WCWMA Gallatin: A True Mixed Martial Arts System

May 29, 2025

At Ernie Reyes’ World Martial Arts – Gallatin, we teach a true Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) system—not just a collection of styles, but a fully integrated curriculum that produces well-rounded, versatile martial artists.


Our program combines the most effective elements of striking, grappling, weapons, and self-defense training. Whether you’re looking for practical skills, personal growth, or competitive performance, we help students of all ages and experience levels become confident, capable martial artists.


Why Our MMA Program Stands Out


Some schools teach only one discipline. Others added “MMA” to their programs more recently to follow the trend. At our school, we’ve been cross-training in multiple martial arts systems since the mid-1970s, back when the term “MMA” didn’t even exist.


We are proud to be part of the Ernie Reyes West Coast/World Martial Arts Association, one of the most respected martial arts organizations in the world. In fact, the world-renowned American Kickboxing Academy (AKA)—which has produced more MMA world champions than any other gym—originated from this association. We continue to train with many of their coaches, several of whom earned their Black Belts within our system.


Competition Experience That Builds Champions


Our curriculum is deeply rooted in real-world results. As a young fighter, I won an international full-contact championship. Many years later, I returned to competition and earned six medals at the World Jiu-Jitsu Championships and World Grappling Championships in the Black Belt and Expert divisions—including 1 Gold, 3 Silvers, and 2 Bronzes.


Several of our students have also excelled at the state and regional level:

• BKJN Matthew is a state champion in both forms and weapons in Sport Karate.

• BKJN Melissa, though not a tournament competitor, was the top overall tester among all 4th Degree Black Belt candidates at our most recent Mastery Test.

• BKJN Mike, a former collegiate football player and boxer, earned silver at the Tennessee State Grappling Championships.


Our school’s Sport Karate tradition is especially strong. I’ve personally won the Forms Grand Championship at a national championship, and that technical precision and creative expression continue to shape our training culture and expectations.


Weapons, Sport Karate & Reality-Based Self-Defense


KJN Sandy Hughes, a Top Ten world-ranked competitor in both Black Belt Forms and Weapons, brings decades of championship experience and precision to our team. She also occasionally teaches Close Quarter Combat (CQC) to Federal Agents, and is flown to Georgia to provide instruction to specialized units.


At the advanced level, our curriculum includes two nationally recognized Reality-Based Self-Defense systems:

• CDT/LRT, developed by Tom Patire and used by many federal law enforcement agencies

• LINXX, created by Frank Cucci, which served as the standard CQC system for Naval Special Warfare (SEAL Teams and DEVGRU)


We integrate age-appropriate techniques from these systems even at the beginner level, helping students develop practical self-defense skills from the start.


A System That Grows With You


Our martial arts program is designed to grow with the student—from kids’ classes focused on fundamentals to advanced training in striking, grappling, weapons, and real-world self-defense. Whether your goal is confidence, competition, or personal excellence, you’ll find a structured path to long-term success at WCWMA Gallatin.


We don’t follow martial arts trends—we helped pioneer them.


Start Training at WCWMA Gallatin Today


If you’re looking for a Mixed Martial Arts school in Gallatin, TN, or a kids martial arts program that teaches real skills, we invite you to experience the difference at Ernie Reyes’ World Martial Arts – Gallatin.


 Proudly serving Gallatin, Hendersonville, Portland, and surrounding areas

Stop Bullying for Good – Free Community Event This Thursday

October 14, 2025
At Ernie Reyes’ World Martial Arts – Gallatin , we believe every child deserves to feel safe, confident, and respected — both in and out of school. That’s why we’re proud to host our “Stop Bullying for Good” event this Thursday at 6:00 PM , a free community class designed to help kids develop the confidence, awareness, and character to stand up to bullying in positive ways. Empowerment Through Martial Arts This event isn’t about fighting — it’s about empowerment. Children will learn practical skills to handle conflict, build resilience, and project confidence that discourages bullies from targeting them in the first place. Parents are encouraged to attend as well, so they can learn how to reinforce these principles at home. A Longstanding Commitment to Building Stronger Kids Our commitment to bullying prevention and character development runs deep. For more than twenty years, I’ve personally volunteered my time speaking in local public schools about confidence, respect, and the importance of standing up for what’s right. Years ago, I also served as Co-Chairman of the Sumner County School Board’s Committee on Character Education , where I helped develop and implement the Character Education curriculum that became part of the county’s guidance programs. That same message of integrity, courage, and compassion continues to shape every class we teach at our school today. Why This Matters Bullying isn’t just a school issue — it’s a community issue. The more we equip our young people with confidence, empathy, and leadership, the less room there is for bullying to take root. Martial arts, when taught the right way, provides one of the most powerful environments for that kind of growth. If you want your child to gain tools that last a lifetime — self-discipline, confidence, and respect for others — we invite you to join us this Thursday evening. Together, we can help stop bullying for good. Event Details 📅 Event: “Stop Bullying for Good” Free Class 🕕 When: Thursday at 6:00 PM 📍 Where: Ernie Reyes’ World Martial Arts – Gallatin Call or message us today to reserve your spot. Space is limited, and this free event fills quickly each year! 👉 Learn more or register here

How Ernie Reyes Pioneered Martial Arts for Kids in America (and How His Legacy Lives On in Gallatin, TN)

September 9, 2025
Today, most people assume martial arts schools naturally offer programs for kids—even preschoolers. But it wasn’t always this way. The reason children’s martial arts became so widespread can be traced back to the vision of one man: Great Grandmaster Ernie Reyes, Sr. Pioneering Martial Arts for Children In the 1960s and 70s, martial arts in the U.S. were taught almost exclusively to adults and teens. Many believed young children were too small or too unfocused to benefit. Ernie Reyes, Sr. saw something different. He recognized that martial arts could be one of the most powerful tools for building confidence, discipline, and respect in children during their formative years. His vision proved right. By 1981, Reyes was inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame as Instructor of the Year, after producing seven national champions from a single school—an accomplishment that stunned the martial arts world. Over the years, he went on to train numerous world champions and even an Olympic champion. The Rise of Ernie Reyes Jr. The Reyes family legacy grew even stronger through Ernie Reyes Jr. A martial arts prodigy, he became the youngest competitor ever ranked in the Adult Professional Black Belt Forms Division at just eight years old. By twelve, he was starring in Hollywood films and even landed his own ABC television series. His on-screen performances inspired kids everywhere, showing them someone their own age excelling at martial arts. Some of his career highlights include: The Last Dragon (1985) – Breakout martial arts film role. Red Sonja (1985) – Performed major action sequences. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) – Donatello stunt performer. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze (1991) – Starred as Keno, the Turtles’ secret weapon. Surf Ninjas (1993) – Starred in the martial arts comedy classic. The Rundown (2003) – Memorable fight scene with The Rock. No other young martial artist had ever blended world-class competition with Hollywood stardom in the way Ernie Reyes Jr. did. Li’l Dragons: The Curriculum That Changed Everything To share his methods nationwide, Ernie Reyes Sr. developed the Li’l Dragons program in partnership with Century Martial Arts. Designed for ages 3–7, Li’l Dragons became the gold standard for introducing young children to martial arts. It made training fun, age-appropriate, and centered on life skills like respect and confidence. Even today, most preschool martial arts programs are based—directly or indirectly—on the foundation Reyes built with Li’l Dragons. The Gallatin Connection Here in Gallatin, Tennessee , that same pioneering spirit continues at Ernie Reyes’ World Martial Arts , led by Senior Master Instructor (Kwan Jang Nim) David Hughes. KJN Hughes began training under Ernie Reyes Sr. and Tony Thompson in the mid-1970s. By the early 1980s, he was an instructor, helping launch and teach the very programs that transformed children’s martial arts. Today, ERWMA Gallatin proudly welcomes students as young as three, carrying forward the Reyes legacy of martial arts as a tool for confidence, discipline, and leadership. Why This History Matters for Parents Today When parents enroll their children in martial arts, they’re joining a system Ernie Reyes Sr. pioneered more than 40 years ago. The benefits go far beyond self-defense: Confidence – Kids learn to believe in themselves. Discipline – Training teaches focus, respect, and accountability. Life Skills – From better listening in school to healthier habits at home. That’s the Reyes legacy—and it lives on right here in Gallatin. At Ernie Reyes’ World Martial Arts, we’re proud to continue building the next generation of strong, confident kids who live by the motto passed down from Great Grandmaster Reyes himself:  “Yes, I Can!”
More Posts