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

Honoring the Legacy of GGM Tony Thompson

August 5, 2025
A Heartfelt Thank You to Black Belt Magazine We are deeply grateful to Black Belt Magazine for publishing a powerful tribute to our beloved mentor, teacher, and martial arts father — GGM Tony Thompson. More Than a Co-Founder For those of us fortunate enough to train under him, GGM Tony was more than just a co-founder of the West Coast/World Martial Arts Association. He was the quiet strength behind a global movement, the steady compass that guided generations of martial artists, and a man whose wisdom ran as deep as his skill. A Legacy Beyond Rank His legacy is etched into every Black Belt who walked across the stage with more than just a rank — it’s a legacy of humility, character, discipline, and heart. An Article Worth Reading In this article, Black Belt Magazine honors GGM Tony’s lifetime of contribution to the martial arts world — from his early days training alongside his lifelong friend and partner GGM Ernie Reyes, to the extraordinary impact he had on schools and students across the globe. We Invite You to Read We encourage you to take a few moments to read it, whether you knew him personally or simply felt the ripple of his influence through those he shaped. 👉 Read the article here We Carry His Legacy Forward We carry his legacy with pride — and we strive every day to pass forward the lessons he so generously gave us. With gratitude, KJN David Hughes & KJN Sandy Hughes Ernie Reyes’ World Martial Arts – Gallatin, TN

In Loving Memory of Great Grand Master Tony Thompson

July 29, 2025
September 27, 1950 – July 24, 2025 A Life of Strength, Leadership, and Service Great Grand Master Tony Thompson was more than a martial artist—he was a pioneer, visionary, and one of the most influential leaders in the modern martial arts world. His passing on July 24th, 2025 , marks the loss of a giant in our community whose legacy will live on for generations. A Founding Father of a Martial Arts Movement Alongside his best friend and lifelong training partner, Great Grand Master Ernie Reyes, Sr. , GGM Tony Thompson co-founded what would eventually become the West Coast World Martial Arts Association (WCWMA) —a movement that began in the 1970s and today includes more than 30 affiliate schools across the United States. Their partnership was born at San Jose State University , where they trained under Grand Master Dan Choi . Together, they began fusing traditional martial arts with modern athleticism and life leadership. Their mission was never just to produce skilled martial artists—it was to build strong leaders, families, and communities . World-Class Competitor and National Champion GGM Tony was a world-class fighter and nationally ranked Sport Karate competitor during the golden era of American martial arts. In 1977 , he achieved two major milestones: He placed second in the U.S. National Taekwondo Championships (Heavyweight Division) , while GGM Ernie Reyes, Sr. won the Lightweight Division. That same year, he won a World Heavyweight Title at the historic Oakland Coliseum —a crowning achievement of his competitive career. In his very next fight, a devastating leg injury brought his time as a fighter to an early end. But that moment became a turning point. From there, he transitioned from world-class competitor to groundbreaking promoter and global martial arts leader . Industry Pioneer and Influential Promoter GGM Tony’s impact stretched far beyond the dojang. He played a pivotal role in shaping martial arts as a professional industry: Founder of Strikeforce – the groundbreaking martial arts entertainment show that later evolved into a major MMA promotion under the leadership of Scott Coker Vice President of the Professional Karate Association (PKA) – instrumental in the early days of televised full-contact karate Co-Founder and U.S. Director of the International Sport Karate Association (ISKA) – which helped unify global standards in Sport Karate and Kickboxing His leadership helped elevate martial arts onto the world stage —giving countless competitors, coaches, and school owners a platform to grow. Master Teacher and Curriculum Architect As a 10th-Degree Black Belt , GGM Tony helped develop one of the most comprehensive martial arts curriculums in America. The WCWMA system draws from: Taekwondo Muay Thai Boxing Wrestling Filipino Escrima Grappling He was not only a master technician , but a builder of systems , ensuring that students received a curriculum grounded in real-world effectiveness, tradition, and life leadership . Performance Innovator and Cultural Ambassador GGM Tony also co-created the West Coast World Action Team , bringing martial arts to the public through electrifying performances that combined choreography, acrobatics, and martial artistry. These performances inspired an entire generation of young martial artists and helped usher in a new era of visibility for the arts. His ability to blend power and showmanship left a lasting imprint—not only on the mats, but in media, schools, and communities . A Life of Service GGM Tony Thompson’s reach extended far beyond martial arts. He received numerous civic and national honors , including: Citizen of the Year Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award Harvard School of Business Leadership Award  These accolades reflect not just his accomplishments —but his character . He was known for his humility, strength , and unwavering belief in the potential of every human being .
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