A 10th-Degree Black Belt in Doce Pares Escrima and one of the most respected figures in Filipino Martial Arts worldwide. GM Lew brought deep insight into traditional and practical weapons systems with a focus on flow, timing, and combat efficiency. Professor Leandro Vieira Co-founder of Checkmat BJJ and head Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach at AKA (American Kickboxing Academy) — the training ground of multiple UFC world champions. His technical depth and coaching philosophy added tremendous value to our continued evolution in BJJ. Special Surprise: Kathy Long A true pioneer in women’s martial arts, Kathy is a six-time World Champion Kickboxer, Black Belt Hall of Fame inductee, and acclaimed fight choreographer. Her session combined elite striking technique, fight IQ, and real-world toughness. Other sessions featured elite MMA coaches and tactical experts, each contributing to a curriculum that is both modern and rooted in tradition. Why We Do This At Ernie Reyes’ World Martial Arts, we don’t just talk about excellence — we live it. We believe in staying on the cutting edge of martial arts. Our instructors are constantly evolving, growing, and sharpening their skills so that every student on our mats receives world-class training and mentorship. This boot camp is just one example of the commitment our team makes to personal development, elite coaching, and preserving the legacy of GGM Ernie Reyes. We’re proud to be part of a tradition that refuses to stand still — and even prouder to bring that level of energy, knowledge, and heart into every class we teach. Ready to Train With Us? If you’re looking for a martial arts school that never stops striving for more — for its students and its staff — you’ve found it. Visit us in Gallatin, TN Call or message us to schedule a free intro lesson Come see the difference dedication makes

As Seen in The Tennessean: A Moment That Reflects Who We Are

July 1, 2025
In 2015, The Tennessean featured our school in a piece recognizing a major milestone—our head instructor winning his division at the World Jiu-Jitsu Championships in Dallas, Texas. Read the full article here: https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/gallatin/2015/01/16/gallatin-martial-arts-teacher-wins-jiu-jitsu-world-title/21867335/ While the article spotlighted the win itself, what made it truly meaningful was the way it highlighted the deeper values behind the achievement—discipline, preparation, and the pursuit of excellence. Why This Matters At Ernie Reyes’ World Martial Arts – Gallatin, we believe martial arts is about far more than trophies. It’s about setting big goals, doing hard things, and becoming the kind of person who shows up for the process. This article isn’t just a nod to one person’s performance—it’s a reflection of the training culture we’ve built together. A place where: Success is earned through hard work Students are coached with integrity and experience Everyone is encouraged to grow into their potential—on and off the mat What It Means for You If you’re looking for a place to train where excellence isn’t just talked about—but lived—you’ll find it here. Whether you’re a beginner, a parent looking to build confidence in your child, or an athlete looking for high-level coaching, our team brings decades of experience to help you succeed at your pace. Next Steps Check out the article to learn more about our story Come experience a free intro class and meet the team Message us with any questions—we’d love to hear your goals We’re grateful to The Tennessean for helping share our story with the community—and even more grateful to the families and students who make our school what it is. This isn’t about one person’s victory. It’s about what’s possible when the right training meets the right mindset—and what that can unlock in you.
More Posts